HONIARA police deployment to Auki, Malaita Province, ends this morning to assist in the Honiara lockdown.
Patrol Boat Taro left Auki Wharf at 11.30am for Honiara after berthing for 12 days in Auki – two days shy of their two weeks deployment program.
Speaking to Solomon Star Auki prior to their return to Honiara, Patrol Boat Operation Commander Leslie Kili said the reason for the early departure is to assist in the three days lockdown in Honiara which started yesterday evening.
Operation Commander Kili said the deployment which consisted of both local police and PNG police left Auki upon request from Police Headquarters in Honiara.
He said whilst in Honiara they will liaise with Auki Police to monitor the situation in Auki and they can return if their presence is needed on the ground.
He said Honiara is in need of their support to ensure the lock-down is monitored and effectively observed by citizens to control the spread of COVID-19 community transmission.
In the meantime, Mr Kili thanked the people of Malaita for their cooperation and working together with the deployed team.
He also urged the people of Malaita to maintain a good relationship with Auki police to maintain law and order in the province.
A PNG police officer with the deployed team Stephen Pokop, who visited Malaita Province for the first time, thanked Malaitans for their great hospitality for the past 12 days.
By WILSON SAENI in Auki
