UNPol Weekly Security Bulletin 12-18 June 2008

UNPol Weekly Security Bulletin 12-18 June 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The overall security situation is calm.

The demonstration led by the Student Council of Timor-Leste last Wednesday and Thursday (11-12/06) ended peacefully with no security incidents.

On Friday (13/06), a ceremony was held at the Police Academy to mark the end of the Provisional Certification Course for the PNTL. Over 3000 PNTL members have participated in this course since 2006.

As of last Friday (13/6) 500 Petitioners have peacefully left the Aitarak Laran camp- approximately 200 Petitioners remain. The Government has announced that the camp will be closed by 1 July.

From Monday (16/06), IDPs began to leave the Sional IDP camp. As of yesterday (17/06), 88 families had left. In total, 353 families from this camp will receive the recovery grant. To date, there have been no security incidents related to the return of IDPs from any of the camps.

Across the country, there have been 34 security incidents and 42 arrests. The majority of these were public disturbances and assaults. Three homicides were reported, two in Dili and one in Ermera.  These homicides are being investigated by the PNTL and UNPol.

Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UNMIT Weekly Security Bulletin 05 - 11 June 2008

UNMIT Weekly Security Bulletin 05 - 11 June 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains calm.

On 6 June, a new training facility for prison staff at Becora Prison in Dili was opened.

On 9 June, UNPol and PNTL responded to an attack made on a UN civilian staff in Colmera, Dili. The victim had been stabbed by an unknown suspect and was subsequently taken to the UN clinic. The case is under investigation.

The Student Council of Timor-Leste on Wednesday (11/06) began a Peace March Protest to express their grievances to the government on recent economic problems. Approximately 1000 students were thought to be participating. There have been no security incidents reported and the march is planned to end on Thursday (12/06). The PNTL and UNPol have been monitoring the march.

On Saturday (07/06), 18 families left the Arte Moris camp to return to their former houses in Comoro-16 IDP families remain at the camp. A further 10 families have left the USAID camp- 7 families remain. Also on Saturday, remaining IDPs at the Jardin Camp returned home. The Jardin IDP camp is now officially closed. No security incidents were reported. The next camp scheduled to be decommissioned is Sional.

To date, more than 1430 IDP families have so far received a recovery package under the Hamutuk Hari'i Futuru Strategy.

Across the country, there have been 45 security incidents and 53 arrests. The majority of these were public disturbances and assaults.

Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UNMIT Weekly Security Bulletin 14-21 May 2008

UNMIT Weekly Security Bulletin 14-21 May 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains generally good with people enjoying independence day events across the country,

The Restoration of Independence Day on May 20 attracted large crowds in Dili. Both UNPol and PNTL officers provided security and there were no serious incidents reported. On Saturday evening, a free rock concert in Dili attracted a crowd of 50,000 people.

The return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes continues with the Jardim IDP camp at the Seaport in Dili closing today. About 350 families are due to move back to their homes over the next few days. It is the third camp to close in Dili in as many weeks. The first was the Seminario Maior Fatumeta Camp and the second was the National Hospital camp.

8692 families have registered their intent to return to their communities. Each of the returning families will receive a recovery grant from the Ministry of Social Solidarity to help them rebuild or repair their home and each person, including children, will also receive 16 kg of rice. The next camps to be assisted to return will be Sional and Hera Port.

UNPol and PNTL officers are monitoring security incidents associated with the returns through the National Community and Humanitarian Policing Unit. Peace talks between returnees and their home communities continue.

Across the country, there have been 36 security incidents and 68 arrests over the past week. The majority of these were public disturbances and assaults.

There have been no serious security incidents reported at Aitarak-laran where the Petitioners are being accommodated.

Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

United Nations Police in East Timor Weekly Security Briefing 02 - 09 May 2008

United Nations Police in East Timor Weekly Security Briefing 02 - 09 May 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains generally stable as IDPs from camps in Dili return to their homes after more than two years in temporary accommodations.

The IDP camp at the National Hospital closed this week. A total of 425 families have returned home or sought accommodation at the Becora Transitional shelter. It is the second camp to close in Dili in the past two weeks. The first was the Seminario Maior Fatumeta Camp and a total of 173 resident families returned to their homes.

The National Community Policing and Humanitarian Unit advises that out of 598 families who have left the camps, five security incidents have been reported. None resulted in serious injury.

There are a number of community-driven attempts to resolve tensions between returnees and existing residents including negotiations between community policing and Suco Chiefs. It is expected that President José Ramos-Horta will attend a conflict-resolution meeting to be held in Bairro Pite in mid-May.

A total of 8692 families have registered their intent to return to their communities. Each of the returning families will receive a recovery grant from the Ministry of Social Solidarity to help them rebuild or repair their home and each person, including children, will also receive 16 kg of rice. The next camp to be assisted to return will be Jardim, Sional and Hera Port

The states of siege or emergency were lifted in all districts, except Ermera, on April 21st.

Across the country, there has been a total of 39 security incidents and a total of 127 arrests. The remains of two bodies were discovered in Dili midweek near the airport. Police are investigating this case.

There have been no serious security incidents reported at Aitarak-laran where the Petitioners are being accommodated.

UNPol in East Timor Weekly Security Brief 12-18 April 2008

UNPol Weekly Security Brief 12-18 April 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains stable but fragile as the President of Timor-Leste, Dr José Ramos-Horta returned to Dili on Thursday.

On Wednesday, UNPol and PNTL announced new security arrangements for protection of the President in coordination with the F-FDTL and the International Security Forces the ISF.

The PNTL together with the UNPol Portuguese Formed Police Unit (which form part of UNPol's authorized strength of 1536 police officers) will provide close protection for the President at all times. Two checkpoints will be established on either side of the President's residence and they will be manned 24 hours a day by PNTL and UNPol officers. Security patrols around the President's residence by the F-FDTL and the International Security Forces will augment security arrangements. In addition to close protection, Dili police (PNTL and UNPol) will provide security within the area around the President's office

The State of Siege continues in the districts of Aileu, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Liquiça and Manufahi. The State of Emergency continues in the districts of Baucau, Dili, Lautem, Viqueque and Manatuto.
During the past week, 21 security incidents were reported for the whole country (reporting period 12/04-18/04). The majority of security incidents continue to be low-level assaults and minor public disturbances. There were a total of 53 arrests made.

The United Nations Police and the PNTL are continuing active patrols over all areas of Dili.

There have been no security incidents reported at the IDP camps.

There have been no serious security incidents reported at Aitarak-laran.

The police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week

UNPol in East Timor Weekly Security Brief 29 March - 04 April 08

UNPol Weekly Security Brief 29 March - 04 April 08 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains stable but fragile.

The State of Siege continues in the districts of Aileu, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Liquica and Manufahi. The State of Emergency continues in the districts of Baucau, Dili, Lautem, Viqueque and Manatuto.

During the past week, 30 security incidents were reported for the whole country (reporting period 26/03-01/04). The majority of security incidents continue to be low-level assaults and minor public disturbances. There were no incidents of group fighting and only one incidence of homicide reported in Ermera District. A total of 66 arrests were made, primarily for curfew violations.

The United Nations Police and the PNTL are continuing active patrols over all areas of Dili.

There have been no security incidents reported at the IDP camps. One hundred and twenty five IDP families left in convoy on Saturday (29/03) to return to their homes in the villages of Urahou, Lisapat, Fatubesi, Mau-Ubu and Poenilala in the district of Ermera. Security for the convoy was provided by UNPol, PNTL, and the Portuguese and Pakistani Formed Police Units. To date, a total of 450 families have left the IDP camps.

There have been no serious security incidents reported at Aitarak-laran.

On 1 April, heavy rains caused flash flooding in the Hera IDP camp. No permanent evacuations were necessary. Heavy rains also caused great damage to the road to Lolotoe, Bobonaro.

The police advise to avoid traveling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

United Nations Police in East Timor Weekly Security Brief 21-28 March 2008

UNPol Weekly Security Briefing 21-28 March 2008 Joint NGO Safety Office Security Summary - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains stable but fragile.

The State of Siege has been extended to the Districts of Aileu, Ainaro, Bobonaro, Covalima, Ermera, Liquica and Manufahi for a period of 30 days until April 22. The curfew times are from 10pm to 6am.

A State of Emergency has been implemented in the districts of Baucau, Dili, Lautem, Viqueque and Manatuto, also until April 22. The curfew times are between 11pm to 5am.

A total of 5 people have surrendered this week. On Saturday (22/03), four people surrendered to the Joint Command and were produced before the police in Hatubulico, Ainaro District. All four were former PNTL or F-FDTL officers. There were existing arrest warrants against three of them in connection with 11 February and they were produced before the Dili District Court early this week. Two have been sent to pre-trial custody at Becora Prison. The third has been released.

Another suspect voluntarily surrendered himself in Monteiro, Maubesi on Tuesday (25/03). As there was no warrant of arrest issued against this individual, he was not charged.

During the past week, a total of 20 security incidents were reported for the whole country; 13 in Dili and 7 in the districts. The majority of security incidents continue to be low-level assaults and minor public disturbances. There was one incident of group fighting and no homicides. A total of 127 arrests were made, primarily for curfew violations. 

The United Nations Police and the PNTL are continuing active patrols over all areas of the city.

There have been no security incidents at the IDP camps. Over 97 families from the Has Laran Canossian IDP camp returned this week to their homes in Delta and Manleuana, Dili. To date, the total number of families who have left the IDP camps is 321.

There have been no serious security incidents at Aitarak-laran.

The eighth anniversary of the establishment of the Policia Nacional de Timor-Leste (PNTL) was celebrated on Thursday 27 March at the Dili Police HQ. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão, President of the Parliament Vicente Guterres, Acting President Fernando de Araujo ‘Lasama,’ and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Atul Khare, attended the ceremony.

During the ceremony, certificates were distributed to PNTL officers and a parade was held to honour them. Mr Khare also used this occasion to announce the completion of a PNTL textbook, and to officially present the textbook to the PNTL.

The textbook is a comprehensive manual on all laws relevant to the PNTL and gives practical recommendations on how to apply the laws.

The police advise to avoid travelling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

United Nations Police in East Timor Weekly Security Brief 15-20 March 2008

UNPOL Weekly Security Brief 15-20 March 2008  - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains stable but fragile.

The curfew declared following the events of February 11 has been relaxed over the Easter weekend to allow people to attend religious gatherings. The new curfew times for March 20, 21, 22 and 23 are between 1am and 6am.


During the past week, a total of 34 security incidents were reported for the whole country; most of those were in Dili. The majority of security incidents continue to be low-level assaults and minor public disturbances. There were no incidents of group fighting. A total of 155 arrests were made, primarily for curfew violations. 

The United Nations Police and the PNTL are continuing active patrols over all areas of the city.

There have been no security incidents at the IDP camps. There have been no serious security incidents at Aitarak-laran.

The Police wish everyone a happy and safe Easter and remind people to take care on the roads.

The police advise to avoid travelling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

United Nations Police in East Timor Weekly Security Brief 8-14 March 2008

UNPol Weekly Security Brief 8-14 March 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation across the country remains stable but fragile. The 10pm to 6am curfew continues.

During the past week, a total of 26 security incidents were reported for the whole country; 22 in Dili and 4 in the districts (reporting period 5-11 March). The majority of security incidents continue to be low-level assaults and minor public disturbances. Two homicides were reported in Dili and one in Bobonaro. There were no incidents of group fighting. A total of 157 arrests were made, primarily for curfew violations.

In order to maintain a strong security presence in Dili, over 300 United Nations Police from Portugal, Bangladesh, and Malaysia together with the Australian Federal Police and PNTL Task Force are actively patrolling all areas of the city.

There were two arrests made for suspects related to the October 2007 Border Patrol Unit case. The suspects have been presented before the courts.

There have been no security incidents at the IDP camps. A total of 139 families have received the Government's recovery package and successfully reintegrated into their communities. A further 627 families have registered their willingness to return and are waiting to be verified. This week, 42 families left the Dominican sisters IDP camp in Dili to return home.

There have been no serious security incidents at Aitarak-laran where an estimated 670 petitioners are still gathered.

The police advise to avoid travelling during the night to the most  affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UNPOL Weekly Security Briefing 15 February 2008

UNPOL Weekly Security Briefing 15 February 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.    

This week was defined by the two attacks occurring on Monday 11 February against the residence of President Jose Ramos-Horta and the convoy of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.

The President is recovering in Darwin following the severe injuries he received during the attacks. Doctors have confirmed that he is responding well to the medical treatment and that his vital signs are improving. He is currently in a serious, but stable condition.

The curfew imposed as part of the State of Emergency has been extended to 23 February, 2008.

UNPOL in coordination with PNTL and ISF, have implemented a robust security blanket throughout Dili, and reinforced their presence in Suai and Ermera districts.

Since Monday, there has been no increase in security incidents in the capital. Only 28

incidents were reported, four less than during the previous week. This remains well below the 2007 average of 54 incidents. Most of the incidents reported were minor assaults and public disturbances, promptly attended to by the police. Only one case of group fighting was reported. The security situation in Dili and in the rest of the country has remained calm.

Investigations into the attacks are currently underway. The police (UNPol and PNTL) have given their first progress report to the Prosecutor General and have recommended a number of arrest warrants be issued based on the evidence collected to date. All arrest warrants will be issued by the Prosecutor General. The police are continuing their investigations.

At the request of the Government of Timor-Leste, an additional 140 military officers have arrived in Dili to join the International Stabilization Forces (ISF). An extra 70 police officers have also arrived to assist the ISF.

An estimated 2000 people attended the funerals of Alfredo Reinado and Leopoldinho Exposto who were buried in a peaceful ceremony held in Marconi on Thursday afternoon (14/02). No security incidents occurred around or during the funeral procession or burial. The large crowd dispersed quietly.

Food distributions to Dili IDP camps were suspended on Monday. The distributions resumed on Tuesday and have continued for the rest of the week with no security incidents occurring.

There have been no security incidents at the gathering of the petitioners in Aitarak Laran Dili.

UNPOL Weekly Security Briefing (WSB) 2-8 February 2008

UNPOL Weekly Security Briefing (WSB) 2-8 February 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation in Dili and across the country over the week has remained relatively calm with low level disturbances occurring at irregular intervals in Dili and the districts. The overall situation nationwide is expected to remain calm over the next seven days.

Over the past week, there have been a total of 32 incidents with an average of five incidents per day (period covering 30/01-05/02). This compares with 40 incidents last week and 67 incidents during this time last year. The majority of these incidents have been public disturbances, assault and low-level group fighting. There have been two homicides.

While there is relative stability across the country, the stability is fragile as evidenced by three events this week: two explosions in Dili; and gunshots fired in Ermera. The first explosion occurred on Wednesday (06/02) north of the Australian Embassy. The second explosion occurred the following day (07/02) inside the compound of the International Security Forces. No damages or injuries were sustained in either explosion. UNPol and the PNTL are urging members of the public who have information to come forward to assist with the investigations.

An encounter between the ISF and some members of Alfredo Reinado's group also occurred on Wednesday (06/02) in Lauala village, Ermera District. The soldiers were on a routine patrol when they encountered the group. Reinado's group fired shots into the air. The ISF did not return fire and immediately withdrew in an attempt to defuse the situation. No injuries were sustained during this incident. UNMIT reiterates that such incidents underscore the need and importance for Alfredo Reinado to submit peacefully to justice.

The Government's policy to reduce food rations as introduced this week in IDP camps in Dili. While some IDPs are protesting the new policy, no security incidents have occurred. To date, five camps have refused the reduced food rations.

Approximately 90 petitioners arrived in Dili to commence discussions with the Government and the F-FDTL on Thursday (07/02) in Kampung Alor. The discussions are progressing peacefully.

The police advise to avoid travelling during the night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UNPOL Daily Security Briefing 1 February 2008

UNPOL Daily Security Briefing 1 February 2008 - This is a broadcast of the UN Police in Timor-Leste to provide you with information about the security situation around the country.

The security situation in Dili and across the country over the week has remained relatively calm with low level disturbances occurring at irregular intervals in Dili and the districts. The overall situation nationwide is expected to remain calm over the next 24 hours.

Over the past week, there have been a total of 40 incidents with an average of six incidents per day. This compares with 36 incidents last week and 65 incidents during this time last year. The majority of incidents in the capital involved traffic accidents, sporadic fighting and petty burglaries.

These statistics indicate a noticeable improvement in the security situation. Within this context, the United Nations Police (UNPol) will be progressively transferring authority to the PNTL in three police posts in Dili, including Bairo Pite, Bidau and Mercado Lama. This will provide greater operational space and opportunity for the PNTL to operate more independently. The three posts will be largely staffed by PNTL officers with supervision from UNPol.

The progressive transfer of authority will be based on four criteria:

1. The posts must be managed by fully certified PNTL officers
2. There must be adequate logistic support given to PNTL
3. Essential cooperative assistance between the PNTL and FFDTL must exist
4. There must be a demonstrated public confidence in the PNTL

UNPol will be watching the posts over the next couple of months to ensure that the four criteria are being met. The experience learned from this will be the basis of greater responsibility being handed to the PNTL over the coming months in other districts.

The police advise to avoid traveling during the  night to the most affected areas. Please report any suspicious activities.  You can call 112 or 7230365 to contact the police 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UNPol in East Timor Security Briefing 26 - 31 January 2008

UNPol Daily Security Briefing 26 - 31 January 2008 - The security situation in Dili and across the country over the week has remained relatively calm with low level disturbances occurring at irregular intervals in Dili and the districts. The overall situation nationwide is expected to remain calm over the next 24 hours.

Over the past week, there was a total of 40 incidents with an average of 6 incidents per day. This compares with 36 incidents last week and 65 incidents during this time last year. The majority of incidents in the capital involved traffic accidents, sporadic fighting and petty burglaries