Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that Police Mobile Squads (MS) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel have been deployed to Nipa in the Southern Highlands following unrest linked to the suspension of Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Managing Director Wapu Sonk.

Manning said in a press conference today that sections of the highway were dug up and blocked by tribesmen protesting Sonk’s suspension, disrupting public travel.

“Mobile Squads have been deployed with the assistance of the PNG Defence Force to secure the area,” Manning said. “Should the situation escalate, contingency plans are in place to bring it to a quick resolution.”

He confirmed that the elite Kumul 23 unit remains on standby as part of contingency measures.

“Our first response is to deploy MS and PNGDF infantry into the area. If it proves that specialist support is required, then we have the special forces in the PNGDF as well as the Kumul 23 at our disposal,” he said.

Manning also revealed that the KPHL board, including its chairman and secretary, had received threats in the wake of Sonk’s suspension.

“There are some security concerns that the board has. Threats have been issued against the board and directors, including the chair and the new secretary. We are not about to sit by and have those threats made without any recourse,” Manning said.

The Commissioner said police will continue to respond firmly against unlawful acts, warning that no one is above the law.