Dili, January 6, 2026 (Democracia Media) – The Command of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) held a press conference to share information regarding police operations conducted across the territory of Timor-Leste during the Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 celebrations, during which three cases were recorded in the municipalities of Ainaro, Baucau, and Ermera. The press conference was held at the Caicoli General Headquarters.
PNTL Command Spokesperson, Police Superintendent João Belo dos Reis, stated that the purpose of the conference was to inform the public about incidents that occurred during the Christmas and New Year celebrations and to call for public vigilance. He noted that the police carried out two major operations in response to incidents in the municipalities of Ainaro, Baucau, and Ermera.
“We are reporting on an incident that occurred in the Municipality of Ainaro, where three members of the Ainaro Municipal PNTL were injured after being attacked with bladed weapons. Ten suspects have been identified, and the case has been submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Municipality of Covalima, Suai, under case number NUC: 0002/2026 PNSIK,”
said PNTL Command Spokesperson Superintendent João Belo dos Reis.
The spokesperson added that regarding another incident in the Municipality of Ermera, PNTL identified six victims, while suspects are still under investigation. The victims were injured due to the explosion of certain materials. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the injuries were caused by gas canisters or fireworks.
“We also report a case that occurred in the Municipality of Baucau, where there was a disturbance of public order involving youths who assaulted one another. PNTL immediately intervened by deploying tear gas, which then exploded and caused injury to one person’s leg. This case is still under investigation and has been submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office,”
the PNTL spokesperson explained.
The spokesperson further stated that another case occurred in Covalima, Suai, involving two youths in a state of severe intoxication who were riding a motorcycle at high speed and collided with each other, resulting in death at the scene. The bodies were handed over to the families for funeral procedures.
He further explained that during the Christmas and New Year 2026 celebrations, another incident also occurred in which the child of the Director of Road Traffic lost his life due to a single-vehicle accident in Manleuana, Dili Municipality.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano