Papua New Guinea security forces to review roles during volatile situations

The Papua New Guinea government has directed two security agencies to review special operation functions for police and the army.

This will look at their roles and responsibilities during volatile situations, especially in state of emergency deployments.

Police Commissioner David Manning told the media the deadly riots of 10 January were a wake up call for the government and security personnel to review their joint operation functions and powers.

“We feel that there is a need to review as we are being directed to conduct in collaboration with military under term of references or what rules of engagement to deploy under when soldiers are called under state of emergency to assist police,” Manning said, according to a Post-Courier report.

Acting Chief of Defence Commodore Phillip Polewara said restoring peace and good order is a priority, the newspaper reported.

Polewara said normal operations continue for all military personnel throughout the country.