The Prime Minister has announced the security measures to be taken during the 14 days State of Emergency (SOE) in Port Moresby, which does not include a citywide curfew as many city residents may think.
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape said that there is no curfew but there will be restrictions along with certain powers issued to law enforcement personnel to apply during this SOE period.
The security measures include a ban on large movements of crowds around the city with an exception to church activities.
There is also a strict limit placed on the purchase and sale of alcohol in certain areas and a ban on loitering.
“Police will have the right to stop and search, question as to what you are doing. It’s not just the police on the road but its additional support from the defence force,” Marape said.
Also, Marape said security personnel will have the right to enter premises in search of stolen items and make arrests if provided with credible evidence to do so. Police will also have the authority to conduct spot checks on citizens & vehicles.
PM Marape said the SOE Controller Acting Police Commissioner Donald Yamasombi will take charge of things in the days to come with the organization of the operation in the city to ensure peace and normalcy is restored.