Soldiers to aid in slide relief efforts

THE PNG Defence Force will assist police and humanitarian agencies are to oversee relief to victims of the recent landslide in Komo district, Southern Highlands.
The National Executive Council approved the use of the organisations to help Prime Minister Peter O’Neill manage the law and order problems in Tari and the Hela area.
O’Neill said the call came about in light of the recent landslide at Nogoli village and the security problems that may develop from the natural disaster.
“The police mobile squad are engaged in the LNG projects and other problem areas in the country, resulting in a shortage of police manpower,” he said.
“The PNGDF soldiers’ presence will greatly beef up the police manpower to address potential law and order problems.”
O’Neill said the army would only provide help to civil authorities in the restoration of public order and the Commissioner of Police would determine their involvement in the call-out and would be responsible for their involvement.
“The duration of the call-out will be for 12 months, however, the actual deployment of troops will be immediate and on a need basis.”