ALL disciplinary charges on Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel allegedly involved in enlistment allegations within the recruitment office are put on hold pending external investigations sanctioned by Cabinet.
PNGDF Chief Rear-Admiral Philip Polewara said any discharge of personnel implicated in the recruitment exercise was null and void.
“All service members are to return to their respective units and remain in barracks under a one-month close-camp conditions until further notice, and clear roadblocks,” he said.
He explained that the close camp order measure was necessary to maintain security, personnel control, and stability during the recruitment issue talks.
The order restricts movement of personnel and civilians in and out of barracks and strengthens security around armouries and magazines.
This follows incidents on Tuesday night and yesterday where PNGDF personnel gathered outside Murray Barracks and blocked routes leading inside, demanding that their hierarchy address issues relating to the recruitment process.
All roadblocks in the city were cleared after senior officers addressed the soldiers yesterday.
No information on outcomes were released. Schools around Hohola were disrupted.
“This measure is necessary to maintain strict security, personnel control, and institutional stability during the ongoing recruitment issue,” Chief Rear Admiral Philip Polewara said.
Polewara said unit commanders should exercise the order and control to ensure full compliance.
“Any breach of this directive will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence,” he said.
Prime Minister James Marape has directed Polewara to suspend ongoing internal investigative processes relating to recruitment concerns, pending a broader independent review sanctioned by Cabinet.
He said the independent investigation will be led by the Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu, supported by the State Solicitor Daniel Rolpagarea and an external high-level team, to ensure a fair, transparent, and comprehensive assessment of all issues, including recruitment practices and any allegations raised.
“The decision to pause internal disciplinary processes is intended to uphold natural justice and protect all personnel while the independent review is conducted,” he said.
Polewara said Deputy Chief of Staff Col Jason Hutchings from the New Zealand army has been tasked to review and recommend a new recruitment system.
“This will include exploring the option to collaborate with the Department of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology to recruit school leavers,” Polewara said.
