BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
THE police station in Tigoa, Rennell and Bellona province is reportedly running without a commander.
The provincial police commander, Inspector Aloysio Manegaua is said to have left the station in early April and has not been seen since, according to reports from concerned elders of the Tigoa community.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) meanwhile, clarifies that the PPC for Renbel has been away from the province’s only police station to attend to his sick wife in Guadalcanal province.
“He was given permission by RSIPF to be absent for this purpose. An officer at Tigoa Police Station has been given authority to be in charge while the PPC is away,” said RSIPF Media Unit in response to Island Sun yesterday.
Speaking to Island Sun in anonymity, three prominent figures amongst Tigoa community say PPC Manegaua had left Tigoa early April and has not been seen since.
They add that there has not been a replacement for Manegaua and the station is being manned by constables.
Tigoa community leaders say there is an observed increase in anti-social behaviour, especially related to drunk and disorderly and public rows in which they call on police to act upon.
They are calling on the RSIPF HQ in Honiara to seriously consider Tigoa police station because Rennell island needs a working, visible and active police presence since it is a hub for extractive operations.
