RSIPF Commissioner says
NO FISHERMEN was beaten!
THE Solomon Islands police chief has denied that any of his border police were involved in allegedly attacking two Buin fishermen from Bougainville on February 10.
Royal Solomon Island Police Force Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said in a statement on Thursday that the claims were investigated but no such incident was recorded.
"RSIPF would like to clarify an article published online on 15 February 2022 with a title ‘tension at Papua New Guinea (PNG) Solomon’s border’ is misleading and tarnish the good reputation of RSIPF officers at the border between PNG and Solomon Islands (SI) in Shortland Islands," he said.
The two fishermen Tauku Greg and Watson Leo of Sari village, Buin, South Bougainville claimed that they were stopped by SI border police and beaten up on Wednesday, February 9.
Buin police station commander John Popui sent his men to Sari yesterday to interview both men.
Inspector Popui said today: "The CID went there yesterday. They are investigating. I have not received the report yet from CiD."
RSIPF Commissioner Mr Mostyn Mangau said that: “The report in the article is false and misleading for the general public consumption. Report from Forward Commander Kulitanai Police Station on 8, 9, and 10 of February 2022 nothing seen as what was mentioned in the article.”
Commissioner Mangau said: “An inquiry was conducted but there is no incident of such did occurred during the commencement of the deployment until now.
"There are illegal fishing activities still carried out between our borders and RSIPF Patrol officers always approached them in a good manner, as the mode of operational responsibilities which advised the illegal anglers to return to their villages.”
However, according to the Post-Courier's Bougainville based reporter Peterson Tsereha, both Greg and Leo said they were punched, kicked at gunpoint, sworn at, and their catch and fishing gear thrown overboard.
The pair was fishing between Taurato (PNG) and Ilina (SI) Islands. Locals from both sides of the border share traditional fishing grounds and rights.
The beaten pair claimed the police came from Kariki patrol base on Shortland Islands in a 23 foot boat powered by a 60 horse power engine.
Buin police are further investigating these claims to verify their veracity.
Commissioner Mangau said: "We have a working relationship with PNG and Bougainville Police to have some common understanding to look at what problems both countries faced in policing perspectives.
"Good if the reporter of the article tries to dig deep well into his investigative journalism to find out more of this story and balance it.”
News of the alleged encounter prompted the ABG Minister to release a statement calling for restraint from the Konnou people.
Autonomous Region of Bougainville Police Minister Emmanuel Carlos Kaetavara said the southern command of the Bougainville police service is investigating the incident and will brief the government. fopolicer
Mr Kaetavara warned the Buins not to retaliate but let the investigate the matter.
Mr Mangau added: “My media team is always available to deal with inquiries. The RSIPF Media team can be contacted on phone 677 + 24016 or email them via this email address: rsipf.media@rsipf.gov.sb
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