A retired ex-military Sergeant, 50 years old from the Gulf Province, complained to the Ombudsman Commission about the alleged improper administering of exit entitlements and unreasonable delay by the PNG Defence Force in settling his repatriation benefits.
The Complainant enlisted with PNGDF on 11 February 1985 and last served as a Military Police in the Rank of Sergeant (SGT.) attached to Murray Barracks Head Quarters until his discharge on 28 August 2014. He served with PNGDF for 29 years.
After his discharge, the ex-sergeant followed up on his repatriation entitlements, however, was unreasonably denied payments. Despite the lodgments of claims and fulfilment of requirements, PNGDF unreasonably denied settling his due entitlement to exit and also failed to provide any explanation for their actions.
After numerous follow-ups with PNGDF dating back from 2014 to 2019, the complainant approached the Ombudsman Commission on 17 September 2020. The Commission commenced an investigation into the matter on 25 February 2021, and within two (2) years, the retired ex-sergeant was paid K 15,767.40 in full repatriation entitlements benefits by the PNG Deference Force.
The complainant wrote to the Commission on 9 May 2023 and confirmed receipt of payments and also thanked the Commission for the assistance and effort in resolving his grievance.