THE SOE Controller’s office has issued a statement today, directing residents in the National Capital District (NCD) and Central provinces to surrender looted properties to the police.
“Residents of NCD and Central Provinces holding looted items are requested to surrender them to the nearest police station,” instructed SOE Controller and Acting Commissioner of Police Donald Yamasombi.
The SOE Controller will take appropriate action soon, and guidelines will be publicized shortly, facilitating the execution of SOE directives by security staff. While police personnel have commenced rescuing some items, individuals are encouraged to return looted goods to the affected shops.
“Stolen property from Brian Bell must be returned to the Gerehu warehouse yard, where it was set on fire,” he said in a statement.
Police have initiated the collection of looted items and their return to shop owners at various locations in Port Moresby, with plans to extend searches to every suburb and settlement in the city in the coming hours.
The Police and International Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr emphasized a 24-hour ultimatum for voluntary returns. After this deadline, Security Personnel will be authorized to take action under State of Emergency (SOE) measure No. 2, allowing entry into premises to retrieve items and make arrests.
