No confirmed reports of OBT presence in Madang

Speculations of a spill- over of OBT or Operation Brukim Tulait in Madang from Lae are yet to be confirmed, according to the Provincial Police Chief, Superintendent Robert Baim.

Baim said that whilst there is no confirmation yet on this operation in Madang, police have arrested a woman on Sunday night for allegedly harbouring criminals who may have travelled in from Lae.

"These boys have probably travelled in from Lae after the Met Supt there decided to crack down on their operation. Some have probably moved up to Eastern Highlands as well.

"Although they maybe mere speculations at this time, I must warn here that I will not tolerate such behaviours in Madang.

"Those that are coming into Madang Province to try and harm our good citizens, I must send out a warning to you that Madang is too small and we will still get you out with assistance from the law- abiding citizens who are already fed up with criminal activities.

"If they are armed, we will not hesitate to get them down and make sure we send them to the hospital or put them in the morgue," he said.

Superintendent Baim stated this warning is for everyone.

"If you're found harbouring members of the group, you will also go down with them, he stressed.

Baim further labelled the so- called OBT members as lunatics who are not fit to live in the community.

The PPC also announced that an operation is already underway with support from the provincial administration to quickly flush them out.

He is, however; urging members of the general public to assist police with any information that would assist them in identifying such people in the community.