PNGDF probe shooting in PNG waters

PHOTO: Papua New Guinea Army

Papua New Guinea’s Defence Force has set the terms of reference to start off internal investigations into the shooting of an Indonesian fisherman in PNG waters allegedly by soldiers last week following the Indonesia Government demanding formal investigations by PNG Government.

PNGDF Commander Major General Mark Goina said the internal investigations would comply with those procedures and processes to establish whether the allegations surrounding the incident are true or not.

“We have apprehended two fishing vessels where they were escorted back to Port Moresby and currently in Basilisk Naval Base at Town,” Maj-Gen Goina said.

“While all information of the incident from my office has been sent to office of Foreign Affairs to make formal statements as protocol announcement as to how the issue will be addressed.”

He said other responsibilities had been handed over to National Fisheries Authority, the lead agency in conducting the investigations further and laying charges for illegally fishing in PNG waters.

He said at this point of time it was still an alleged incident which only investigations will prove. Police Commissioner David Manning said this week that his office had already attained reports from Assistant Commissioner Police (Border) Peter Philips about the incident and they were waiting for PNGDF to ensure PNGDF had facts before they pursued further actions.

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