Venidora Oliveira – The General Commander of the PNTL threatened to dismiss any police officers still involved in martial arts groups.

Third Deputy of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Superintendent Julio Hornai said the Minister of Defence and Security sent out a 12 point resolution to say there would be zero tolerance for police officers involved in martial arts.

He added that command sent out a circulation to all district commanders and departments calling for police officers involved in martial arts groups to resign.

"They should present themselves to command to choose, whether the want to continue to serve the nation or resign and return to martial arts," said Superintendent Hornai.

According to him, if they continued with the groups then command would make the decision to dismiss them. "There is no offer," Superintendent Hornai said.

He said the resolution would be positive for the police, as when people become police officers they should be ready to serve the nation neutrally, rather than getting involved in a party or group.

Meanwhile Member of Parliament Mateus de Jesus said the resolution was good, so that PNTL members could work independently and neutrally. "Because to join the police or F-FDTL is to serve the nation and the people, to show neutrality towards all people," he said.

On the other side, resident Rio Oliveira agreed with this decision because the PNTL, which protects the nation, has an obligation to stand independently and not get involved with any martial arts organizations.