The Manus Provincial Police is prepared and eager to deliver the 2022 National General Election, says Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector David Yapu.
Mr Yapu said the province’s pre-election security operation started on April 12 this year where police officers in Manus carried out election awareness around the town area.
Mr Yapu said the rolling out of awareness is convenient yet effective whilst waiting for election funding from the provincial government as well as the Police Headquarters in Port Moresby.
“The Manus Province is made up of small island villages and would be expensive to travel to each Island to conduct awareness, therefore we conducted awareness at the Lorengau Main Market which is a common place where people come in from villages on the Islands, coast and the highway. We believe our messages have reached almost everyone,” said a confident Mr Yapu.
During the awareness, the people were reminded of the importance of their participation and their democratic rights for the election. They were also made aware of the election offences and the penalties attached to each offence.
“Funding and logistical support remain our biggest challenges. We have three police boats and five aging vehicles but this has not stopped us from carrying out our roles as police officers,” said the PPC.
Mr Yapu said manpower on the other hand is still a challenge. There are 50 police personnel and the total population of the province is about 80,000. However a request has been sent to the sister forces, PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) and PNG Correctional Service (PNGCS) and awaiting approval from their hierarchy for them to come on board during the election.
“To my people of Manus, be prepared. Do not accept bribes and choose a genuine leader that will bring back services back to us,” said Mr Yapu.
He said there will be a final election workshop conducted shortly after the issuing of writs on offences to polish up the officers to remain neutral and not do anything that would tarnish the reputation of the Constabulary.
Mr Yapu said Manus is ready for the 2022 National General Election.