PPC Baim appeals to residents to refrain from lawlessness

Madang's top cop, Superintendent Robert Baim, is urging all residents of Ward 8 in Madang Urban local level government to refrain from all forms of lawlessness, or they risk facing the full brunt of the law.

He sounded the warning following two separate attacks on government vehicles travelling the airport road last week.

The first incident occurred midweek to a vehicle belonging to the PNG Maritime College and the second incident in the early hours of Saturday to a vehicle belonging to the Madang Provincial Health Authority.

In the first incident, the driver escaped near death after a bullet, penetrated the glass of the vehicle, a 15- seater bus.

The second incident around 4am on Saturday occurred near Madang Timbers, where the Madang PHA's 15-seater bus was stoned.

Superintendent Baim said police will no longer tolerate unlawful behaviours around this particular area as it is the gateway to Madang.

"Every visitor coming to Madang by air forms their perceptions about the province through Ward 8 as it is the gateway," he said.

"Whatever happens to them upon arrival around this area forms a lasting impression about Madang, and as much as possible, every resident of that area must display their best behaviour at all times.

"The first impression should reflect a province that is safe, peaceful, and welcoming."

He added that Madang's gateway should be remembered for its hospitality and not violence and criminal behaviours.

PPC Baim emphasised that all residents of ward 8, including parents and youths, must cease the habit of stoning vehicles travelling to and fro the airport in the early hours of the morning or at any time at all.

"The criminal act of stoning vehicles not only places innocent lives at risk, but also tarnishes Madang's reputation, discourages tourism and investment, and undermines economic growth and development for the province," Baim said.