Police command revamped

The National Main Stories

POLICE Commissioner David Manning has announced a dramatic reshuffle in police command positions, the second in as many years, in a bid to strengthen security and confront emerging criminal challenges.
In a major demotion that is sure to invite ire and comment, ACP Anthony Wagambie Jr moves from ACP NCD & Central to become Deputy Chief, Bougainville Police Service; ACP Samson Kua from Divisional Commander Highlands West to Assistant Commissioner assisting the Office of the Commissioner; CIP George Kakas changes from PPC Enga to PSC Wabag.
A Special Policing Zone (SPZ) has also been created covering Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.
In charge of the SPZ is current Hela PPC Joseph Tondop. Strangely, Tondop replaces an officer of higher rank Assistant Commissioner Samson Kua as divisional commander Highlands West.
Manning said in a statement that he made the changes because it was essential that the police force had the right personnel in roles that drew on their experience and capabilities to effectively provide law and order enforcement.
Manning explained: “Demands on police resources are evolving as security threats facing the nation and RPNGC continues to adapt to confront these challenges.
“The infiltration of international criminal networks, misuse of communications technologies and the rise of gun culture in the country are key challenges that require us to adapt how we do business.
“In particular, a combination of organised crime infiltration through the borders of Papua New Guinea and other countries has changed the criminal landscape and law and order response.
“In terms of direct policing, this include dealing with interrelated smuggling of weapons and ammunition, illicit drug movement, money laundering and people trafficking for prostitution.
“One of the most notable changes is the creation of Special Policing Zone commander’s role is to rebuild law and order in Enga, Southern Highlands and Hela.
“Security environment across Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands has shifted considerably over the past fifteen years. Police and provincial administrations working with a new generation of community leaders and refocused efforts to bring back law and order to our communities.
“This is yielding results as we saw last weekend with the arrest of a prominent business leader from Enga and his cronies and, with the SPZ commander in place, this action will be stepped up.”
Promotions and transfers are as follows:

  • ACP Rigga Neggi moves from Divisional Commander Highlands Eastern to ACP Policy & Planning;
  • ACP Samson Kua from Divisional Commander Highlands West to Assistant Commissioner assisting the Officer of the Commissioner.
  • ACP Naua Vanuawaru moves from Deputy Chief Bougainville Police Service to ACP Traffic;
  • ACTING ACP Julius Tassion promoted to ACP, Operations;
  • ACP Anthony Wagambi Jnr moves from ACP NCD & Central to Deputy Chief, Bougainville Police Service;
  • COMMANDER Steven Francis moves from Acting ACP Policy & Planning to Acting ACP Human Resources;
  • CSP Joseph Tondop moves from PPC Hela to be Acting Divisional Commander, Highlands West;
  • CSP Clement Dalla, currently unattached is appointed as Acting Divisional Commander, Highlands East;
  • CSP John Sagom moves from PPC Western Highlands to Metropolitan Superintendent NCD;
  • CSP Samson Siguyaru from Acting ACP Human Resources to Deputy Commander Northern;
  • CSP Benjamin Turi, currently unattached is appointed as PPC Southern Highlands;
  • SUPERINTENDENT Silva Sika moves from Metropolitan Superintendent NCD to PPC Western Highlands;
  • SUPT Christopher Tamari moves from PPC East Sepik to PPC Hela;
  • CHIEF Inspector Laimo Asi moves from PPC Central to Police Station Commander Banz; and
  • CIP George Kakas changes from PPC Enga to PSC Wabag

“The transfers are to be completed by no later than April 5, additional promotion rounds are anticipated in the coming year.
“Alongside increased recruitment into the RPNGC and the termination of personnel that do not meet ethical and disciplinary requirements, additional promotions are planned this year based on performance.
“Two promotion rounds are scheduled for June and December for personnel who demonstrate leadership capabilities, professionalism and commitment to the police code of ethics,” he said.