DEFENCE

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force has set up its Task Force to protect its members and families while also working with our Australian Defence counterparts in enhancing our capacity to support the whole of nation response efforts to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Task Force is effective as of the 24th of March. Under the taskforce, the Defence Force has established area commands in its major Defence establishments across the country in order to ensure that the National Department of Health’s preventive measures are implemented. These bases include the Forward Operation Bases in Kiunga and Vanimo and in the Highlands. These area commands have been given amongst other tasks have been tasked to identify isolation and quarantine areas locally to enable them to respond if a member or a dependent is affected.

The Papua New Guinea Defence Organization will continue to disseminate vital information on protection and prevention measures and the reporting process should members or their dependents show symptoms of Covid-19. We will also monitor all our personnel returning from courses and overseas training through isolation.

All our units have implemented protection measures through hygiene awareness conducted in all the barracks by Medical personnel as well as restricting visitors into all the barracks, complying with the National Government’s direction for the 14 days lock down.
A toll-free number 1800301 for the organization’s medical response team has also been set up for members of the Defence Force and the dependents to report if they show signs and symptoms of the Corona Virus so that necessary measures can be taken.

I want to assure our members and the families that your welfare has been taken into consideration and we will ensure that all measures will be taken to ensure that you are safe during this time.
We have completed the changeover of troops along the border, along the southern border and the northern borders in Western Province and Sandaun respectively. The HOTO in the Highlands Provinces was completed on the 24th March 2020. Two ships will be deployed to the southern and northern border for sea movement and control.