RSIPF clarifies presence of officers at Lomlom Airport, Reef Islands

Following a report on SIBC news and on social media about the presence of RSIPF officers at the Lomlom Airport in the Reef Islands, Temotu Province, on 19 April 2019 which accused RSIPF of taking sides in politics, the RSIPF would like to make the following clarification.

RSIPF officers at Manuopo Police Post in the Reef Islands, Temotu Province were made aware of the arrival of an aircraft at the Lomlom airstrip, on the morning of Friday 19 April when people gathered around the station saying they were expecting a chattered flight that morning.

Given the tense situation following the result of the recent National General Election, RSIPF officers at the Manuopo Police Post decided to walk to the Lomlom airstrip to be present there when the flight arrived.

On arrival at the airport, the RSIPF officers noticed that the elected MP, Dudley Kopu was already there with members of his family. Also present at the airport were supporters of some of the losing candidates. At no time did the officers escorted the MP or knew about the charter flight to take him to Honiara. RSIPF had nothing to do with the charter flight.

After the aircraft arrived it was on the ground for about half an hour before taking off with Hon. Kupo and members of his family.

At no time did the RSIPF officers escorted Hon. Kopu. The presence of Police at the Lomlom airstrip was to maintain law and order. The RSIPF does not take any sides in politics

RSIPF calls on media including social media to be responsible in their reporting especially during such sensitive times. The RSIPF Media Unit is always ready to response to any queries from the media or members of the public. Let us work together with Your Police, the RSIPF to maintain law and order in our country.