The new Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Hela province Chief Superintendent Joseph Tontop when responding to the call made by the Opposition Leader on a state of emergency to be declared for the province, said that there is no need for that.
Tondop said that a state of emergency is not what Hela needs at this point in time, rather good leadership, men and logistical support to conduct police operations is what is needed to curb the law and order issues in the province.
“For a very long time law enforcement has been breached in the province and it’s clearly shown in the rise in crime. As for a state of emergency, there really is no need for one. All the province needs is good leadership. I am already here, all I need is manpower and resources.”
Tondop explained that before he took up office in the province, there were only 65 police officers covering the whole of Hela. He is now working towards getting additional support from Police Headquarters in Port Moresby.
“I am in the process of seeking 2 more Mobile Squad Units and a platoon of men from the PNGDF to help with the peace restoration in the province.”
Meanwhile, throughout the past week the PPC travelling extensively through the province to meet with community and village elders to talk about maintaining peace in the province and will be looking to meet up with other stakeholders this week in the provincial capital Tari, to address these issues.