Dili, 31 March 2026 (Média Democracia) – PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos, made his first visit to the Special Police Unit (UEP) command to encourage them to prepare themselves, even though they’re few, so they can perform their duties well in the future.
“The purpose of my visit to the Special Police Unit is for them to prepare themselves. Though they’re few, in the future they’ll work even better. I have the authority, and as the new Commander, I have to work hard to prepare them for the future.” Said PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos
The Special Police Unit (UEP) is the decisive police force, as they’re the ones who take charge when something happens.
“One or two days, if something happens, they’re the ones who decide. That’s why this is my first visit, I had to come here first, and next I’ll go to Maritime.” Informs PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos
The General Commander asks Special Police Unit members to comply with commands and work according to the command hierarchy.
“Yes, I’ve told them already, in the National Police of Timor-Leste, there are only two things: follow the command’s orders and listen to the commander, because the commander leads and knows best.” Affirms PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos
Commissioner Afonso also stresses that the police are prepared to provide security for the upcoming presidential election next year and the 2028 parliamentary election.
“We’re prepared, I wlll talk to our Minister to prepare them for the 2027 and 2028 elections, so everything goes smoothly.” Highlight PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos
Regarding the issue of limited facilities at UEP Command, PNTL General Commander says that during his visit, he identified the facility problems, but it’s a command secret that he’ll resolve.
In the same place, UEP Commander, Chief Superintendent Damiao Correia, stated that PNTL General Commander, Assistant Commissioner Afonso dos Santos’ visit to UEP is his first visit since assuming the role of General Commander after taking office.
“He came to see the current conditions that the Special Police Unit is facing, but as a former UEP Commander starting from 2010, he knows the Special Unit’s conditions very well, so politically he will convey to the Interior Minister what is needed to complete the special unit.” Said UEP Commander, Chief Superintendent Damiao Correia
The UEP Commander says that through this visit, the General Commander asked the UEP Commander to comply with the command’s orders.
Report by: Estefania
Photo by: Estefania