Madang police launch five-day independence operation

Police from across Madang province gathered for the third-quarter parade along with the launch of independence operation *(Image: NBC News)*

Madang police have launched a five-day special operation to secure the province’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations, coinciding with the command's third-quarter parade.

The operation, which runs from today through Friday, saw a strong turnout of personnel from across the province’s districts.

Addressing the parade, Provincial Police Commander [PPC] Superintendent Robert Baim stressed the critical need for teamwork, discipline, and unity across all sections of the force during the celebration period.

"This is no time to waste and to play around. This year is the first year of the next 50 years for this country," Supt Baim said.

"For this operation, I want us to put aside our differences and operate as a team, not section by section or as individuals. We will work together in oneness, in one spirit as a team, and as one Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC).

"We serve only one commissioner of the day, three deputy police commissioners, the ACPs, and down the line. Therefore, we must work together as a team," he added.

Supt Baim reminded officers to maintain professional pride, noting that public respect is earned through dedicated service.

"Take pride in your uniform, as that is the uniform that puts bread and butter on the table for your families. The public will respect the uniform that you wear. In return, you must give your best. This is the best job that you have in serving the people, and the Government pays you to look after its people," the PPC said.

He further challenged junior members of the force to consider their long-term legacy and contribution to the country's law enforcement sector over the coming decades.

"Some of us standing here today will not see the next 50 years. However, you as young officers must learn as much as you can from us. Ask yourselves what you can contribute to the development of Papua New Guinea in the next 50 years," he said.

Meanwhile, Supt Baim confirmed that a new vehicle fleet for the command has arrived in Lae.

The fleet was co-funded on a kina-for-kina basis by the Madang Provincial Government and the RPNGC.

While police had aimed to deploy the vehicles in time for the independence festivities, final administrative and mechanical clearances by supplier Ela Motors remain pending prior to their release to Madang.