“I Was Sacked for Doing My Job”: Veteran cop tells judge

A veteran police detective who claims he was forced out of the force for pursuing rape allegations against the country’s top cop is fighting back in court.

Former Senior Sergeant Detective Tinol Pakiapon, who served 38 years with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, told the Waigani National Court this week that his sacking was “unlawful” and amounted to punishment for doing his duty.

“I was sacked by the Police Commissioner for doing my job,” Pakiapon told presiding judge, Justice Susan Purdon-Sully, as he sought a judicial review of his dismissal.

But the case did not proceed. The matter was adjourned to October 24 because files were missing and neither Pakiapon’s lawyer nor the State’s lawyer was present. The court also advised him to consider refiling his application, pointing out discrepancies in the originating summons and stressing that judicial reviews are highly technical and must strictly comply with court rules.

Pakiapon, from Kundus village in Kompiam-Ambum, Enga Province, became the centre of controversy last year after he pursued allegations from a woman in West New Britain who accused Police Commissioner David Manning of rape and unlawful detention.

As an officer attached to the Boroko Family Sexual Violence Unit, Pakiapon applied for a warrant of arrest against Manning in March 2024. The District Court refused the application, and soon after Pakiapon himself was arrested, charged, suspended and eventually dismissed.

The dismissal letter, signed by Deputy Police Commissioner for Administration Philip Mitna, cited discreditable conduct, insubordination, and causing disaffection within the force.

At one point denied bail, Pakiapon was later cleared by the Waigani Committal Court of the charge of “causing disaffection,” with the court ruling the section of the Police Act used against him did not apply.

Now seeking judicial review, Pakiapon argues his termination was politically influenced, unlawful, and a breach of the Police Act. He maintains that the case he investigated had “ample evidence” and says the victim had been seeking justice for more than 20 years before turning to him.

The former detective also claims he and his family suffered harassment, intimidation, raids on his home, and defamation as a direct result of the investigation.

His legal battle continues later this month, as the court weighs whether the veteran officer was unfairly sacrificed in the pursuit of justice.