Turi debunks false rumors

Commander for NCD/Central, Benjamin Turi *(File Image)*

The Commander for NCD/Central, Benjamin Turi, has refuted a viral message circulating on social media platforms concerning a purported NCD State of Emergency and a planned 14-day water outage.

In a statement released on Monday, Commander Turi said the information contained in the message is entirely false, unauthorized, and did not originate from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary [RPNGC].

"I want to assure the public that this circulated notice is fake news. Police have not issued any such directive, nor is there any official declaration of a State of Emergency regarding water shortages at this time," Commander Turi said.

The fake message, which falsely addresses "All Officers," claims that a 14-day water outage is imminent and that the Police Commissioner would be heading SOE arrangements to mobilize water trucks.

To ensure the facts were fully verified, Turi confirmed that a police team was dispatched directly to Sogeri [the primary source of the city's water supply] to assess the situation firsthand and coordinate with the authorities.

"We are urging our citizens to remain calm and rely only on verified updates. Standard police operations continue, and we are working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure public order and accurate information sharing," Turi said.