THE PNGDF is cooperating with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary on investigations into alleged drug possession case of Col Paul Iatau.
The Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara has made it clear that the case is a Police matter; “and the military police is working closely with their civilian counterparts to assist the process and ensure that the case is brought to a closure.”
Rear Admiral Polewara further clarified that, “the National Executive Council has
already discharged Col Iatau as a senior officer of the Defence Force in 2024 and
we are going through the process of transitioning him into civilian life.”
“As such, the charges laid against him by the Police is his personal liability and the
officer will answer to the charges as laid. The PNGDF is under no obligation to assist
him on those matters,” he said.
