Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr blamed recent incidents of lawlessness occurring in the Highlands Region on the culmination of neglect the country's security force had over long periods of time. He said that they are doing everything possible to address the lawlessness that is at the forefront of the country in responding to concerns raised by Mul-Baiyer MP Jacob Maki on the rise in lawlessness in the region. He added that with the limited amount of manpower that the country has, they are now taking steps to improving the standard of policing. “We are stretched as a force. We have only 5,000 men managing and enforcing our law and order issues. We are making every effort and we’ve started with our recruitment.” He mentioned that the Ministry and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary are working closely with leaders on the ground and called for leadership within these areas plagued with crimes being committed on a daily basis. “We have a special policing zone on the western front and again we are working closely with the leadership on the ground and are making every effort for us to manage this scenario that is happening in the western front or up in Hela and it’s across the country.” The Minister added that they have also started to identify areas that need special attention and are working to address these issues.