The three member 2026 Police Promotion Board has been officially sworn in and will now begin its work reviewing and assessing officers for promotion across the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) for the next 12 months.
The swearing- in ceremony was officiated by Police Commissioner David Manning today at the Police Headquarters at Konedobu, Port Moresby city.
The Promotion Board will be chaired by Dame Jean Lucilla Kekedo, DBE, DBStJ, CSM, who was appointed by Minister for Police, Sir John Pundari.
Joining her on the board are Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Nitma and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Policy and Planning Regga Neggi, both appointed by the Chairlady.
Giving the keynote address, Minister for Police Sir John Pundari reminded the board members of the responsibility entrusted on them and the need for integrity in all promotion decisions.
“You have taken an oath of office for the next 12 months. Remember, board members and the esteemed Chairlady, that the nation will be watching you.
Ask yourself one question before you stamp that file. If my daughter was kidnapped in Lae tonight, is this the officer I want hunting that kidnapper? If the answer is no, Chairlady and board members, do not promote him,” he said.
Sir John also called on police officers nationwide to remain committed to duty regardless of recognition or visibility.
“To every policeman right across this nation, you must know this. The oath of service that you have taken is to serve your people.
Your Commissioner may not see the service that you provide. Your immediate boss may not see you doing the right thing and ensuring justice for those who deserve it.
But you must know one thing. There is a God in Heaven who loves this country and its people. He is watching you, and in His own way, He will reward you,” he said.
He further urged officers to maintain integrity in service and ensure promotions are based strictly on merit.
“Rank must mean safety for the people of Papua New Guinea, not seniority, not connections,” Sir John said.
“I challenge you, board, every officer promoted must be promoted because he is the best, not because he knows the best.”
He said the Government continues to invest heavily in policing and expects ongoing improvements in professionalism, standards, and service delivery across the Constabulary.
Commissioner Manning reaffirmed that promotions will be conducted in line with established criteria and through a structured assessment process covering all ranks.
He said the Constabulary remains committed to building a modern, transparent and accountable police force capable of meeting national expectations.
The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the Promotion Selection Board’s work, with members now tasked to assess officers under the Constabulary’s 2026 promotion cycle, including reviewing existing promotion recommendations and selection documentation.
Commissioner Manning said the promotion process will be conducted in stages, with officers assessed based on merit, performance and demonstrated service.
“It is about delivering a police force in which this country can be proud of; a police force that is modern, transparent and accountable,” he said.
He stressed that promotions will not be automatic, but awarded only to officers who consistently demonstrate discipline, commitment and professional conduct.
With the board now sworn in, it will begin reviewing promotion assessments and recommendations under the 2026 promotion cycle in the coming months as part of the Constabulary’s ongoing reform agenda.
