Prison increases manpower after threat

From left: Sgt Labidi Labadio, officer Apam Eluh, Sgt Gilouna Tarua and probationary officer Rodney Ralph at the main gate of Giligili Correctional Institute in Alotau, Milne Bay, during an afternoon shift. – Picture supplied

By MELYNE BAROI
THE Giligili prison in Alotau, Milne Bay, has beefed up its manpower to ward off any threat to the prison by a group of armed men roaming Alotau town, Commander Superintendent Ray Gideon says.
Gideon told The National that they had doubled manpower and would be working round the clock to make sure that all operations went well.
“We have begun our mini operations and will be exhausting all resources available to make sure that a safe and sound election period is observed within the institution,” he said.
“We have information that there is a big number of armed men who are roaming our streets.”
Gideon said officers were assigned to various shifts, some would be working double shifts.
“Only one officer was deployed to the Highlands and 17 officers will be helping the police operations in Alotau town,” he said.
“The rest of the officers here will work double shifts to manage the inmates as we look to casting votes inside the prison camp.”
“Currently, we are considering the remanded inmates and those convicted below nine months to be eligible to vote.”
Gideon said campaign rallies would be done outside the main gate of the institution at a nearby market.
“Candidates are asked to use microphones and hailers.”