The Controller of the State of Emergency (SOE) Acting Police Commissioner Donald Yamasombi, has made public the emergency security measures to be implemented by law enforcement personnel during the 14-day SOE period in Port Moresby city.
The Controller, by the virtue of powers conferred on by section 288 of the Constitution of Papua New Guinea (PNG), has issued under the State of Emergency in the National Capital District three main emergency measures, which are,
1. Restrictions on public gathering,
2. Roadblocks and searches, and
3. Restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol.
A member of the constabulary or a police officer and/or PNGDF executing police duties as a special constable, are vested with powers to carry these security measures should they deem it necessary.
Public gathering including street vending, will not be tolerated near shops or warehouse vicinities.
Only church gatherings and “House-Cry” are authorized for gatherings. A person or group unwilling to comply under the Public Gathering security procedure will be deemed as to have committed an offence under the Criminal Code Act and NCDC Municipal Act.
Road checkpoints and searches will be conducted on vehicles transporting excessive passengers for public gathering or transporting of suspicious materials.
A rub search of individual will be conducted on individuals deemed suspicious.
Anyone failing to comply with Search and Seizure standard of SOE procedure will be deemed to be unlawful under the Criminal Code Act and NCDC Municipal Act.
Also, selling and consumption of alcohol is restricted to all public in Port Moresby city, unless in licensed clubs, pubs, hotels and similar establishments between hours of 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. only.
Any person caught of consumption or in possession of alcohol will be searched upon reasonable suspicion.
Meanwhile, service providers will maintain a fair price for all its services and products during this time.
The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) will ensure service providers will maintain fair prices for all its services and products and continue its vigilant watch.
The Curfew Act does not apply to this National State of Emergency.