By Mickey Kavera – EM TV, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has established its first barracks in the Highlands region. It will be known as the PNGDF Highlands Regional Engineer Base, Singirok Barracks.
The barracks is located at Kerewil in the Jiwaka Province.
It’s an historic milestone for the PNGDF, after two decades finally opening their own military base in the Highlands region.
With 75 per cent of PNG’s population located in the Highlands region, it happens to be where the majority of the PNGDF’s operations occur.
Commander, PNGDF, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo says the establishment of the barracks is critical in safeguarding vital national assests within the region.
PNGDF is expected to send the first batch of 100 men by the end of this year, or at the start of 2016.
The man behind the idea of the first Highlands regional barracks, former PNGDF Commander, Major General Jerry Singirok, wants the Youth Service Program stipulated in the 2013 Defence White Paper to be implemented.
He commended the national government for its commitment in recognising the importance of having a highlands regional base.
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