POLICE are investigating a purported anti-government Facebook page administrator who spread rumours about a “Secret Malaitan Force” targeting the Prime Minister during the recent parliament sitting.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support (NSOS), Ian Vaevaso said though there are some technical issues because it appears on Facebook, they are working with the Solomon Islands Information Communication and Technology Support Unit (ICTSU) to help with their investigation.
“We are already investigating that matter and we will look at it,” he said.
“It is a very complex one, where they used a fake account to come up with the Facebook page.
“….so it’s very technical and complex one, but we will work with ICTSU, where they have the capacity to help us in terms of identifying those people (Facebook administrator) and help our investigation,” he added.
Mr Vaevaso also said they had instructed Auki Police to investigate whether the “Secret Malaitan Force” exists and if so to find out about their location.
He also pointed out that there is only one Police Force that is mandated to provide law and order for this country and that is the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
“Any secret Police, that is illegal.
He said there were no formal complaints made to police but have started investigation into this issue because they have seen the post themselves.
Therefore, he said since it is a threat to our security, it is something the RSIPF is mandated to look further into it.
A Facebook page named ‘Corrupt in DCGA’ was set up during the recent Parliament sitting, during which Members of Parliament debated the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2022 to defer the 2023 National General Election. The bill was passed by a majority of 37 votes.
The poster or the page administrator posted a warning on 8 September 2022 – the day that the controversial bill was tabled in parliament for debate and approval by the Prime Minister – saying that day would be a bloody day in Honiara and warned people to stay alert or remain at home.
The posted warning also said the Secret Malaitan Forces might attack Parliament and Honiara at any time, adding that the aim of the Secret Malaitan Force is to assassinate the Prime Minister.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Newsroom, Honiara
