After the Tongan Cabinet extended the Emergency Powers for another 30 days, effective from Friday, February 16, the Tonga Defence Services has removed all their check points from the central Nuku'alofa area.

Lt. Colonel Tongapo'uli Aleamotu'a said that although they had removed all their checkpoints from the Nuku'alofa central area on Monday February 19 to allow easier movements of people and traffic they still had two base stations in central Nuku'alofa. "One is located at Pangai Si'i to patrol the central area, and the other at the OBN Television to patrol that part of Nuku'alofa".

He said that their presence in the proclaimed area was to ensure that businesses who had decided to move back into the central proclaimed area feel secure in resuming their daily operations.

Tongapo'uli said that the only two check points that are still enforced in central Nuku'alofa, were manned by the police. There is one on Hala Taufa'ahau between the Hotel Nuku'alofa and the former Tungi Arcade, and the other on Hala Lelue between the Parliament's Office and the Magistrate's Court. "These roads still need to be kept closed to traffic, but people on foot can enter and exit from the areas," said Tongapo'uli.

Tongapo'uli said that one reason for the extension of the Emergency Power was to give the TDS personnel the authority to maintain law and order and to assist with the work of the Tonga Police.

He said that TDS personnel were still helping the Tonga Police and a team of New Zealand police in patrolling the Nuku'alofa and the rural areas, to ensure public order.

Tongapo'uli believed that they had made an impact on the people becoming more aware of the laws, "although there are still those that are breaking the laws by consuming alcohol in prohibited areas, like parking lots and the foreshore, but we have now strictly enforced the law that no one is allowed to exit a bar or club with a drink of alcohol or a beer in their hands."

Meanwhile Tongapo'uli said that the police were still continuing with their investigations to arrest those in connection with crimes committed on November 16, 2006.