Prime Minister James Marape has commended the Hela Provincial Government for using its own provincial budget to fund specialist training for its Mobile Squad (MS) 9 Unit.
The Mobile Squad is an elite unit of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, deployed in high-risk operations, civil unrest and major law and order incidents.
Mr Marape described the initiative as a significant and rare example of provincial leadership in policing.
He applauded members of Hela-based Mobile Squad MS 9 for their service and professionalism, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting police officers and strengthening law and order across Papua New Guinea.
“Hela is among the first provincial governments to step forward and directly fund specialist training for its Mobile Squad officers,” Mr Marape said.
“This is an important investment in law and order, and it strengthens both the province and the nation.”
Mr Marape, who is MP for Tari-Pori, highlighted that Hela Province contributes close to 30 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s national wealth.
He reminded the officers graduated from a specialist training program at the McGregor Mobile Squad Base in Port Moresby on Wednesday that they are on the front line of national security and economic protection.
“If instability affects Hela, it affects the entire country,” Mr Marape said.
He added that the Government will pursue a phased approach to addressing illegal firearms, beginning with an amnesty period followed by firm enforcement after the cut-off date.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Hela MS 9 Unit during their graduation saying that their training must be mental, physical and spiritual and they must be prepared for the challenges ahead.