PNG Police Refuse Bail for 20 CS Officers After Armed Standoff

Acting Correctional Service Commissioner Bernard Nepo

Twenty Correctional Service officers remain behind bars after police moved in on a group allegedly involved in an armed disturbance that unfolded from Bomana to parts of Port Moresby.

The officers are accused of unlawfully discharging firearms and intimidating members of the public during the incident, which drew a heavy police response on Tuesday night.

Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi confirmed the arrests, saying investigations are continuing into the actions of those involved.

Police said the trouble started at Kerepia Barracks in Bomana, where tensions reportedly developed among factions within the Correctional Service before the situation spilled into the city.

Videos circulating online showed armed police surrounding uniformed Correctional Service officers who were ordered to lie on the ground during the operation.

Acting Correctional Service Commissioner Bernard Nepo told reporters that the disturbance had no connection to reports about a new Correctional Service leadership appointment.

"Last night's incident is an isolated case," Mr Nepo said.

He explained that the matter arose after authorities moved to recover two firearms allegedly stolen by four rogue officers.

According to Mr Nepo, officers intercepted at Rainbow were disarmed by police and later taken to Waigani Police Station for questioning.

He added that four suspects remain at large and are believed to be linked to the missing firearms.

The detained officers have been denied bail as police continue their inquiries.

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