The Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) leaders today gathered in unity supporting each other’s cause to announce the deep concerns regarding the civil unrest that took place on Wednesday 10th January, and its chain of effects in the country. The PNGTUC Acting General Secretary Mr. Anton Sekum before speaking at the press conference on behalf of his fellow colleagues, expressed his heartfelt condolences to the lives lost and apologized to business owners who were victims of the lootings and destructions. Mr. Sekum started by saying that the Police Association President Mr. Lowa Tambua is innocent of any involvement in what led up to the police stop work protest and the following riots, stating that the President’s engagement during the unrest prevented police from taking direct action, and causing mayhem themselves. “The trade union movement will not stand by and see the President of Police Association be cornered because of a major political and police hierarchy failure.” He said the blame for the consequences of the unfortunate turn of events also rest squarely on the Treasurer, Mr. Ian Ling-Stuckey and the government dominated parliament. The Acting General Secretary further stressed that if there is anyone to be blamed, it would be from the top decision makers, proponents of the dependent rebate and shuffled down to the implementers and the beneficiaries. The PNGTUC sent two recommendation to the government; Establish an investigative team independent of political affiliation, to investigate the entire riot, recommended by national security to eliminate any doubts about the findings. And Government should consider subsidizing wages for displaced workers for a period of time until they find another job or their employer invites them back to work.