A platoon plus (42) of PNG Defence Force Personnel arrived in Kavieng, for the Election Operations in New Ireland.
This brings the total manpower of New Ireland NATEL 2022 Joint Security Force, up to 400 comprising of 300 plus Local Police, plus 20 Personnel (2 sections) from Tomaringa Mobile Squad.
New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat said the arrival of the military brings to fruition what has been reiterating for the last couple of weeks about New Ireland having an equipped force for the 2022 National General Election.
“It gives me peace of mind and great reassurance that the joint security force under my command, is more than capable of running a safe, free, fair and transparent election,’ he said.
He assured New Irelanders that their safety and freedom of choice to practice their basic democratic right to choose their leader is guaranteed.
PPC Nebanat also revealed that both the Kavieng and the Namatanai Contingents have competed their respective elections operations brief with their men and are now ready to go into polling.
He emphasized that the additional Quick Response Force (QRF) comprising of the Local CS, PNGDF and the Tomaringa based Mobile Squad are here to boost manpower and encouraged his local police to embrace working with the other sister forces and units in securing New Ireland this election.
“In spite of setbacks and delayed logistic arrangements that are beyond our control, I am overwhelmed by the aggressive push by my local police who are going the extra mile to take ownership of spearheading security for this election, especially my Community Auxiliary Police Officers (CAPS) from outer islands who have been camping in Kavieng without complaints even though they are yet to be paid their allowances,” PPC Nebanat said.
“Their drive and commitment gives me the motivation as their PPC to do more.
Sometimes I wish I was in control of funding or that I had enough to adequately pay them for their sacrifices in leaving their families back at home to attend to their call of duty in BRIDGING their communities with police,” he stressed.
He further highlighted that they play a very crucial role in being the middle people equipped with a wealth of local knowledge, especially during this time of election as they selflessly commit their time, effort and energy in the name of securing election in their respective communities where the pulse of existence is.
I commend my regular police personal especially Senior NCOs at this time when we are short of commissioned officers to take up leadership roles in executing my instructions identified in my Ops order in alignment with the Commissioner’s overall intent for the NATEL 2022.