PNG soldiers fight on Manus

A FIGHT broke out between two PNG Defence Force soldiers  at a base near the asylum-seeker processing centre on Manus Island.

A FIGHT broke out between two PNG Defence Force soldiers who were stationed at a base that is adjacent to the asylum-seeker processing centre on Manus Island.

It is believed at least one of them had been drinking heavily.

Papua New Guinean security guards from the processing centre became involved, mostly taking the side of one of the soldiers. They assisted him in overpowering and beating his combatant, who originally comes from Manus.

The beaten soldier left the base, collected local support and led them back to take up the fight again. Police intervened but were accused of aiding the assault on the soldier from Manus.

Senior police and Defence Force officers met and defused the situation later in the day.

The violence comes as Immigration Minister Scott Morrison faced calls to provide more detail on an incident resulting in Australian staff being evacuated from the Manus Island detention centre.

During the Operation Sovereign Borders weekly briefing, Mr Morrison confirmed staff were moved to safety but said the incident was a matter for the PNG authorities to explain.

Mr Morrison later released a statement confirming the department took "appropriate measures" to ensure the safety of staff and none were harmed.

"The offshore processing centre continues to operate normally and all staff continue to remain onsite performing their assigned duties," he said.

"The government can confirm that no transferees were under threat during this incident and that none were harmed."

But Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles said Mr Morrison's explanation was insufficient.

"Any incident which leads to an evacuation of this type is of concern to the Australian government and therefore the Australian people," he said.

Mr Morrison said the number of boat arrivals had dropped during the first month of the Coalition's Operation Sovereign Borders policy.

Three boats carrying 173 asylum-seekers arrived during the most recent seven-day reporting period.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING:

JOE KELLY