Dili, 31 March 2026 (Média Democracia) – PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos informs that during his term as General Commander, government members have no rigth to intervene in police work, they must get authorization from the PNTL General Commander especially for choosing members of the personal security corps (UEP).
“For escorts, they must get authorization from the command, otherwise it’s not allowed. If not, we’ll terminate the escort. The escort is well formed, he wants to come for training at UEP, finish training then we’ll deploy.” Afonso dos Santos told to journalists during a visit to the Special Police Unit (UEP), Bairo-Pite Monday (30/03/2026)
Commissioner Afonso says that during his term, the government has no intervention in police work, especially when it comes to choosing escorts for their families.
“Many Government members choose escorts for their families, this doesn’t exist. In Afonso’s time, the government doesn’t intervene in police work, I’m the commander, I decided what’s right. Government members can propose but I decide, not them. Also, I don’t want to hear a commander going to a political meeting, I hear one, and I will dismiss them immediately.” Informs PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos
Meanwhile, the PNTL General Commander asks all UEP members not to create racism or discuss politics in the police institution, especially the Special Police Unit, and not to create groups or family-ism, or they’ll be dismissed if the Command finds out.
Report By: Estefania
Photo By: Estefania