PNGDF TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATION INTO RECENT RECRUITMENT ALLEGATIONS
CAPTION: Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara
BY BENJAMIN KOITAKA
THE Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has confirmed a thorough investigation and recruitment review to be conducted soon within the Force and recruitment department following the recent oversight and allegations in the recruitment process.
This was confirmed by the Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, who is currently offshore on a duty trip.
Rear Admiral Polewara says that the internal investigations to be conducted forthwith, is to examine the processes, decision points, use of technology to produce fake documents and oversight mechanism.
The issue was raised in Parliament last week by Morobe Governor Reinbo Paita questioning the Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph on the recruitment process, that stemmed from a viral video on social media showing PNGDF recruits.
“The Papua New Guinea Defence Force noted the recent reporting, regarding concerns about the integrity of the PNGDF recruitment,” Rear Admiral Polewara said.
“We take these matters seriously, any allegation of discrepancies in the recruitment process goes against the values that guide our service.
“Our commitment is clear, recruitment must be fair, merit-based and aligned with the Defence Force core values.
Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Polewara said the PNGDF reaffirms its commitment to the highest standards of military training and training conducted in the country or internationally demands discipline, resilience and mental toughness.
He added that these qualities are essential for developing soldiers capable of serving the nation with professionalism and honour.
“In the recent past, there have been similar allegations made and we have attempted to address those concerns that were raise.
“Hence, for this recruitment, we introduced online recruitment rather than using PNGDF internal procedures to identify suitably qualified candidates for further processing.
“However, the allegations that have resurfaced seem to indicate that the process is still being challenged even though we trailed online recruitment.”
The PNGDF boss noted that despite there were few other candidates that failed the initial medical and others tests, they were included and are currently at the Goldie River Training Depot, that will still be investigated, charged and dismissed.
Morobe Governor Reinbo Paita had questioned the Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph on the recruitment processes after a viral video showing PNGDF recruits
