Day 1 of this public holiday marks the first day of the national mourning period for late Grand Chief Rt Hon Sir Michael Somare.
There is currently heavy police presence on the streets of Lae following looting attempts, rioting and stoning of vehicles by opportunists earlier today.
Lae Metropolitan Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said from as early as 7 AM this morning, opportunists from 2 mile to 9 mile congregated and attempted to loot shops along the miles area.
Police intervention led to a confrontation with the crowd that had gathered, resulting in police being stoned and shot at with homemade guns.
“We managed to push them back all the way to 4 mile but we still have a situation up there where they’re stoning vehicles in places where we are not around in the miles area.”
Lae police boss Kunyanban added that similar incidents also unfolded at Bumbu, Chinatown Shopping Centre and Bumayong where opportunists tried to loot the shops there but were deterred by the quick intervention of police.
“It’s a total close town now. No buses, no shops are open so we are just monitoring the streets.”
Kunyanban further called on Lae residents to be more responsible and cooperate and work together with police to protect the city.