PNG police commissioner says APEC allowances already paid

The Papua New Guinea police commissioner says all allowances for security forces working at last year's APEC leaders summit have been paid.

His statement followed a demonstration by soldiers this week in which they blockaded a government building in protest at not receiving their allowances.

Mr Baki said about $US6.2m was allocated for the allowances from which individuals were to receive about $US60 per day over 18 days.

He said following the rampage through parliament by police demanding their allowances in November, the first payment was made on the 21st of that month and the second and final payment a week later.

The commissioner said what the soldiers were now demanding was an additional $US90 each, which the government promised to pay after the rampage.

He said he did not know if that money had been allocated.

"I was not a party to this arrangement.

"As far as I am concerned this is extortion money," Mr Baki said.

"However, I understand that the National Executive Council approved the 300 kina additional allowance. But I have not been notified whether funds have been paid or not."