Tag

RPNGC

Browsing

In the face of transportation hurdles that have hindered police mobility in Madang, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim has rallied for collaborative efforts between business entities and law enforcement to sustain police presence in the region.

Baim has emphasized the necessity for heightened vigilance and precautionary measures due to the looming threat of opportunistic crimes.
“It’s really affecting our mobility, but with the help of a few business houses and supportive police allies, they have been assisting to at least show police visibility around,” remarked Baim, shedding light on the ongoing challenges confronting law enforcement in the province.

Recognizing the constraints imposed by transportation obstacles, Baim has urged businesses to bolster their security protocols, cautioning against potential exploitation by opportunists. He has underscored the risk of delayed police response to incidents under such circumstances, stressing the imperative of increased vigilance within the community.
“Opportunists might take advantage of the situation and commit acts that police might not respond to promptly,” cautioned Baim, highlighting the significance of proactive measures in mitigating security risks.

Despite the adversities, Baim has reassured the public of the police force’s preparedness to tackle any criminal activities. He has affirmed the unwavering commitment of law enforcement personnel to uphold law and order, while urging cooperation from residents in safeguarding their communities.

The concerted efforts between business establishments and the police epitomize a unified approach towards addressing the security challenges prevalent in Madang. Baim’s proactive stance underscores the pivotal role of community engagement and collective action in ensuring public safety amidst logistical constraints.

Furthermore, the repercussions of fuel rationing have extended to operations at the Jomba police station, where suspects detained in cell blocks are being managed amidst logistical constraints.

Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander, disclosed that the fuel shortage impacting police mobility has also affected the management of detainees at the Jomba police station. Despite these hurdles, Baim has assured that the police force is diligently working to uphold essential services, including the management of detainees.
“The fuel rationing police are managing at the moment has also impacted operations at the Jomba police station, where suspects detained in cell blocks are being managed,” affirmed Baim, addressing the additional strain imposed by fuel shortages on law enforcement activities.

Baim’s proactive approach and collaboration between stakeholders serve as a beacon of hope in navigating through the challenges posed by transportation constraints, reaffirming the collective commitment to maintaining security and order in Madang.

Police in NCD have been directed to identify a man who was seen in a video circulating on social media poorly dressed in a police uniform and carelessly carrying a weapon around Downtown Port Moresby.

NCD and Central Police Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jnr, who gave the directive said the actions of this man whether or not he is a police officer is a total disgrace to hard-working members of the RPNGC.

“This is unprofessional and unbecoming. I have directed the Metropolitan Superintendent and his officers to find out who this person is and have him dealt with if he in fact is a serving member of the Constabulary.

Wagambie said when he first took up the position as Divisional Commander NCD/Central, he made it a point in his first parade that police would have no room for ill disciplined , unethical and unprofessional behavior from serving members.

“I also said I will make it my business to get rid of criminals in police uniform,” Wagambie stated in his social media post.

Since then the NCD Command made significant improvement, with quick attendance to public complaints, instilling command and control, and general operations. There is still room for improvement.

Wagambi said however, such actions by individuals become a hindrance to progress.

“I am seeking assistance from members of the public who may have witnessed this incident to make contact with us and assist us to identify this man. Let us help to make the Constabulary better by weeding out such.

There is no room for “Raskol , Mafia or gangster Police!”. We will get rid of them like others who have been previously dealt with, “ Wagambie said.

A cop shop established in Hanuabada will provide reservist police working in the big village an office space to address law and order related issues.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silver Sika said the initiative is the brainchild of the Motu Koitabu Local Level Government and supported by the NCD & Central Divisional Command.

“NCD Metropolitan police units will provide assistance to members of the MK Reserve unit as and when required at all times,” said Met Sup Sika.

NCD Central Commander, Anthony Wagambie Junior said the event as a gift for the Motuan people on the eve of the country’s 48th Independence anniversary.

Members of the MK Reserve unit had underwent some basic police training at the Bomana Police College and will be expected to serve the Motuan community well in their capacity as law enforcement officers.

“The MKRU will clamp down on all forms of illicit activities affecting the community in this part of the city, mainly, production and sale of home brewed alcohol, drugs, armed hold ups, and so forth,” said Wagambie

Hanuabada

Wagambie also urged the Motuan people to work closely with the MKRU and the Constabulary as a whole in maintaining law and order in their community.

The establisment of the Cop shop comes years after police were banned from entering Hanuabada village due to the killing of two men from Hanuabada allegedly by Port Moresby police since 2015.

A significant breakthrough has been reached in the long-standing probe into the controversial 2014 state loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is set to issue arrest warrants for a number of individuals implicated in the case, following an exhaustive 18-month investigation spanning multiple jurisdictions, including Papua New Guinea, Singapore, and Australia.

The charges are a direct result of the work of the Proceeds of Crime Task Force, a special unit established by the RPNGC to investigate the UBS loan.

“The charges that are about to be laid are covered by the Criminal Code Act and the Proceeds of Crime Act,” said Commissioner of Police, David Manning. The alleged offences are described as “extremely serious”, depriving Papua New Guinea citizens of substantial public funds.

Former Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill was arrested following the Inquiry into the UBS loan in June on allegations of giving false information during the inquiry.

InsidePNG has reached out to Peter O’Neill who said he will not comment as the case is before the court.

In a stern warning, Commissioner Manning stated that any attempts to spark social unrest in response to these arrests would be met with swift and resolute action, potentially leading to additional charges. He called on the public to act responsibly and be prepared for potential disturbances.

He also emphasised that those charged would have their day in court, allowing justice to take its course. “Individuals charged will have the opportunity to defend themselves in court as part of due process,” Manning said.

The individuals involved in the UBS loan scandal stand accused of a massive breach of public trust and abuse of government office. “No one is above or beyond the reach of the law,” the Commissioner declared, adding that the police will “fearlessly execute their constitutional duties in the service of our country.”

The Proceeds of Crime Task Force, made up of members of the Fraud Squad, forensic auditors, and other specialist experts, has been instrumental in uncovering the alleged offences.

The upcoming arrests follow the completion of the ‘Royal Commission of Inquiry into processes and procedures followed by the Government of Papua New Guinea in obtaining the offshore loan from the Union Bank of Switzerland and related transactions,’ which concluded in March 2022 with a final report.

Police women serving in varies roles throughout the country are rising up the rank and file, proving their worth in the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

First Constable Celcila Dangi is one of few police women, quietly reaching new heights for police women.

The 33-year-old, acting sargeant is the first and only female homicide officer and holds a team leader position in the NCD and Central Command.

Last week she was applauded for her work and commitment by NCD and Central Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jnr who presented her with a framed news article about herself that was published by the Post Courier.

“This is a small token of appreciation from the Command , take the frame, put it up on the wall at home, so your children will know what mummy does. Why mummy sometimes works late or misses special occasions,” said Wagambie.

Dangi completed her grade twelve in 2010 from Mt. Diamond Adventist Secondary School in Hiri District.

Taking after her father, she enlisted in the police force as a third intake of 2011.

She passed out of the Bomana Police Training College in 2012 and commenced her career as a probationary constable.

In April of 2016, Dangi joined the Homicide Squad at Boroko and worked under the command of Assistant Commissioner Police (ACP) Anthony Wagambie Jnr.

While working as the only female homicide officer, Dangi participated in the PNG-APP attachment Program in Australia.

Women in Police

In 2022, she was amongst three police women who attended the the 59th International Association of Women Police Conference (IAWP) in Niagara Falls,Canada.

Recent: https://insidepng.com/police-to-increase-presence-in-enga-inside-png/

Strong calls have been made against an operational order issued by Police Commissioner, David Manning for the use of lethal force.

The order issued on 13th August 2023 read;

“The approach to stepping up use of force including lethal is part of reconceptualizing policing in the country. The focus is more on reactive as opposed to community policing”.

But Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defense, Belden Namah said such order issued by our police had resulted in the Bougainville War.

“I do not want to see a repeat of Bougainville anywhere else in the country. I have fought in that theater and I know what happened. I can tell you, it is a very painful experience,” said Namah.

Namah said there was no civil war going on or insurgency in the country to warrant any such order.

“What is happening in the Highlands are tribal flights which have been there for generations. People are just adapting new ways and new weapons to settle old scores. If the government is serious then address this issue at the tribal leadership level, said Namah.

The order from Commissioner Manning comes following an increase in reports of firearms and and live ammunitions being used in violet crimes in the Highlands.

The order also states that the authorization of use of force including lethal force re-enforces police functions and powers under the Arrest Act 1997.

But Namah rebuts that in his statement and said there is no basis whatsoever in the Arrest Act or anywhere to issue such dangerous orders.

“The rise in Law and order problem is because of ill-discipline, breakdown of command and control and lack of resourcing by successive governments,” Namah said.

Meanwhile, two weeks ago, police and defense personnel in a joint investigation exercise had arrested several men in Mt. Hagen who police believe have links to the domestic terrorism gang in Komo.

The same unit obtained search warrants and raided a property in Mt Hagen were they found a hidden storage of live ammunitions, police issued gas guns, armoured helmets and vests and unlicensed firearms.

A United Church Bishop from Hela province has called on the government and police commissioner to employ more police personnel in Hela to increase police man power in the province.

United Church Pioneer Bishop and Deputy Chair of Hela Council of Churches, Reverend Wai Tege, in an interview with Inside PNG, said there is a need for more police resources and man power to help address lawlessness in the province.

United Church Pioneer Bishop and Deputy Chair of Hela Council of Churches Reverend Wai Tege.

“The are less then 60 policemen stationed in Tari, but they cannot do anything. We need more policemen.” The Bishop said.

The Law and Order issues in Hela province has been an ongoing issue for over 10 years, and the recent Kidnapping at Mt Bosavi has posed a threat to the people, especially women and girls, including public servants in the province.

According to Reverend Tege, a survey carried out by the United Church in Hela shows that the lawlessness in Hela, are mainly caused by unemployed youths between the age of 15 to 27.

“Most of these youths come from polygamous family background with no support from family, therefore they turn to the life of crime and violence.” The Reverend said.

Reverend Tege said the idea of State of Emergencies (SOEs) being declared by the government over the years, have been nothing but a waste of resources and government funding.

He said the solution is to boost police manpower, by employing more police personnel to be stationed permanently in the province.

This will help increase police presence and visibility in the province.

“We have more unemployed youths and school leavers in the country. Employ the school leavers so they can be stationed in Hela, to help address Law and Order Issue.” Reverend Tege said.

The news of police senior sergeant, Ludwig Dondo’s passing came as a shock to his wife, Miriam Dondo and daughter, Ludwina.

Wife, Miriam Dondo who is employed with the Department of Justice and Attorney General, said she was on lunch break when she learned that her husband was shot.

She rushed to the hospital only to be told that her husband had died.

Meanwhile, three men are now in police custody, in relation to the killing.

But police say the prime suspect who launched the bow and arrow that killed Dondo is still on the run.

The late officer, was struck with an arrow while attending to a drug smuggling case at ATS settlement.

NCD and Central Divisional Commander, Anthony Wagambie said three suspects were brought in by Central police after community leaders at ATS gathered them at 7am this morning.

“I condemn those responsible for the death of my policeman and I am calling on the community at ATS to stand up together and find the prime suspect responsible for this heinous crime.

“You must give him to me, so he can face the law,” said Wagambie.

A Police Criminal Investigation team has been deployed to Kiriwina in the Milne Bay Province to investigate and prepare for a coronial inquest into the fight on October 24 which has since resulted in the deaths of 24 people.

Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Peter Barkie said 22 people were killed initially in a three-hour fight that broke out after an argument between the coastal and inland villages over a soccer match. Two recently succumbed to the wounds they received during the fight thereby increasing the death toll to 24.

Mr. Barkie said the police CID investigation team was deployed after the Quick Reaction Force (QRP) completed its assessment of the situation on the ground on Kiriwina Island.

Mr. Barkie said he wants the coroner to be involved because of the large number of deaths. He said this is a first of its kind on the island so he wants the court to be involved and not just the police.

“I have spoken to the senior provincial magistrate about that. My team is up in Kiriwina doing that now. Hopefully, they will get all the necessary paperwork done within 14 days,” Mr. Barkie said.

Mr. Barkie said the people from the affected villages in Kiriwina are cooperating well. Police have discussed with the villagers the need to have all the suspects surrender and they have agreed to do so.

Mr. Barkie said the villages did not destroy any government, private properties, or business houses when they fought and the fight did not involve the entire Kiriwina Island.

He said the villages affected were from the Southern part of Kiriwina Island and around Louisa station. The Central and Northern part of Kiriwina was not involved.

Mr. Barkie said that normalcy has been restored, all shops are open, government businesses continue and people are carrying on with their usual daily chores.

Pin It