Police Commissioner David Manning is not too pleased with the media after one of the daily newspapers wrote that the police are not election ready.
Post Courier newspaper had “Police Not Poll-Ready” on the front-page headline of today’s newspaper.
The author of the report received comments from Deputy Police Commissioner Operations, Anthon Billy saying there are no firearms and no munitions.
Commissioner Manning called for a press conference today to clarify the RPNG’s preparedness and also took the time to school the media about responsible reporting.
Manning said the media must report responsibly as it is easy for people to misinterpret information.
“The elections, as we all know in Papua New Guinea, are often times volatile. We have a very impressionable population that is often swayed by either public opinion or posts on social media.”
While he did not directly admit what his Deputy had said Manning said it is not for the police force to arm itself but to provide safety.
“The police hierarchy has an ongoing program to replace aging weapons but the delay is caused by the procurement process.
The Police Commissioner said it is their procurement plan to ensure that people are provided the best possible logistical support.
“Elections have its associated risks, as I said there are high proliferation of illegal firearms; high powered firearms in our communities continue to be a risk we will work towards mitigating. ”
“But delay is beyond our control, it’s either the late warrant of funds, of course being public funds, the procurement process needs to be followed.”
Meanwhile the Minister for Police William Onglo says the Government is focused and wants to ensure that the 2022 National General Elections will be free, fair and safe for everyone across the country.
“The Marape Government has transferred K111million already into our police operations for the elections.”
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