COMMANDER TOROPO CLARIFIES PNDF’S ROLE DURING ELECTION

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) is not running its own security operations for the 2017 National Election, PNGDF commander Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo said.

Mr Toropo said this when responding to reports that Murray Barracks was sending extra soldiers to specific areas in the Highlands region to support certain individuals. He said that for a start this was not true but he confirmed that extra soldiers would be deployed on request from provincial Police commanders, including the Police hierarchy.

“Security preparations are an integral part of the election and is taken seriously,” he said.

“We have a constitutional responsibility to provide security and especially support our Police Force. We had thoroughly planned our intelligent and adequately prepared ourselves to assist,” he added.