While providing updates of the rapid movement of additional police personnel into the National Capital District, Police Commissioner David Manning said he will never allow such a lapse in leadership at local command that enabled yesterday’s (10th January 2024) chaos to erupt. The Commissioner has now issued very strict orders following briefings with DCP Philip Mitna, ACP Anthony Wagambie and other senior personnel, to restore normalcy in the shortest possible time, following the restoring of effective Command and Control in NCD/Central Command. “I will not defend or make excuses for the actions of members of the RPNGC, under their local command, that left our streets vulnerable.” “Whilst I appreciate the concerns of the deductions that triggered the actions today, the NCD/Central Command did not demonstrate leadership in ensuring a police presence was still in place around the city.” “I condemn the reaction on what is essentially an industrial issue as proper process was not followed as should have been taken up by the command.” “Decisive action is being taken to hold operational commanders responsible for discipline in their command.” “We will identify who dropped the ball and was responsible for his mass escalating.” The Police Commissioner said the deployment of supporting police personnel, alongside the PNGDF, is giving the security forces the upper hand in regaining the control in all areas. “I am in regular contact with the Chief or the Defence Force in co-ordinating PNGDF deploying under callout and this is working effectively.” “I can provide assurance to the community and businesses that rogue elements in the streets are being brought under control.” “There is a time and place for dealing with what could have been done better and this process begins as soon as we feel the situation has been resolved.”