A sequence of events
pp. 16-17 · Read in the full issue
Bougainville
By Wally Hiambohn
Before the September 12 raid, the Solomon Islands government had recorded at least 22 incursions by PNG troops and illegal crossings by thhe BRA
The following is a chronological list of illegal crossings and re lated incidences as recorded by the Solomon Islands govern ment. 1989 November 1- PNG’s Police Com missioner, Paul Tohian (Controller, Bou gainville Crisis) warned that “any Sol omon Islands citizens who cross into North Solomons Province of PNG are liable for prosecution under the Emer gency (Bougainville) (General Powers) Act 1989 for breach of the Emergency Order”.
November 11 Three Bougainvilleans all of Orava Golo, Manasah and Kanaka violated the border ban and were seen at a Samanago Village, Fauro.
November 17 Solomon Islands Police Commissioner informs PNG police of violation of their border cross ban 1990 June On two occasions Solomon Islands security forces encountered five and three speed boats with dozens of armed BRA rascals a few miles from a PNG patrol boat which failed to give chase in its waters.
August 5 Seven armed Bougainvilleans landed at, Baola, Shortlands at 3.00 am threatening vil lagers and forcefully bought fuel.
August 6 A canoe with Shortland villagers was approached in the sea and robbed by several gunmen. Sea shells and other items were stolen.
November 23 Thomas Kanave,
Leveuas Magasu Mangu, Joe Prel,
Timothy Ama were charged with illegal
crossing. They were discharged but bound not to commit any further offence within three months. 1991 April 11 PNGDF Nomad aircraft flew over Balalae and later took off in
Bougainville direction.
April 13 The aircraft flew over medical ship Tulagi several times and frightened crew then landed at Balalae.
July Bougainvilleans named Glen John and Simon Tourika are questioned for illegal possession of .22 rifle and ammunitions.
August 1-6 Wounded Bougainvilleans arrived and treated at Central Hospital for gun wounds. 1992 January 1 Modesto Buin of Koliae village with two Bougainvilleans were captured. His 15 HP Yamaha Engine, tank and tools, one paddle and 20 litres of petrol were seized by PNG patrol boat 03 at Maohu Island. Buin escaped and was now at home. Patrol boat remained within SI territory (Tuluve Island) until January 4.
January 13-14 patrol boat still within SI waters.
January 2 Solomon Islander, Uaba, was arrested by PNG patrol boat while transporting 49 drums of fuel to Bougain ville after being hired by two
PNG troops: operating on an injured civilian from Bougainville
Bougainvillean businessmen. He was punched in the face four times and beaten twice with rifle butt.
January 16 PNG patrol boat 02 seen off Komailae.
February 2 PNG patrol boat called at Komalie village to enable Uaba to say goodbye to his family before being taken for trial in Rabaul.
March 12 At B.oopm outboard engines sounds were heard. 9.00 pm engine sounds stopped. Moments later a flare was fired over Bomana petrol depot.
Shots were then fired towards the petrol depot. After that one dingy and two ray boats with nine persons on board were
seen leaving. Investigation revealed 1200-litre drum of petrol (full) and one empty container were damaged. Bullet shots found on a coconut trunk suggested an M-16 rifle was used.
March 18 Eight men from Gaomae arrested by PNG Defence and taken to Tuaroto camp for questioning. Defence personnel pointed guns at them during questioning. The men were fishing on Tuluve Island on SI side.
Nfarch 21 While Lata was at Kariki with DCP Sireheti on board, PNG Defence chased three canoes from Bou gainville who escaped to Kariki. PNG speed crafts turned back when they
spotted the presence of Lata.
Bougainvilleans were handed over to Police Korovou.
April 2 PNG Defence entered Solomon Islands by motorised boat and landed at Kava Kava Bay, south west of Fauro and travelled on foot to Kariki village. They claimed they were search ing for BRA crossers. All were heavily armed and threatened villagers. After they failed to find any BRA members they travelled to Samanago village still on Fauro, again terrorising villagers.
April 8 Police Korovou confirmed PNG Defence ray boat called at Samanago village on April 4.