Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) in Enga and Central Provinces have been reassigned to roles within the Police Station Commands (PSC), while a new Metropolitan Superintendent is expected to be in office in April for the National Capital District (NCD).
Police Commissioner, David Manning, announced these changes along with several other promotions and transfers in command positions, which were disclosed on Wednesday March 6th.
Enga PPC George Kakas is slated to take on the role of Wabag Police Station Commander (PSC), while Central Provincial Police Commander Laimo Asi will transition to the position of Banz Police Station Commander.
Meanwhile, the current Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander, John Sagom, and the Metropolitan Superintendent of the National Capital District (NCD), Silva Sika, will exchange their respective commands.
Commissioner Manning stated that the transfers aim to enhance the Constabulary’s ability to address evolving security challenges, considering the expertise and skills of senior police officers.
These changes are scheduled to be implemented by April 5th, 2024.
Other changes include the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Rigga Neggi moving from Divisional Commander Highlands Eastern to ACP Policy & Planning, while ACP Anthony Wagambi Jnr to move from ACP NCD & Central to become Deputy Chief, Bougainville Police Service. He is to replace Naua Vanuawaru who is appointed to ACP Traffic.
Concerning the Deputy Chief Bougainville Police Service appointments, it has received criticism from Bougainville’s Attorney-General Ezikel Massat (see separate story).
Meantime, Chief Superintendent (CSP) Benjamin Turi, currently unattached, is appointed to take on the role of Southern Highlands PPC, and SUPT Christopher Tamari is relocating from his role as PPC of East Sepik Province to serve as the PPC for Hela Province; current PPC Hela CSP Joseph Tondop moves to Acting Divisional Commander, Highlands West.
Other promotions and transfers include ACP Samson Kua from Divisional Commander Highlands West to Assistant Commissioner assisting the Officer of the Commissioner; acting ACP Julius Tassion is promoted to ACP, Operations; and Commander Steven Francis moves from Acting ACP Policy & Planning to Acting ACP Human Resources.
CSP Clement Dalla, currently unattached, has been appointed as Acting Divisional Commander, Highlands East, while CSP Samson Siguyaru moves from Acting ACP Human Resources to Deputy Commander Northern.
All transfers will be completed no later than April 5th, 2024.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Manning further revealed that another round of additional promotions is anticipated in the coming year.
“Alongside increased recruitment into the RPNGC and the termination of personnel that do not meet the ethical and disciplinary requirements of the modern RPNGC, additional promotions are planned this year based on performance.”
“Two promotion rounds are scheduled for June and December in 2024 for personnel who demonstrate leadership capabilities, professionalism, and commitment to our (police) code of ethics.”
“Criteria for promotion will be tough, fair, and thorough and will further strengthen leadership in the RPNGC.”