EX-MILITANTS have been deployed to collect firearms in the government’s gun amnesty which ends on June 9, a move opposed by many in the communities.

The government’s move is also seen as a deliberate attempt to sideline police, as they will merely be observing the weapons collection.

The first group of around 90 ex-combatants in Groups of seven left under cover of darkness for Malaita early on Thursday morning. They boarded the Patrol craft Auki from the Patrol Boat Base at Mbokona shortly after midnight on Thursday.

Each was reportedly paid around $3, 000 for the week-long exercise, which takes in 13 locations around Malaita Province.

Similar programme would be undertaken on Guadalcanal, Honiara and Marau.

Police said the ex-militants’ mission is “to seek the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms in parts of Malaita province”, eradicating the threat of guns and weapons from Solomon Islands.

Deputy Police Commissioner, Gabriel Manelusi yesterday said the ex-militants are members of the Solomon Islands Post Conflict Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (SIPCRRA).

SIPCRA conducted this programme under the Joint Disarmament Reintegration Task Force Group (JDRTFG), he said.

Among other things, JDRTFG is tasked with “developing and implementing a strategy to engage those communities and individuals in the possession of firearms.

“It is a Solomon Islands Government (SIG) initiative designed to seek the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms from Solomon Island communities through advocacy, education and community engagement, which leads to the collection and destruction of the weapons,” he said.

The team of ex-militants will visit 13 locations across Malaita.

“Their role involves awareness as well as encouraging the voluntary surrender of firearms before RAMSI departs. They will also promote the RSIPF’s Crime Prevention Strategy, provide instructions to the public on when and how to surrender the weapons to the RSIPF.

“We acknowledge the cooperation of former militants, which is an important step in their reconciliation and reintegration process.

“They will coordinate messaging and joint actions between PMO, RSIPF, MNUPR, MPNSCS, RAMSI, church leaders and members of SIPCRRA,” Deputy Commissioner Manelusi said.

It was reported that police will only observe the programme.

The ex-militants were reportedly paid as much as $3, 000 each in the wee hours of yesterday morning before they left.

Deputy Commissioner Manelusi could not confirm the payment but said this could be clarified by the joint task force in due course.

The police also said SIPCRRA Guadalcanal, SIPCRRA Honiara and SIPCRRA Marau will also be conducting similar exercise soon.

“This will be a nation-wide exercise led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). It does not specifically target former tension militants, but the cooperation of members of the Solomon Islands Post-Conflict Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (SIPCRRA) and their former colleagues will be critical,” Mr Manelusi said.