PNG Defence Force Commander denies allegations of Soldiers hunting activists

Papua New Guinea Defence  Force Commander Brigadier-General Gilbert Toropo has denied that soldiers are being deployed around Port Moresby to arrest activists.

The claim was made by Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah.

“I want to assure the people of PNG that soldiers will in no way be involved in the current situation. I have issued directive to senior officers and unit commanding officers to refrain from getting engaged in the current activities which can send negative implications,” Toropo said.

“PNGDF only has intelligence personnel monitoring the situation.”

Namah claimed that soldiers in six vehicles were travelling around Port Moresby looking for activists who had been inciting public unrest and calling on Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to step down.

Anonymous sources have been circulating messages on the social network calling on workers and school children to stay at home today because there will be a public protest in Port Moresby.

Police however have assured the public that business will be normal today.