Dili, May 22, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Command of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), under the leadership of the General Commander Commissioner General Henrique da Costa, has issued an order to the Special Police Unit (UEP) and the National Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DIKN), together with the PNTL Command of Bobonaro Municipality, to form a joint team to initiate an investigation into the incident that occurred in the Cailaco Administrative Post, Bobonaro Municipality, on May 20, 2025.
The confrontation reportedly took place during the flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 23rd anniversary of the Restoration of Timor-Leste’s Independence. The event was held at the Cailaco Football Field at around 11:00 AM and tragically resulted in the death of a young man.
PNTL spokesperson Police Superintendent João Belo dos Reis explained in a press conference that, in response to the incident that went viral on social media, the PNTL received a report from the Bobonaro Municipal Command on May 20, following the event. The report indicated that the incident occurred around 11:00 AM during the flag-raising ceremony in the area.
“According to the information we received, the youths involved belonged to two Martial Arts Groups (GAM), and the night before (May 19), they had already attempted to assault each other. One of the groups also allegedly attacked a veteran’s house, where a flag was being raised. Following these acts, both GAM groups continued their clashes at the site of the ceremony, prompting police intervention,” said the PNTL spokesperson.
The Superintendent further noted that, based on the most recent information, one of the youths sustained severe injuries and, despite being transported to the hospital, could not be saved. Given the gravity of the situation and the information available, the first step was an order from the General Commander to immediately deploy a UEP team to the scene.
“Secondly, a team from DIKN was also sent to the scene to investigate what exactly happened there and to support the investigation led by the Bobonaro Municipal Command. We also immediately requested an autopsy and arranged for the body to be transported to Dili for the procedure,” added Superintendent João Belo dos Reis.
The Director of DIKN also clarified that rumors circulating online suggesting that the death was caused by a gunshot or that it was the result of a shot fired by a PNTL member are yet to be confirmed. Only the result of the autopsy will determine whether the death was due to a bullet wound or another sharp object. He urged the public not to assume that just because a firearm was involved, a PNTL member must have fired it or caused the injury. Both a criminal and disciplinary investigation will follow.
However, if it is later determined that the person was killed by another object wielded by someone else, the investigation will continue, and the responsible party will be held accountable. The reports have been received, but as emphasized, all conclusions will be based on statements from witnesses, those who saw or heard the events which will then be presented to the court. While there are claims that two PNTL officers fired their weapons, the investigation will determine whether their actions were in accordance with procedure. The investigation will run its full course.
Report: PNTL Media
Photo: Official Page Lensa PNTL