40 ARRESTED IN RABAUL FOLLOWING VIOLENT CLASH OVER PRIEST’S DEATH

CAPTION: ENB PPC Amanda Kates

By Wasita Royal

POLICE have arrested 40 people following a violent clash at Malaguna 3 in East New Britain, as tensions remain high over the death of a Catholic parish priest who was shot weeks ago and died yesterday at Vunapope Hospital.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates confirmed the arrests in updates to FM100, initially reporting that 30 people from Malaguna 3 had been detained before correcting the figure to 40 after another 10 were added. Chief Superintendent Kates said all those arrested will be charged.

The violence erupted between youths from Iawakaka and Malaguna 3 and 2 following the death of the late Father Francis, who was shot in the Malaguna 3 area some weeks ago. Father Francis died yesterday at Vunapope Hospital, sparking the latest confrontation.

Police units were deployed to the scene but requested backup, indicating the situation remained tense and at risk of escalating. A security notice was issued to all health staff, ENB Provincial Health Authority and Catholic Church Health Services vehicles, and the travelling public, warning them to take precautions when travelling the road into and out of Rabaul.

Mr Alphonse Maur, a community leader in Malaguna 3 told Fm100 that the youths involved should be arrested and jailed for life for murdering “a Man of God and Servant,” adding that Father Francis was “God’s voice on earth” and should be respected for his role and status within the Malagunan community.

Father Francis was remembered as a down-to-earth person with a passion for serving ordinary parishioners at St. Joseph Malaguna 3 and people as far as Malaguna 1 and Burma Road. The faithful have demanded justice, and the tribe at Vunadidir, where Father Francis hailed from, has also called for justice now that arrests have been made.

Police remain on the ground as investigations and charging processes continue.