LAW AND ORDER IN ENB IS MANAGABLE; PPC SAYS, NO SOE

By Wasita ROYAL, Kokopo

East New Britain’s Provincial Police Commander has dismissed calls for a State of Emergency in the province as law-and-Order situations are manageable.

ENB Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat made these remarks when responding to recent call for a State of Emergency in the Province by Kokopo City Town Mayor Philip Tale.

Despite recent incidences of serious criminal activities and several reported deaths in the province, PPC Nebanat emphasised that these do not reflect the entire province’s security situation

Chief Inspector Nebanat said the current law and order situation remains manageable, responding to Kokopo City Mayor Philip Tale’s recent request for emergency measures.

He maintains the crime rate, though concerning, has not reached critical levels warranting emergency declaration.

The police force faces significant operational challenges, including insufficient manpower, not enough staff accommodation, and fuel shortages for patrol vehicles and these limitations have hampered effective surveillance of trouble zones.

The PPC stressed that improved resourcing of the police force would better address the province’s security concerns than declaring a state of emergency. He called for public cooperation in supporting law enforcement efforts to combat criminal activities.

Nebanat criticized social media users for circulating graphic content, including images of mutilated bodies, which he says has negatively impacted public perception and hindered police work.

Despite operational constraints, Nebanat assured that the police force continues to utilize available resources to maintain law and order in East New Britain.