Manning urges all police personnel to remain neutral

Monday November 23 2020

POLICE Commissioner David Manning made a stern warning today for all police personnel to not take sides during the current political situation.

He urged all police personnel to continue to remain neutral and carry out their duties to protect lives and properties and to enforce the law fairly without fear or favour.

In a media conference today at the Police National Headquarters in Konedobu in the National Capital District, Mr Manning said he will not hesitate to discipline members who continue to “play politics” after he had issued this warning.

“We are the people’s police force and therefore our  citizens’ interest will be our main focus and priority,” he said.

He said  it was his duty as the Police Commissioner  to align his men and women while the recent political situation of the country was before the Courts for interpretation.

On Friday 13 November, a number of Government Ministers and members crossed the floor and joined the Opposition. They were reported to have adjourned parliament to December 1, 2020 and have since gone on to camp in Vanimo, West Sepik Province.

Parliament was later convened and the Marape Government then passed the 2021 National Budget.

Mr Manning said, “All of this is now before the courts for interpretation. As Commissioner of Police I am concerned about the law and order implications this may have on the country.

“I am concerned as to the actions opportunists may take that may be detrimental to good order and safety of the general public at large.”

He added that two mobile squads from the Highlands command have been flown into Port Moresby to beef up security operations with the intent of ensuring government installations within NCD including the precincts of the National Parliament and the National and Supreme Courts are protected and their sanctity and integrity are guarded with heavy police presence.

“We have to do our job as long as necessary and as long as we have the resources to continue to sustain this effort up until there is a conclusion or clarity of the future of this country, politically,” he stressed.

Divisional Command NCD/Central Assistant Commissioner Anthony Wagambie Junior and Assistant Commissioner Operations Samson Kua will be coordinating security operations over the coming weeks to ensure that there is nil or minimal disruption to government services, business and public transportation.

“I am encouraging the people to stand with your police force during this time and together let us allow common sense, justice and the rule of law to prevail,” Police Commissioner 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

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