DILI, 05 april 2023 (TATOLI) – The General Commander of the Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), Commissioner Henrique da Costa has ordered the Border Patrol Police (UPF) to tighten border controls ahead of political campaigns for the may-21 parliamentary elections.
“I have ordered the UPF to intensify our patrol operation to better control the border areas before, during, and after the upcoming parliamentary elections,” Costa made the comments at PNTL Headquarters, in Dili.
More than 300 UPF officers have been deployed to the border areas to stop illegal crossing, illicit trade, etc.
“I call on these UPF officers to intensify their patrol operation at border zones to prevent people from crossing the border illegally,” Costa stressed.
PNTL officers have undergone specific training to ensure a stable and peaceful election in the country, like any previous election.
Last week, the President of Parliamentary Committee B which deals with Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security Affairs, José Agostinho Sequeira ‘Somotxo’, called on the Timorese National Police (PNTL) and the National Defense Force (F-FDTL) to deploy more personnel to the border zones to ensure stability in the country for the may-21 parliamentary election.
Committee B has previously discussed with the Ministry of Interior to discuss the allocation of resources including budget, transport, and equipment to support the Joint Border Control Operation of the F-FDTL and PNTL.
Committee B has visited the border areas of Timor-Leste to inspect facilities, including the Police and the F-FDTL posts at the border areas of Motain in Bobonaro, Mota-Masin in Covalima, and RAEOA.
According to Somotxo, illegal border crossing and illicit trade continue to increase since the government imposed the excise tax on tobacco, sugar, sugary drinks, etc.
“The cases of illegal crossing are higher compared to 2022. So, the government needs to consider this issue,” he stressed.
Somotxo said: “Therefore, it is necessary to deploy more police officers and military personnel in the border areas to ensure stability in the country, especially during the political campaign and the upcoming elections.”
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
