Auapaau Logoitino Filipo Photo: Facebook / Samoa Police, Prisons & Corrections Services
Samoa's former Police Commissioner has spoken to local media about his exit from the role, admiting he was expecting it.
Auapaau Logoitino Filipo's tenure ended Friday, 10 October following a Cabinet decision, a decision Auapaau said he expected.
Auapaau was appointed to the role in July 2022 for a three-year term, replacing Fuiavailiili Egon Keil. His contract had more than a month remaining.
He had been with the Samoa Police and Corrections Services for almost three decades.
He told the Samoa Observer the writing on the wall had been there since the new government was declared.
He believed that the decision is linked to the court cases regarding former minister Laaulialemalietoa Schmidt - who is now the country's prime minister.
In January 2025, Schmidt, who was then the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, faced several criminal charges.
At the time, he had posted on social media after charges were laid against him that he was innocent of the accusations.
"For me I followed the law, and we did what he had to do, and we had to uphold the rule of law," advice advice he has for whoever is going to be the next commissioner," Auapaau said.
Samoa police said during his tenure, Auapaau spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing community policing and enforcing the rule of law.
The Samoa Observer attempted to get comment from acting Minister for Police Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo, who had informed Auapaau of the cabinet decision.
