By LYNETTE KIL
THE trend of providing escorts for members of parliament will not be tolerated and police officers who happen to tag alone with MPs will be asked to return back.
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/Central Command Peter Guinness made this known yesterday when addressing the media on the Police Operation Plan for the looming Vote of NO Confidence (VoNC).
“All escorts of MPs have been asked not to provide any more escort, any police personnel outside from NCD coming with certain politician will be removed or reverted back to their location ‘mother base’,” ACP Guinness said.
“We have 200 PNG Defence Personal and also policemen from outside of NCD who were here during the SoE operation, providing security to allow for democracy and normalcy to prevail,” he said.
ACP Guinness said notice have been served and Commanders of each Region have sent back police officers who were providing escorts to MPs to their respect provinces and must remain in their provinces.
“The only people that will be authorised to access parliament are the national security unit, who are assigned to provide security to the prime minister and the opposition leader and off course some of our dignitaries from the embassies.
“We can also call for additional man power from outside to come if the situation requires or demands.
“We will consider if there is any approval coming from my office or Police Commissioner David Manning, however, at this point in time we have national security unit based in MacGregor,” ACP Guinness said.
He warned that any Police officers found to be in any shape or form will be dealt accordingly, either criminally or disciplinary.
ACP Guinness also warned that members of public will not to be allowed congregating at the parliament house.
He said only those who are invited by the clerk of parliament with their identification and invitation cards be allowed to enter parliament.
“Public are also warned not to engage or incite any trouble as police will be in full force with the support from the PNG Defence counter parts,” ACP Guinness warned.
