MANUS PROBE UNDERWAY

Papua New Guinea and Australian authorities have begun investigations into this week's disturbances at the Manus asylum seekers processing center.

The Australian team is led by Lieutenant Colonel Angus Campbell, who flew into Manus with defense personnel today, to assess the situation.

He is also authorized to take appropriate action at the center if he thinks so, with reports sent to Canberra.

As Carol Umbo reports, P-N-G Police have also started its own probe.

The police probe is among the several investigations that will be conducted by relevant authorities from both PNG and Australia.

Provincial police commander chief inspector Alex D'rasel said the team of policemen are on the ground since Monday working on this.

He said a full report will be compiled and forwarded to the superiors.

Meantime, the 8 male transferees arrested in relations to Sunday's rioting and incident have been all charged then released back to their camp at Lombrum.

PPC D'Rasel said they have all being charged under the summary offense act with charges ranging from damaging properties to disturbing peace.

He said they will be tried in the Lorengau district court under a special sitting that will be arranged by police and the local district court.