RSIPF continues to deploy officers to common border with PNG

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) continues to deploy some of its officers from Honiara to the Shortlands as part of the border security to assist officers in the Western Province.

RSIPF Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operations, Alfred Uiga says, “I have directed some Police Respond Team (PRT) officers to be deployed to the Shortlands in Western Province yesterday and today to assist officers in that Province as part of the security at the common border with Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.

AC Uiga explains: “The deployment of armed PRT officers is an ongoing operation for border security to support officers in Western and Choiseul Provinces, which is a decision of the RSIPF Executive following a border incursion early this year. This phase two of the strengthening of the Solomon Islands (SI) – Papua New Guinea (PNG) Border Strategy.”

He adds: “Also one of the driving factor to deploy armed personnel was the alleged armed robbery incident in February this year early this year at Maleai Village in the Shortalnds. But importantly, the presence of armed personnel at the border shows how serious the RSIPF to strengthen its border security.”

“PRT officers will continue to be deployed to the border until the Solomon Islands – Papua New Guinea Border Strategy which is a national strategy is finalized for permanent presence of armed officers at the border,” says AC Uiga.

RSIPF Commissioner Matthew Varley and Assistant Commissioner for Crime and Intelligence Ian Vaevaso returned last week from a meeting with the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Force Constabulary which also discussed the SI-PNG border strengthening Strategy.