On Monday early morning, two convicted prisoners escaped from the Correctional Service (CS) of Papua New Guinea Bomana (PNG).
Both escapes have been identified as men from Mekeo and Western Province who were tasked to carry their community service during this time when they snuck out of sight and fled the location.
The escapees are classified as low risk prisoners but are still considered to be dangerous.
Correctional Service (CS) Commissioner Stephen Pokanis confirmed that they are working with Police and Papua New Guinea Defense Force, investigations are in progress to apprehend the two escapees.
The CS PNG Bomana accommodates convicted felons with mandatory maximum sentence and mandatory minimum sentence.
These charge sentences separate prisoner into high- and low-level risk prisoners.
According to CS Commissioner Pokanis, there is enough official personnel to secure the areas in CS Bomana.
However, community services require inmates to move, the specific locations vary the security restriction which is risky but possible for inmates to escape.
CS Commissioner Pokanis stressed that there is vital significance of acceptance and trust between prisoners and prison guard officers.
“It is important that we help inmates to understand that it is unwise to escape because it only increases their sentence time, and you bring trouble and danger to your contacts or family members.”
“It is a must that TRUST is earned between both parties.”
“If there was trust between us, issues would be at a bare minimum,” said Mr. Pokanis.
Commissioner Pokanis appealed to families and friends of prisoners to reach out and maintain positive mind and body, this can help give some sense of hope for release.
“We must try to promote goodness at this critical stage in their life, our negative behaviour can cause inmates feel unwanted increasing their depression and anger towards us all.”