Five murder suspects in Wapenamanda are expected to surrender to the Mediation Team and security forces today at Wapenamanda district office, following their involvement in the killings during the height of Wapenamanda tribal clash.
The mediation team carried out a successful negotiation with the warring tribes, led by acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (a/ACP) Western End Joseph Tondop and Special Operations Commander Anthony Wagambi Jnr.
With maximum manpower and firepower from both police and PNGDF under the management of both acting ACP Tondop and Commander Wagambi Jnr, the team successfully confronted the battlefields of the two warring and armed tribes.
Speaking to the Itoken tribesmen at Takaipus village outside Wapenamanda, Mr. Tondop pointed out that no one benefits from continuous fighting, killings and destruction of important government and church-run installations.
“Your women and children do not have a future when you choose to fight, kill and destroy important government and church-run facilities in Wapenamanda.” a/ACP Mr. Tondop told Itoken tribe members.
“Security forces comprising police and soldiers are here to protect installations that will benefit your women, children and yourselves today and into future. Take ownership of these important service installations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tondop informed the warring tribes especially the Itoken tribe that their inclusion in the National Court Peace Agreement Signed in Port Moresby, and the security forces deployed under the Special Operations led by Commander Wagambi Jnr, are here to enforce the new Anti-Terrorists Act.
“The new law is targeting those who carry dangerous and high-powered firearms and persistently cause fear and terror in communities.”
“The overall Peace Agreement signed by leaders Minister Miki Kaeok representing the Yangukim tribe and Danny Kati representing Yakuman tribe also covers your tribe and other neighbouring tribes,” a/ACP Tondop explained.
The warring Itoken tribesmen agreed for peace on conditions that the opposing Yakuman tribe surrender suspects that opened up on them at the polling booth during the LLG elections.
Moreover, Commander Special Operations Anthony Wagambi made it clear to all warring tribesmen that law enforcement under his command is here to enforce the new Anti-Terrorists Act recently passed by Parliament.
“Only a unit of the special operations comprising Mobile Squad MS2 based in Mendi assisted by PNGF soldiers have been at Wapenamanda for a month providing security on government and church-run facilities,” Mr. Wagambi explained.
Furthermore, he commended members of Mobile Squad MS2 and their counterparts from PNGDF for holding ground and maintaining control for the past few weeks.
