Two cops farewelled in Hagen

 IN a tribute to two retiring members, police officers of all ranks held a farewell parade last Friday at the Kimininga barracks in Mt Hagen, Western Highlands.

The officers, led by incoming officer in charge traffic (Mt Hagen) Insp Betty Poko led the parade as outgoing Insp Benny Popa and Snr Const Nelson Giguba showed their last respect for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) they served since independence.

Highlands divisional commander Chief Supt Teddy Tei said retirement was every member’s destiny and he was happy with the two officers’ decision to leave while they were still strong.

Tei noted the loyalty and commitment they had shown over the years.

“You have served this nation all your lives today, your community needs you and you need them too,” he said.

Tei said despite some very challenging situations the police force had gone through in the past years, the two officers had worked very hard to show the true spirit of discipline that was required of every member of the force.

Popa, officer in charge traffic (Mt Hagen), from Morobe joined the RPNGC in 1970 and served for 43 years while Giguba, from Eastern Highlands, joined in 1976 and has been in the police force for 37 years.

Meanwhile, Tei urged communities to help identify and surrender criminals to keep the province at peace and not to harbour them or cover up for them.

“Don’t say it’s the work of the police, pinpoint the criminals and let the law deal with them. 

“Crime is escalating and we need a safe environment. Mothers and girls cannot be prisoners in their own land,” he said.

Tei said policemen were involved in aiding criminals in staging roadblocks, assisting in smuggling of drugs, alcohol and weapons.

“If I catch an officer who continues with these filthy, corrupt habits I will shoot him. It is destroying the name of the force,” he said.

“The RPNGC is based on fairness, honesty, rights, discipline, leadership, integrity and performance and people need to be safe and free and they need us and we must give them the best shot despite the limited resources that the force has.”