The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is beefing up its numbers aiding the Fiji Police Force’s enforcement of curfew and social gathering restrictions.

To date, 1347 people have been arrested for breaching curfew, lockdown directives, self-isolation and social gathering restrictions since last month.

Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu said the RFMF was always ready to help the Police.

“The RFMF has been on standby and we are ready if and when needed,” he said.

The Police made the highest number of arrests last Saturday landing 193 people into custody. 139 were arrested for social gathering and 53 for curfew and one for lockdown restriction.

RFMF Land Force Commander Colonel Manoa Gadai said they were waiting for a directive so more soldiers could be deployed to help the Fiji Police Force.

“We are ready, we just need the word and more numbers will be deployed,” he said.

Colonel Gadai said RFMF was already helping some aspects of COVID-19 such as contact tracing, assisting Police and even their engineers.

“I request Fijians to adhere to the Prime Minister’s advice to stay home and refrain from unnecessary movements,” he added.

RFMF personnel were also deployed to isolation units around the country to guard the facilities.

It is believed the Government has now given the directive to RFMF to have more numbers on the ground following the continuous and blatant breach of directives designed to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho has highlighted the Police had the support of the RFMF who were assisting with the arrests of COVID-19 restriction breaches.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj