Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill has banned the all-day temporary release of prisoners by warders from the Correctional Service.
The ban is effective, following the escape of six prisoners on Manus Island over the weekend.
And the Prime Minister has demanded a full explanation because he says the communities’ lives are at risk.
He has also instructed the CS Minister to halt, day release from prisons around the country until a full review of procedures.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill is extremely concerned on news of prison escapes around the country and says the Government will create tougher penalties to penalise escapees and citizens who harbour them.
The latest on Manus Island has sparked concerns which the Prime Minister said, “The escape of six prisoners on day release is intolerable and places communities at risk.”
Mr O’Neill said the efforts to apprehend them will be stepped up and instructed police and correctional services to increase resources.
In the meantime, a ban on all day temporary release of prisoners is effective to allow the review of existing penalties.
Their release will only be guaranteed under special circumstances like medical care.
The Prime Minister said he to consult with the Attorney General and the National Executive Council ahead of the first meeting of Parliament this year.
