Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says, the riot at the Manus Regional Resettlement Processing Centre is being investigated.
Mr O'Neill says, he was briefed about the incident today and a preliminary investigation has suggested that less than half of the 1,400 transferees at the centre, were involved in the disturbances. He says the situation, however, appears stable and under control, while Police, Defence Force and Immigration Department officials are now in Manus where a thorough investigation is underway. Mr O'Neill confirmed that the incident has resulted in one death, eight transferees detained at the Lorengau Police Station and several others injured and treated at the hospital. He says three seriously injured transferees were evacuated to Australia for further medical treatment. Mr O'Neill identified the deceased as an Iranian national who died at the hospital from serious injuries sustained during the fight at the centre. The Prime Minister says it is most regrettable that this incident has occurred. He says he spoke to his Australian counterpart Tony Abott this afternoon about the incident and they both agreed with the measures taken to address the situation. Mr O'Neill assured Tony Abbott that PNG remains committed to the resettlement program and finding a lasting solution to the global challenge of human smuggling and illegal trafficking of persons in the region. He says the government will not tolerate anyone breaking the laws of Papua New Guinea and any such instances of criminality and breach of PNG law will be dealt with by the proper lawful authorities. Meanwhile, the investigation team headed by Chief Migration Officer, Mataio Rabura, is also meeting local leaders, including Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, Lorengau Town Mayor and individual service providers at the centre, as part of the probe. Comments are closed.
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