Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D Fakhiri has said that the killing of a Mobile Brigade member, Second Brig. Diego Rumaropen was allegedly carried out by the National West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB), or what police called armed violence groups, from Nduga Regency.
Diego Rumaropen was killed by an unknown perpetrator in Napua District, Jayawijaya Regency on Saturday, June 18, 2022. The perpetrator also took away two firearms brought by Rumaropen
“We strongly suspect that the culprit is an armed violence group from Nduga,” said Fakhiri in Jayapura City on Wednesday, June 21.
Regarding the two guns that were taken away by the perpetrators, Fakhiri said his party was still investigating and tracking the whereabouts of the two weapons. “Whether they have arrived in Nduga, it is not yet certain. Our team is currently still working to find them. Hopefully, they will be found soon,” he said.
“Kehadiran personel Brimob untuk memback-up tim yang sudah ada di [Jayawijaya],” ujarnya.
To search for the two firearms seized from Diego Rumaropen, the Papua Police will send 300 Mobile Brigade personnel to Jayawijaya to strengthen the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force. Fakhiri said the Cartenz team would also be assisted by the Jayawijaya Police Criminal Investigation Unit.
Previously, TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom claimed his party had stabbed a Papuan member of the Yon D Wamena Mobile Brigade, Second Brig. Diego Rumaropen, on Saturday.
“We have received an official report from our intelligence in Wamena that TPNPB soldiers have killed one Mobile Brigade member and seized two weapons,” said Sambom in a written statement received by Jubi on Sunday. (*)