FM calls PNTL to tighten border security

DILI, 20 july 2021 (TATOLI)-The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Fundasaun Mahein (FM) trough its Executive director, João Almeida, said that to ensure the COVID-19 variant Delta does not enter the territory of Timor-Leste, the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL) who are assigned to the border areas of Timor-Leste and Indonesia must be tightened maximally.

“The PNTL Border Patrol Unit (UPF) must secure all the borders of Timor-Leste and Indonesia in three Municipalities Oe-cusse, Maliana and Suai consisting of Sakato to Naktuka and Mota Ain to Mota Masin to anticipate the COVID-19 variant Delta, do not enter the national territory of Timor-Leste,” said Almeida in his office Bairo Grilhos to Journalist TATOLI News Agency on tuesday.

Almeida explained that the State Emergency regulations can criminalize those who do not comply.

Therefore, FM urges everyone to better collaborate with the government and security forces at the border to comply with the existing rules because the COVID-19 variant Delta is very dangerous because contamination from person to person is very fast.

We must be vigilant because Indonesia is our neighboring country, it is proven that the COVID-19 variant Delta has killed many Indonesian people so far.

Almeida asked the PNTL and the Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) on duty at the borders to implement the State Emergency regulations for citizens who do not comply with these rules to be criminalized with public health because the Covid-19 variant Delta is very dangerous and threatens Timor-Leste because Timor-Leste and Indonesia are neighboring countries, said Almeida.

Previously, the Indonesian National Police (KAPOLRI) had arrested 14 martial arts members, citizens of Timor-Leste in Atambua, Kupang who entered Indonesian territory illegally with the aim of gaining a belt and had been handed over to the PNTL Border Patrol Unit (UPF) for processing under Timor-Leste ‘s law.

Journalist: Camilio de Sousa

Editor: Rafy Belo