Tensions high in the Nation’s Capital as opportunists run amok, taking advantage of the situation today as the security forces held a sit-in protest over deductions in their pay.
Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, had advised members of the security forces that he will speak with Prime Minister, James Marape and for government to investigate the tax imposed on the disciplinary forces.
Anger and frustration were among emotions that the members of the NCD/ Central command this morning felt as they congregated at the Unagi oval to voice their concerns of the new tax imposed on the members.
Despite attempts by the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika and NCD Central Commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr to calm the crowd, the disgruntled forces were still not satisfied with the advice from the Speaker.
This however didn’t dissuade the servicemen as they then made their way to the Unagi Oval to await the Prime Minister after receiving word that he would address them this afternoon. All this occurred after members of the PNG Defence Force, the Correctional Services and the Royal PNG Constabulary woke up this morning to find a significant amount of money missing from their accounts.
When addressed by the Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, they were advised that this was just a glitch in the pay system and informed the servicemen that all would be compensated during the next pay period which did not go down well with them.
According to some members of the security forces, a couple of members received K52 in their pay.
NCD Met Supt told PNGHAUSBUNG at the Parliament that despite the commotion today, policing should continue and has asserted that the people should not be worried about moving around in the city.