Auapaau Logoitino Filipo is the new Commissioner of Police

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 01 JULY 2022: Auapaau Logoitino Filipo is the new Commissioner of Police and his appointment was approved by Cabinet yesterday.

The 49-year-old has served as an officer for 24 years and had been a Deputy Commissioner since 2020.

The Commissioner’s position has been vacant for almost a year when Fuiavailiili Egon Keil resigned and the role of Commissioner had been rotated between Auapaau and two other Deputy Commissioners until this weeks’ appointment.

There were seven applications for the top cop position including two females and two applicants were from overseas.

Auapaau told Talamua this morning that he was confident that this was his calling given the 24 years and experience he served in the ministry.

“I wasn’t worried about the fact that there were overseas applicants as I believe I’ve served long enough in the sector and the skills I’ve gained through those years,” he said.

Auapaau said his first priority as the new Commissioner is strengthening the partnership with the Alii ma Faipule – the Village Councils for the general safety and security of the country.

He is also looking at improving the core functions of the Ministry in enforcing the law mainly against the growing crime rate in Samoa such as drugs.

“My calling is a blessing from God and I thank my church minister, Reverend Amosa Reupena and my church EFKS Vaimoso as well as my families and friends for their support and prayers,” Auapaau added.