Commissioner David Manning has served as a commissioned officer of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary since joining as an Officer Cadet in 1997. His career has included command and senior operational appointments, including Inspector and Mobile Squad Commander in Lae in 2000 and Assistant Commissioner of Police for Operations in 2015. He was appointed Acting Deputy Commissioner in early 2019, Acting Commissioner in September 2019, and Commissioner of Police in December 2019.
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Reappointed in December 2023 for a second four-year term—the first Commissioner in RPNGC history to receive a consecutive second term - Commissioner Manning continues to lead an institution-wide program of reform, growth and professionalisation. His priorities include strengthening operational capability, discipline and accountability, modernising policing systems, and developing the next generation of RPNGC leaders.
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His leadership is focused on building a capable, modern and community-oriented police service that responds to Papua New Guinea’s evolving law-and-order and security needs. He remains committed to higher professional standards, integrity, leadership development and practical international cooperation that supports both national resilience and regional security.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Commissioner Manning served as Controller of Papua New Guinea’s National Pandemic Response, directing the national response and coordinating public safety measures at a time of unprecedented national challenge.
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Commissioner Manning is a regular contributor to national and regional security forums. He has served as Chair of the Security Industries Authority and a member of the Council of St. John Ambulance and the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Advisory Board.
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At the regional level, Commissioner Manning has played a leading role in advancing the Pacific Police Initiative (PPI), including as Chair of its Design Steering Group. He currently serves as Interim Chair of the PPI Leadership Board, supporting Pacific-led cooperation, capability development and operational coordination among Pacific police services.



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Commissioner Matatia Makaili

Tuvalu Police Service

PACPOL Deputy Chair

About Matatia

Coming soon.