Colonel, Gilbert Toropo, was officially sworn in as the Brigadier General Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force today.
He replaces Commander Francis Agwi who served as Papua New Guinea Defense Force Commander for four years.
Discipline will be one of his key priorities as the new commander and he expects all soldiers to behave professionally.
It was a significant moment for the Papua New Guinea Defense Force.
Colonel Gilbert Toropo was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
His promotion was witness by Defence Minister Dr. Fabian Pok, the outgoing Commander Brigadier General Francis Agwi, and members of the PNGDF and bilateral partners.
The new Brigadier General Commander swore on oath to diligently serve the country and to uphold the constitution.
Justice Panuel Mogish urged Commander Toropo to restore and maintain discipline, which has been on the decline.
He says, commanding officers must be held responsible for the actions of their members, and also for the penalty regime to be revised.
Understanding the magnitude of the task at hand, Brigadier General Toropo says he will do everything in his power, to restore discipline.
Minister for Defence, Dr. Fabian Pok, reaffirmed the government’s commitment in lifting the standard of PNGDF.
He also acknowledged the outgoing Commander Brigadier General, Francis Agwi, for his contribution to the force for the last four years.
The UN Peace Mission, recruitment of females into the force and the Defence White paper are some of Commander Agwi’s achievements.
Brigadier General Agwi will officially relinquish his post in a formal parade tomorrow.
But as Brigadier General Commander Gilbert Toropo assumes his new role, there are still unanswered questions about his involvement in the alleged misappropriation of PNGDF Funds.
So far he has remained silent on the issue.
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