Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Peter Barkie says with reinforcements now on ground in Alotau, police are in a better position to go after criminals who were responsible in the recent launching of a series of indiscriminate attacks on Alotau town.
At about 8 PM on Thursday night, police responded to a report of a wanted criminal at a settlement in town.
Upon arrival on the scene the police officers were confronted with heavy gunfire.
This was followed by a series of indiscriminate attacks on residential properties and business houses in Alotau through the night and into the early hours of Friday morning.
However, due to low manpower police strategically sought out to focus on protecting vital assets in town.
“I have received reinforcements and I am now more comfortable to deal with the situation so we are going after them.”
PPC Barkie further assures law abiding citizens of Milne Bay that the police is now better positioned to provide a degree of protection in terms of public safety to them.
“We can now assure them operations of vital assets will continue as normal.”
“I want to inform them that the long arms of the law will eventually catch up with those who have broken the law.”
“The purpose of that is to crate a safe, secure and peaceful environment for the people of Milne Bar to go about their local business.”
The situation in Alotau is under control, with business houses operating as normal throughout the day however tensions remain at this time.