A joint security operation involving members of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), with support from the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF), is continuing across Enga Province, targeting illegal firearms and violent offenders.
Enga Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Steven Harris said in a statement yesterday that police operations under his command and coordination are ongoing, with security forces prepared to deal with armed criminals anytime and anyplace without fear or favor.
Related news: https://rpngc.gov.pg/joint-security-operations-in-enga-continues-targeting-illegal-firearms-violent-offenders/
PPC Harris said that on Monday 06th April, at Murip Village, PNGDF personnel encountered a group of young men armed with homemade firearms and modified bows and arrows.
One homemade firearm and ammunition were seized, and one offender was handed over to police.
He said that as security personnel withdrew from the area, they were ambushed approximately 300 meters from the capture site near Murip Junction Bridge.
Armed offenders opened fire from the ambush site before security forces returned fire to suppress the attackers. There were no injuries to State security personnel.
PPC Harris said the incident shows the level of criminal behavior now being seen from armed offenders.
“If you ambush police or soldiers, if you carry illegal guns, if you threaten the public, you are a criminal. We will treat you like criminals and we will hunt you down,” PPC Harris said.
Chief Superintendent Harris also confirmed a separate incident at Surunki last Thursday, when police moved in to arrest a group of approximately 10 to 12 males who were making smoke signals to begin a tribal fight.
The group fled and opened fire when police, including the PPC, arrived in the area. Police returned fire and the offenders scattered.
PPC Harris further confirmed that in another separate incident last Tuesday at Porgera, two men who fired upon Papua New Guinea Defense Force personnel were shot and killed.
“This is not a game. If you fire at the State security forces, you are putting your life at risk; some of you want to find out the hard way.
These incidents reinforce earlier public comments that most people carrying firearms are not warriors. They are not fighting for anything; they are just criminals with guns who terrorize their own people.
“Let me be very clear: any time, any place, if you carry illegal firearms or use weapons to threaten people, we will come for you.
We are not scared, we are not angry, but we are coming for you, and we will enforce the law fearlessly,” PPC Harris said.
PPC Harris said the joint operations will continue across Enga Province, targeting illegal firearms, violent offenders, and those involved in criminal violence and tribal fighting.
He added that anyone harboring armed offenders or illegal firearms will also be arrested.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/sir-john-to-launch-national-firearms-amnesty-and-guns-buy-back-policy-in-wabag/
PPC Harris urged everyone to surrender illegal firearms now, warning that if they do not, police will find them during ongoing operations.