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An Australian helicopter pilot and two other workers have been kidnapped in Papua New Guinea’s highlands, the country’s chief of police said on Monday.
“We are focused on resolving this as soon as possible,” Commissioner David Manning said, confirming the nationality of the pilot and adding that police were responding to the incident.
The pilot and two others — believed to be telecom workers — were taken near Mount Sisa, in central Hela Province.
Prime Minister James Marape told AFP that the “Australia High Commissioner has been informed on this matter”.
The police are “attending to this and with (the) defence force we (are) moving into the area”, he added.
Papua New Guinea’s restive highlands have in recent years been hit by a spate of kidnappings and tribal violence that has killed hundreds.
Last week more than 50 bodies were found by the side of a main road — the result of clashes between rival clans.
The government has come under fierce pressure to boost security resources in the area and tackle growing lawlessness.
“I want to inform all that crime does not pay, it ultimately leads to arrest or deaths of criminals so appreciate locals who are assisting police as we speak,” Marape said.
Police Commissioner Manning said details of the situation were still emerging, but it was believed the suspected assailants were “not from the area”.
“We are working closely with the community leaders,” he said.
Earlier this month, a fresh outbreak of looting across the nation was branded “total anarchy” by a local newspaper.
Locals say they fear the further breakdown of law and order in the impoverished nation after the most recent outbreak of civil unrest, which could flare up yet again later this month when Prime Minister James Marape is expected to face another attempt to topple him from power via vote of no confidence in parliament.
“This country is in serious trouble,” one said.
“All leadership has departed. Now the cops just allow whatever they want. I fear if something does not change very soon, PNG is f**ked.”
Violence first broke out in the capital Port Moresby on January 10 after a group of soldiers, police officers and prison guards went on strike after noticing unexplained deductions in their pay.
“When the police decided to stand down from duties, the public in Port Moresby took advantage, started looting and burning down some businesses,” Kelola said.
He said skyrocketing inflation had caused the tinderbox situation. A 10 kilogram bag of rice, the main staple in Papua New Guinea, a year or two ago would have cost around 32 kina ($13) but was now 54 kina ($22).
“That’s just too much,” Kelola said. “With inflation being so high, goods have just skyrocketed. We have had widespread financial [hardship] and then when these police officers decided to stand down, I think that’s where it just [exploded].”
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