Sunday 28 November 2021
Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning during the media briefing at TropicAir terminal on Friday evening (26 November).
Commissioner of Police and Controller of the PNG COVID-19 National Pandemic Response Mr David Manning said a total of 37 Police personnel were deployed to the Solomon Island under a Police-to-Police arrangement to assist in the country’s civil unrest.
Commissioner Manning, when returning from the Solomon Islands on Friday evening, said 37 Public Order Management personnel including 14 Correctional Service officers are on a mission to assist contain the situation and to ensure normalcy is restored at the earliest in Honiara, Solomon Islands.
“We acted swiftly at the urgent request from the Solomon Island Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. At this stage we only provide manpower assistance and if need be, will continue to do so.
“This assistance is through a Police-to-Police arrangement and the deployment is covered under the Royal Solomon Island Police Rules of Engagement.
“It is our duty to protect life and property and we have just extended our generosity to our brothers and sisters and importantly to preserve peace and enhance posterity within the pacific region,” Mr Manning said.
The PNG personnel deployed to the Solomon Islands have been specifically trained for the purpose of the 2018 APEC meeting and will provide the necessary tactical expertise needed by the Royal Solomon Island Police.
Commissioner Manning, who was accompanied by Director Special Services Division Superintendent Julius Tasion, had a meeting with the Royal Solomon Island Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau before returning to PNG.
He is expected to brief the Government on the situation in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Manning said help is also being extended to the Solomon Islands by other pacific communities including Australia and New Zealand and anticipate the situation in Honiara to be brought under control soon.
Media contact: Chief Superintendent Dominic D. Kakas, BEM, DPS
Director – Police Media Unit Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
Mobile: 75430557 email: ddkakas@gmail.com