Monday 16 November 2020
POLICE Commissioner and Controller of the COVID-19 National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning has dispelled speculations on social media that Police will be making mass arrests on an undisclosed number of National Members of Parliament in the coming days.
“This rumour is false, mischievous and appears to have been spread for political gain. Whilst I can confirm that there are various investigations on foot, all of them will be allowed to complete their natural process.
“Police work is all about gathering evidence, interviewing persons or interests and witnesses, and building up cases to enable us to make arrests and prosecute in a court of law.
“The timing of this rumour is mischievous and appears more for political point scoring.”
Mr Manning said the rumour painted a negative picture of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, especially when the current political landscape was now divided.
He urged those spreading such rumours to stop immediately and be more responsible, adding he would have this investigated and those responsible would be charged under the cybercrime laws.
“This is yet another reckless situation where police resources will be taken up to further investigate this instead of genuine complaints that have been laid by our citizens,” Mr Manning said.
Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
COVID-19 Media & Public Information Joint Agency Task Force
Mobile: 75430557 email: ddkakas@gmail.com
Police email: ddkakas.policemedia@gmail.com
COVID-19 JATF email: ddkakas.covid19media@gmail.com