MEMBERS OF THE DEFENCE FORCE NOT WITHOUT FOOD

By Benjamin KOITAKA

CHIEF of Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara has brushed aside recent claims on social media regarding the members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force going without food for over period of six months.
The Commander Polewara confirmed to media that those reports are of no substantive evidence and public and members of the force should refrain from sending false alarm and information to the public, especially through the uncontrolled social media.

Polewara further added that single living-in members of the force, residing at the Taurama and Murray Barracks are well taken care and their meals every day has now been properly arranged through alternate catering service, after their main service provide pulled out lately.

Commander Polewara without further elaborating on why the service provider closed its doors to provide the catering services to the PNGDF single quatres, however, he did confirm that new arrangements have been place since early last month, resolving the meal issues.

He said the reports of PNGDF members going without food for six months is totally misleading while operations are normal at this stage, moving ahead.

“In light of reports that have been circulated via social media, I wish to unequivocally state that PNGDF personnel have not been without food for six months,” Polewara stated, urging the public to verify information before sharing to public.

“It is a totally misleading statement.

“Messing arrangements and catering facilities of units only serve single living-in members of the force and they have been put on alternative catering plan since 17th March 2025, and all operations are sustained and active.

“Welfare of the soldiers, including catering, are the highest priority of the HQPNGDF.

“Hence, it is handling the catering issue in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

“HQPNGDF is not ignorant nor turning a blind eye on the catering issue. We are managing that well whilst maintaining focus on our Constitutionally mandated tasks.

“I urge the public and the media to seek out facts to communicate accurate information.”