Proud of defence, police personnel

THE deployment of PNG Defence Force and Royal PNG Constabulary personnel in the past and recently is history unto itself which must be properly documented and archived for future use.
Such deployments are meant to assist in security and civil works. Some Pacific Island countries do not have the manpower to control and manage tensions, civil unrests and major events such as the national elections, natural disasters and the formation of governments.
The recent deployment of 107 police personnel to the Solomon Islands to assist in their national elections is another milestone achievement in combating security issues in the region which cannot be undermined and taken for granted.
The similarities in culture, environment, political landscape and geography make it necessary to provide security to maintain our territorial integrity and safeguard our borders.
In 1980, the PNGDF played an important role in successfully quelling a civil uprising in Vanuatu after the national election when founding prime minister Fr Walter Lini was voted into office.
The rebel leader and a breakaway factional delegation led by Jimmy Stevens was suppressed by the PNGDF, and the legitimate government of Lini was recognised and restored.
The PNGDF and PNG Royal Constabulary, including the Correctional Services, are the fundamental constitutional institutions that will uphold the rule of law and protect our territorial borders within the region.
They are our pride and deserve all our respect.

Philip Ukuni