Acting Provincial Police Commander for East Sepik Province, Inspector James Baugen confirmed with PNG Haus Bung on Sunday, August 4th that police have arrested five more suspects in the mass killings that took place in the province. PPC Baugen said the five suspects from Angumara surrendered to police on Saturday, August 3rd, at 10am. He said they willingly surrendered and commended the local councilor for coordinating their surrender for police to apprehend. This brings the number of suspects arrested to 10. East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and the East Sepik leaders said the Angoram District Development Authority and the provincial government, ESPG, are satisfied with the police operations thus far, and will provide all the assistance required by police to perform any operations to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice. Governor Allan Bird also released a statement to reiterate his and his provincial leaders' strong condemnation of the "senseless and vicious murders" in the Kanda villages of Angoram. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and every effort is being made to support the victims," expressed Governor Bird. Addressing the investigation progress, Governor Bird said, "It has taken us some time to gather information due to the difficulties involved in obtaining accurate information. This does not mean work has not been on going by the authorities since the events took place." "The murders occurred in two villages, Tambari and Angrumara. These villages are several hours upriver by boat from Angoram station," he explained. "The gang members that committed these atrocious acts are also from these two villages. 14 Gang members are from Angrumara and 30 are from Tambari." "Some of the perpetrators could also be from neighbouring villages. We are treating this gang as a terrorist group. All the perpetrators are known to Police. And Police are working to pinpoint their current whereabouts." "The attack on Angrumara and Tambari has resulted in two other villages being evacuated, Yauruma and Moim. All four are sister villages. Most of the displaced people are currently seeking refuge in Angoram. The district and provincial authorities are doing all we can to provide for the displaced people and the victims." "The two gangs have been involved in crimes within the Kanda villages over the past 5 years. " "Efforts by Angoram police to apprehend them previously have been unsuccessful. The leader of both groups has complaints pending at Angoram Police station. It appears the two groups merged just before they began attacking their own people." "The issues leading up to the killings are many and complex. Key among them are land disputes, unresolved crimes including murder, arson and the killing of a previous gang leader some years back. These appear to be revenge killings, but other underlying causes have not been ruled out." "Police resources and assets are onsite and gathering intelligence. Police are responding appropriately." Governor Bird said Angoram District Development Authority (DDA) and the East Sepik Provincial Government (ESPG) will provide all the assistance that Police require to perform any operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice." "Angoram ESPG are satisfied with Police operations thus far," Governor Bird said. "There are many instances of unresolved justice around our province, and we are working closely with Police to ensure all of these outstanding cases are dealt with and the perpetrators brought to justice once the Kanda Operations are concluded." "This way we hope to restore confidence in the rule of law and prevent further organized acts of violence in our communities." his statement ended.