Recruitment team ‘stood down’ over claims of bias

The National National

A DEFENCE Force team on a recruitment exercise around the country has been suspended following reports of bias in favour of applicants from the Highlands region.
Defence force chief of staff Capt Philip Polewara said they acted on reports on social media that 253 out of the 320 new recruits undergoing training at the Goldie River Training Depot were from the Highlands.
He said the recruiting staff had been “stood down”.
The PNG Defence Force is a government institution that belongs to the eight million-plus people of this country,” he said.
“And if the allegations as circulated on social media are ascertained to have substance, the people can be assured that the perpetrators and benefactors will be held accountable.”
Capt Polewara urged those who may have information or evidence that “bribery etc” was involved to provide it to military authorities.
The contact numbers are 324 2415, 324 2210, 324 2185 and 324 2269.
“Alternatively, citizens are encouraged to come and see officers at my office and provide information,” he said.
“Without such information and evidence to substantiate these allegations, they are merely speculation and hearsay.”
Capt Polewara said the military was not taking the allegations lightly.
“The allegation of bribery and other undue influence are a serious matter,” he said.
“And PNGDF is instituting an internal investigation to ascertain if these irregularities occurred during the recruitment and selection processes.”

5 comments

  • That’s the reality and it’s an ongoing practices. As an highlander I can say that most of the applicants are not genuine applicants, all of them used bribery and other means like related family members or tribesmen in a village or province.. I have seen that most of them are not coming through merit base but by corruption means therefore I suggest the administration investigate the official who were assigned to recruit the recruitees…

  • I think some of the highlands were recruited on merit based means, have a qualification of Grade 12 and above, passed all the required tests and a few are not supposed to be in the team. I think the stood down of officers is very good and healthy for the country. Reemploy them elsewhere and have new team to do a honest work and recruit men/women from all regions.

  • 1) Why not PNGDF Recruiting Department recruit through school leavers form so that students can meet the requirements of the Recruiting Department.?
    2) If PNGDF needs technical people then for its Engineering Division then why not the Recruiting Department post on social media so that people can apply with their resumes?

  • Do a thorough check on qualifications and rerun IQ tests, etc…to see candidature.
    Indeed there is bribery, with some passionate and patriotic young men dropped unlike, the past when Defence was highly respected, valued and disciplined.

    Now you only have to look into the single quarters from outside and see ladies knickers fluttering in the wind, like a flag marking a bunker post.

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