Security personnel leave

By YVONNE HAIP
SECURITY personnel deployed to Enga returned to their provinces with their heads held high because they conducted free, fair and safe elections in the “not so good” province.
Alpha Company, comprising 109 soldiers from the Second Royal Pacific Island Regiment based in Moem barracks, Wewak, East Sepik, moved on Saturday.
The 29 members of the Tari-based police Mobile Squad Nine (MS 09) will be in the province until tomorrow. The forces leave after
serving six weeks in Enga.
During the last “farewell” briefing in Wabag on Thursday, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Job Manage, who was overseeing operations in the province as the executive adviser to the forces, thanked them for achieving the aim of their deployment.
He commended the forces for maintaining professionalism and discipline, saying that had resulted in the smooth running of the elections.
“You have proved critics wrong by ensuring peace during counting and polling and that has resulted in the peaceful declarations made so far,” he said.
“We now leave with our heads held high because we have achieved our drive and I thank you all.”
The soldiers started transporting their gear to Lae on Thursday and moved out ahead of the police because of other plans for them.
The forces cannot stay on to monitor the counting of the Lagaip Porgera and regional seat in progress because their deployment ends tomorrow.