The Ministry of Justice and the Koror State Government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on September 7 to forge cooperation on the matter of Koror State security.

“I am very pleased to see this MOU finalized,” stated Koror State Governor Franco Gibbons. He expressed his appreciation to Vice President Raynold Oilouch for quickly moving the discussion to the final execution of MOU.

He stated that this was made possible with support of Koror State Legislature and council of chiefs who reacted positively to the idea of cooperation with national government on matter of Koror State security.

Governor Gibbons reiterated portion of the MOU that expressively states that Koror Rangers will not be in harm’s way in the process of supporting the national police under MOU.

Vice President Oilouch expressed his appreciation of Koror State’s cooperation and noted their concern for safety of the people and residents of Koror State.

The need for this MOU came as a result of statistics and data’s that the MOJ has identified in its weekly Police Blotters that more than fifty percent of crimes committed in Palau happens in Koror State, and more than ninety percent of officers respond to cases in Koror given the limited number of Police Officers, a joint or collaborative effort between the State Government and National Government is inevitable for the protection and security of the people and properties in the State.

The MOU asks for the assistance of Koror State Government in the security, safety and the wellbeing of the people residing in Koror for a joint partnership with MOJ to make available Koror State Rangers to assist the National Police in the patrol, surveillance and security around Koror, including inner hamlets and community neighborhoods, acting as additional manpower to increase law enforcement presence during emergency incidents, illegal activities observed, and further testify in courts if ever a need arises.

The Bureau of Public Safety and Narcotics Enforcement Agency will continue to remain as the Primary law enforcement body in responding to criminal activities within the hamlets and neighborhoods, while the Koror State Rangers will only assist by supplementing manpower for the purpose of increasing law enforcement presence and reporting suspicious or criminal activities to the National Police.

President Remengesau Jr. lauded the efforts of both Koror State and the Ministry of Justice in this collaborative effort.

“I hope that this will be one of many such collaborations between Koror State and national government and that the collaboration will also extends to other States as well,” added Remengesau.