In a speech Taur Matan Ruak congratulated PNTL members for their daily commitment to strengthening democracy, presenting positive identity for the nation and “protection of our citizens.”

Ruak also commended PNTL members for the peaceful March 20 Presidential election they oversaw, adding that working “professionally” hand-in-hand with the nation’s defence force was critical to maintaining on-going peace.

The head of State used the podium to call on the government to invest in equipment and infrastructure that could improve the operational capacity of PNTL and officer’s standard of life.

In a statement that congratulated the PNTL on its anniversary, local security and police watchdog, Fundasaun Mahein, said while PNTL had “made significant progress over these 17 years,” it still required “the support of the Government, in terms of policy, legislation, and infrastructure development to allow the PNTL to solidify the gains it has already made as an institution.”

“Although the PNTL still faces public criticism, this is important as it helps to identify gaps and challenges for institutional development, and reveals that the public still has a role in developing a nationally responsive and effective PNTL,” the statement said.

Fundasuan Mahein said it was “useful” for PNTL leaders to take responsibility for making policy and operational level decisions, as “these decisions are now influenced by informed debate and participation from the very public that the PNTL is responsible for protecting.”

At the same time, Don Basílio do Nascimento, the Bishop of Baucau, urged PNTL to combat corruption in its ranks. The Bishop pointed to weakened border control that encouraged illegal human and goods trafficking.