By LYNETTE KIL
A JOINT security operation by police and defence personnel will commence tomorrow to ensure normalcy prevails in the National Capital District as parliament convenes at 2pm.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/Central Command Peter Gunness (pictured) announced this in a press conference today.
While outlining the operation plan, he warned public not to cause any disturbance and trouble.
“There will be road blocks at the various locations going into parliament house and within the vicinity and precinct of parliament and John Guise.
“Outer perimeter will be controlled by defence force personnel.
“As much as possible we would like to control traffic and movement of people coming into that area,” ACP Gunness said.
“The call out notice will be there until end of this month (February).
“The calling of DF to assist is because they have been designated as special constable; they have power authority like police to arrest,” he said.
The ACP said the only people that will be authorised excess parliament will be the National Security Unit.
“Those policeman are assigned to provide security to the Prime Minister and the Opposition leader and off course some of our dignitaries’ leaders from embassies.
“Over 500 Police and Defence personnel including police personnel from outside the city have been engaged to provide security to ensure the parliament convenes smoothly.
“I would take the opportunity to call upon the public that these VoNC has got nothing to do with all of us, meaning we will not vote, it is the democratic rights of the elected MP to decide on who will be the prime minister of the country.
“I encourage for community and public to watch over their phone or listen to radio about what is going on in parliament house.”
PNG Defence Force Joint Task force Commander Lieutenant Colonel John Manuai said PNG DF have supported the police during the first 14 -days SoE and the DF force element will continue to provide this for the next 14 days.
“We have police powers, we can arrest you and process you with the assistance of police counterparts.
“Warning to members of the PNGDF if you are caught to be involved in one of those lawlessness in instigating any of the illegal activity you will be arrested and processed under the PNGDF Code of Military Discipline as well as the civil jurisdiction warned,” Lt. Col Manuai warned.
