RSIPF rebut an article publish on media over the weekend with the title ‘Security pact could split RSIPF’

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) strongly rebutted an article published over the weekend on Solomon Star newspaper with the title ‘Security pact could split RSIPF’ as misleading.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support (NSOS) Mr. Ian Vaevaso says, this security deal will not pause any division among the RSIPF at all. This is because this security pact will benefit and safeguard National Security and Social Order in Solomon Islands in which RSIPF is lawfully mandated to fulfil. How would RSIPF work against its Mission statement and its core mandates?”

DC Vaevaso says, “The article even mentions that move is not going down well with some elite RSIPF officers. This is not true. The whole of RSIPF and its Executive are working together effectively as usual to manage policing matters of this country and I am extremely happy with the performance of the RSIPF so far, despite challenges the country has faced.”

Mr. Vaevaso says, “The RSIPF is an independent body, thus it is important that officers remain independent and operate according to the RSIPF code of conduct. I am confident that RSIPF officers are working together within the organization and with our security partners.”

He says, “The arrangement for the Papua New Guinea Police to return is to support the RSIPF in its ongoing efforts to maintain law and order, based on request from the national government. The RSIPF strongly supports the return of the PNG Contingent in the country. They have been overwhelmingly contributing to the success of SIAF in the country over the past months as far as law and order is concerned. Most of the communities and business houses are appreciative of the work of SIAF in the country and so RSIPF.”

DC Vaevaso says, “The published article even mentioned building a China Military base in the country and the extension of parliament for five years. The RSIPF is not aware of any proposed military base to be built as mentioned in the article. This is misleading and we must be very careful about such misinformation. Otherwise, we are fueling up the issue to cause hatred among ourselves. The proposed extension of the National Parliament is a matter for the national political leaders and not RSIPF.”

Deputy Commissioner Vaevaso says, “I tend to believe that the RSIPF insider as claimed in this article is perhaps a ghost insider because the information provided in this article is not true and not near to any truth. Having said that, I would encourage RSIPF officers to continue to abide by RSIPF Internal Processes to bring up issues to the RSIPF rather than using the media.”

“I would like to make it very clear that the Commissioner of Police has no interference in any police investigations and he always keeps to his neutrality. I do not understand why the issue of investigation is brought up as an issue in this particular article. However, whatever interest anyone has, investigation and arrest decisions are matters for responsible areas or departments within the RSIPF and DPP office to deal with.”

“I would encourage people to take time to read the Police Act and the Constitution to understand the role and powers vested upon the Police Commissioner so that we do not mislead the public. I realize that this article was made purposely to criticize the good work that Commissioner and the RSIPF has done and an attempt to destabilize RSIPF. Whatever it is, those efforts will not work because RSIPF is as strong as ever,” says Mr. Vaevaso.