Locals in Hela have been encouraged to surrender illegal firearms to authorities.
This was the message echoed by Security Forces during the official launch parade of the Call-Out yesterday in Tari. The Call-Out Operation is also part of the Gun Moratorium announced by the National Government late last month.
During the amnesty period, those that are in possession of illegal firearms are encouraged to surrender their weapons to the security personnel on operation, as there will be no arrests, and charges laid against them.
After the 28th of February, those that are still in possession of illegal firearms will face the enforcement of the firearms act.
Police and Defense Force will be conducting special operations during the amnesty period while other civilian Government agencies will also be contributing in other essential services.
The second phase will be the regulatory reforms of the firearms act that will proceed after February 28. Any person in possession of illegal firearms will be arrested, charged and locked up.
Hela is a new province that has challenging law and order problems propagated by the proliferation of illegal firearms, tribal fights, landowner, and other provincial issues.
Local leaders were also present to witness the launching. Local leaders have also called on their people to surrender any firearm in their possession.
Over 300 Police personnel and PNG Defense Force are involved in this joint operation.
