Approved Media Release
THE Security operation in Vanimo during the Popes Visit was a successful one according to the commander of Border Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Perou NDranou.
He said there were more than two hundred security personnel involved in the operation including police officers from West Sepik, Soldiers from 2RPIR based at Moem Barracks and those deployed to the Forward Operating Base, Vanimo and police officers from the Mobile Squad Division (SSD) based at McGrego, the Traffic and Dog Unit Police from NCD and the PNGDF Navy barge team from Lacorn. He said these security personnel worked together to celebrate the event peacefully.
“As the Divisional Commander for Border Police Command, I would like to thank all Security Force personnel involved in the Vanimo leg of the Pope Francis visit operation on Sunday, 8 September 2024.
The operation started well five days earlier before the Pope arrived in Vanimo. The positive Provincial Administrations and other national stakeholders supports enable the Security Forces to successfully implement its security operation plan,” ACP N`Dranou said.
He said the well-planned and coordinated deployments of personnel and resources were because of better working relationships between all stakeholders including the Security Forces personnel.
ACP N`Dranou further added that the Security Operation was successfully implemented because of the effective working relationship between the members of RPNGC, CS and 2 RPIR. He said they were well led by Deputy Director SSD, PPC West Sepik Province and OC of the Forward Ops Base in Vanimo. He said he was impressed by their leadership and attention to detail to ensure that the operation achieved the security requirements of such a world leader, Pope Francis.
“The security Operations will continue to the 49th Independence celebration in West Sepik. This is to ensure all visitors to Vanimo for the Pope’s visit are safe until they return back to their own provinces and also districts of West Sepik.
“Additionally, I would like to thank the people of West Sepik including the Catholic faithful from West Papua and other provinces of PNG for their positive behaviour s during the Pope’s visit. There were no incidents reported to police days before, during and after the visit. They all behaved well and made that occasion very memorable for everyone to enjoy. Thank you all.
Lastly, I wish to thank you again to all personnel from CS, PNGDF and RPNGC for your professionalism during the Pope’s visit. Lt Col Francis Vitata and I are proud to be part of that security operation on that occasion.
