Venidora Oliveira – National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) members are using service weapons to hunt animals, according to Member of Parliament Ana Ribeiro.

The Commission B (security, defence, and foreign affairs) member said the weapons provided by the government were to defend state interests, not for personal activities such as hunting. PNTL internal regulations forbade the use of weapons in such a way, she said.

She urged PNTL commanders to issue disciplinary sanctions to members found to breach the regulations. "Give sanctions to the members so they will not do it again in the future," she said.

Secretary of State for Security Francisco Guterres said PNTL brass would punish members who used their weapons inappropriately. "I know that currently the Commander is taking action and it is working properly," he said.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/news/13008-pntl-service-weapons-used-for-hunting