THE Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Malaita Province, Superintendent Stanley Riolo had denied media reports that stated police tried to kidnap the Malaita Provincial Assembly Speaker who was onboard MV Taimahero voyage from Auki to Honiara, Monday this week.
Speaking to Solomon Star Auki yesterday, PPC Riolo said there are two reasons why police joined the team that chased after MV Taimareho.
First they are there as part of the police normal duty, and second is to protect the Speaker Ronnie Butala should the situation gets out of hand given the sensitivity surrounding the situation.
The PPC clarified this by stating, “To say police were there to try to kidnap the Speaker is not true and misleading.”
“I actually spoke with the Speaker on the phone telling him to come back given the sensitivity surrounding the situation, but he assured me that he will not leave the ship and continue with his journey to Honiara.”
“Police are there to protect him and not to kidnap him.”
The PPC said should the team leave without police; things might not turn out well.
Riolo said police presence is paramount to maintain peace and safety and not to kidnap anyone.
By WILSON SAENI
Auki News Bureau
