Addressing an alleged social media claim of police in the capital city standing down from work yesterday afternoon, Thursday 1st February , Interim NCD/Central Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Peter Guinness has advised that this is fake news and police will continue to operate as usual.
ACP Guinness told PNG Hausbung that people should not believe in social media but cross check information with the authorities responsible.
“There will be no stand down. Police will continue operations throughout the city as usual.”
He added that a lot of negative things that have occurred over the recent weeks has been fueled by misinformation and that people should not believe everything they see on social media.
He stated that with the re-fleeting program commencing, there will be a police show of force this afternoon to give people the assurance of safety and security.
As part of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s re-fleeting program, a couple of stations in the capital have received new vehicles, this includes the Airport Precinct, 6mile Police Station and Boroko Police Station.
As for the other stations, they will be going through the station records first to determine whether they are capable of maintaining and looking after the vehicles given.
Meanwhile, the ACP also advised that police will be looking into the 2nd mass looting that had occurred this morning. Guinness stated that it was unfortunate that this occurred again and will be speaking with the Brian Bell Group of Companies regarding the security of their warehouse as investigations look to commence soon.
“Unfortunately the looting this morning has taken a lot of people by shock. We will be looking into the matter very seriously. We will try to find out about more about what had happened and those involved will be brought to face justice and criminally charged.”
Police will also be conducting raids on suspects identified.