Caption: (L) Acting
Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations Jim Andrews and Col Vagi Oala shaking
hands to signal the joint investigation commencement yesterday afternoon.
By MATTHEW VARI
FOLLOWING the incident of yesterday’s incident between the military and police- both organizations announced the formation of a taskforce to begin investigations into the incident that has left a number of soldiers injured as a result of a brawl with police.
In a joint conference held yesterday Acting Deputy Commissioner for Operations Jim Andrews assured the government and residents in the city that senior officers from both the PNG Defence Force and the Royal PNG Constabulary were working hard to have an amicable understanding in order to have a good outcome.
He however said that due to the sensitive nature of the issue he could not give the exact details of how the incident occurred which are subject to investigation.
“Because of the sensitive nature of the issue I cannot comments on the details which are to be investigated,” Mr Andrews said.
“Business house have been affected and I want to assure the business community that we are doing everything we can to bring back normalcy to the situation.”
Andrews also urged restraint on the part of his officers not to undermine the rule of law in relation to the situation at hand.
“I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to my officers to exercise restraint and do not use your indifference to undermine the rule of law,” the Acting Deputy Commissioner appealed.
The investigation team will comprise of senior officers from both disciplinary forces with the terms of reference being written up for the investigation.
“Both organizations belong to the people of Papua New Guinea and not one individual,” he said.
“Investigations have started as of this morning and we hope to complete it by Monday for a preliminary report.”
“But normally the time required to investigate takes around 14 days to get right down to the bottom of the conflict.”
Meanwhile the Acting Chief of Staff of the Army Colonel Vagi Oala reiterated the seriousness of the situation, saying that it was vital for senior officers be used to investigate with three half colonels appointed to be a part of the combined team.
“We do not want to speculate anything at the moment as the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning and the situation has now subsided,” Col Oala said.
“From the preliminary report by Tuesday we will brief both the commissioner of police and the commander of the military on what kind of actions and punishments will be taken.”
He added that with initial talks with their men- the situation was now controlled but still tense situation with no further action to be taken by soldiers.
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