Addressing an alleged social media claim of police in the capital city standing down from work yesterday afternoon, Thursday 1st February , Interim NCD/Central Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Peter Guinness has advised that this is fake news and police will continue to operate as usual. ACP Guinness told PNG Hausbung that people should not believe in social media but cross check information with the authorities responsible. “There will be no stand down. Police will continue operations throughout the city as usual.” He added that a lot of negative things that have occurred over the recent weeks has been fueled by misinformation and that people should not believe everything they see on social media. He stated that with the re-fleeting program commencing, there will be a police show of force this afternoon to give people the assurance of safety and security. As part of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s re-fleeting program, a couple of stations in the capital have received new vehicles, this includes the Airport Precinct, 6mile Police Station and Boroko Police Station. As for the other stations, they will be going through the station records first to determine whether they are capable of maintaining and looking after the vehicles given. Meanwhile, the ACP also advised that police will be looking into the 2nd mass looting that had occurred this morning. Guinness stated that it was unfortunate that this occurred again and will be speaking with the Brian Bell Group of Companies regarding the security of their warehouse as investigations look to commence soon. “Unfortunately the looting this morning has taken a lot of people by shock. We will be looking into the matter very seriously. We will try to find out about more about what had happened and those involved will be brought to face justice and criminally charged.” Police will also be conducting raids on suspects identified.

The launch of the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index [CPI] by Government Watchdog Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) recently raised alarm bells regarding the countries ranking on perceptions of public sector corruption. The CPI is a report that scores countries and territories around the world that records the perceptions of Public Sector Corruption. The Score reflect the surveyed views of economic experts and business people, not the General Public. Countries are ranked from a scale of 0 to 100. 100 being democratic and 0 being highly corrupt. In saying this, Papua New Guinea scored 29 out of a 100, reflecting a high perceived risk of encountering corruption and ranking alongside countries such as Russia, Kyrgystan and Gabon. TIPNG Chair, Peter Aitsi raised concerns that the country is still seemed not to be making meaningful impact on reducing levels of corruption in the public sector. Aitsi acknowledged that Governments efforts in combatting corruption through their recent interventions that include the amendment of the Proceeds of Crime Act with Unexplained Wealth Provisions, enacting the Whistleblowers act, the enactment of the Independent Commission against Corruption, appointment of Commissioner and funding operationalization through the national budget and the inclusion of Governance within the Medium-Term Development Plan IV 2023 – 2027. “These initiatives by the Government are aimed at fostering greater levels of transparency, accountability and restoring good governance.” The Chairman added that these are well-intentioned legislative and policy interventions but the breakdown in the implementation and enforcement of laws and policies is perhaps where the weakness may lie.

Four warring factions in the Kandep District, Enga Province recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cease all fighting in the district following the issuance of a court order in a ceremony facilitated by Caritas PNG. Tamu, Ipain Mago and the Yanian tribes have now layed down arms in a bold move to cease hostilities, that for a number of years brought nothing but pain and suffering to the people of Kandep. The ceremony was witnessed by esteemed individuals including the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wabag and Bishop Deputy of Caritas PNG, Rev. Bp. Justin Ain Soongie; Kandep District Administrator, Mr. Henry Apakali; Provincial Law and Order Director, Mr. Nelson Leia. Representatives of Caritas in the Catholic Diocese of Wabag who initiated the peace mediation through various trainings and awareness were also present to witness the occasion. During the event, Bishop Justin delivered a heartfelt appeal to the warring tribes urging them to abandon their tribalistic tendencies and work towards building a peaceful and harmonious community. Recognizing the efforts and commitment of Caritas Enga, Mr. Apakali extended his gratitude for their unwavering dedication and valuable time invested in resolving these long-standing tribal conflicts. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nelson Leia, emphasized the importance of adhering to the MoU. He warned both parties about the potential consequences of the terms stipulated if the MoU were violated. The momentous event marked a significant turning point in the Upper Wage constituency of the Kandep District, instilling optimism and paving the way for a brighter future. As the community embarks on this path of unity and reconciliation, it is hoped that the scars of past conflicts will heal, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among the once-divided tribes.

Following the announcement of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force’s continuation of assistance to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Acting Commander of the Defence Force, Commodore Philip Polewara has said that the Force will stand by the police to support in regaining public confidence and restoring order to the country. This new strategy will see the Defence Force personnel help bolster the ranks of the RPNGC as Special Constables. The cooperation will see more Defence force intervention in tribal fight prone areas, particularly the three provinces of the Highlands Western Division. “Concerning the PNGDF we’ve been there since 2018 supporting the RPNGC and we would like to see some end in sight.” “We are not going to continue like this forever because it is taking up resources that would be better spent elsewhere.” Polewara mentioned that a couple of meetings were held last week to find a way forward as to how the Force will operate in accordance within the parameters of the law in assisting the Police as both organizations operate differently in retrospect to their mandates. “We are looking forward. We will stand by the police. This is our country and internal stability to us is of great concern.” He stated that this is the journey that they are working towards and believes that the future will be bleak if the country continues to experience things such as civil unrests and tribal fighting. The CDF said they are ready and able to stand by police.

The reinstated Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Commissioner of Police, David Manning has emphasized the need for the development of community-based leadership in addressing crime. Manning upon his return to the position of top cop believes that building community leaders to address law and order issues is an avenue to help out policing of laws, especially in rural and remote areas where the demand for policing is a need. He pointed out that there has been a significant deterioration in community leadership said there is much needed to be done to bring back the responsibility of cooperation with the police and communities to ensure safety and security. “It’s high time that we draw the line and make sure that we understand what needs to be done.” “We need to start working on empowering our community-based leadership.” “That is where the majority of our people exist.” He added that where they are able to identify a significant gap, whilst focusing on Provincial and national leadership in recent times, there has been a significant deterioration of community leadership. He said the RPNGC will be standing up their Auxiliary and Reservist Force purposefully to be the eyes and the ears of the police in communities and the enabling factor for constructive dialogue and order in rural areas.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary is looking to conduct a full review with Commissioner of Police, David Manning announcing that a review will be done to assess the performance of police especially in areas concerning the collaboration with the PNG Defense Force. Following a meeting with both the Minister for Police and the Minister of Defense and Acting Commander of the Defense Force, Commodore Phillip Polewara, the Commissioner stated that a discussion on legacy issues within both forces was the main agenda in which both security forces were looking to address. This meeting was prompted by the events of the 10th of January, which is seen as an eye opener for some in the country, following the mass looting and arson orchestrated by members of the general public after a protest on pay cuts, mainly by Police and Defense personnel saw millions of kina lost due to damages to business houses. “We did take note of what had happened on the 10th of this month.” “That did compel us to review how we work in collaboration to addressing these challenges.” “We feel that there needs to be a review and that review has been directed as of last week Friday to be conducted of how we work in collaboration.” Manning added that apart from the defence call out being an expensive exercise, there are some grey areas in between that both forces would like to see ironed out specifically the terms of engagement and engagement protocols once the call out has been executed. “In the next week or so, we will be reviewing how we collaborate with the Defense Force under call out arrangements or state of emergencies not only to identify vulnerabilities in our joint operations ensuring that when there is a call out, we can be able to execute the task at hand.” He further announced the active participation of Papua New Guinea Defense Force Personnel as special Constables, which will see the continuation of their involvement following the end of the SoE.

The newly appointed Minister for Administrative Services, Richard Masere made his first official visit to the National Statistical Office (NSO) recently in what was termed as a “meet and greet” where the minister met with the National Statistician Mr. John Igitoi and the top brass of the NSO. Minister Masere thanked the National Statistician and pledged to work together in delivering their services, especially the conduct of the 5th National Census as it is a government priority and must be conducted by the end of this year. The Minister said data and statistics are important units for planning and development and that the 2024 Census must go ahead. Igitoi expressed his gratitude to the Marape/Rosso Government for recognizing NSO and giving a Ministry to it in the current reshuffle whilst congratulating Minister Masere for making his first official visit to NSO after his appointment. He briefly highlighted the key functions of the NSO and stating that the agency has had many challenges but continue to function with what was at hand. “The 2024 Census was on track but has a funding gap of K122m from the 2023 budget appropriation and 2024 NSO Census plan and needs the funding to conduct and complete the 2024 Census.” He also stated that NSO was also a victim of the mayhem that took place last week where their leased warehouse was looted and burnt to the ground which contains census preparatory documents and materials worth over K15 million based at Konedobu. “This will place another significant challenge to procure the same again."

Police at the nation’s “Gateway to the World,” the Jackson’s International Airport have advised that they are monitoring movement around the Airport and Airfield, with specialized units on standby in case any thing arises. Airport Police Station Commander, Inspector Benjamin Wiai told PNG HAUSBUNG that for the moment they have taken the threat seriously as it poses a grave threat to national security. It is understood by PNG HAUSBUNG that a bomb threat was issued this morning to the airlines. Inspector Wiai said that after receiving the bomb threat, a security meeting was convened to discuss security measures that would be taken by relative security forces to ensure safety of the Airport. “After the meeting, we are now conducting extra security measures to make sure everything is safe, although flights have resumed, we have taken it upon ourselves to monitor the Airport thoroughly.” He said for the moment, the Cybercrime Unit are looking into the bomb threat sent through email to determine its origins. Those units on standby at the airport include members of the PNGDF, Airport Police, Bomb squad and others.

Preparations are underway for the first official visit of the head of the Holy See, Pope Francis to the Land of the Unexpected. The Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko has advised that they have initiated the first of the inter government agency meetings in preparation for the historical visit by the head of the Catholic church Pope Francis in August this year. Minister Tkatchenko said the visit by the Holy Father Pope Francis which is scheduled for later this year [August 25th to 28] will be coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs and National Events. According to Tkatchenko, Prime Minister James Marape has accepted the confirmation of the Papal visit and the line agencies have begun the process of hosting this important event of the year. Meanwhile, Minister Tkatchenko announced that there will be a submission to National Executive Council for National Events where all 9 positions will be advised for a new structure. “Currently as we stand, we have no certified or permanent staff at all in National Events.” He stated that once the NEC has approved the National Events structure which will be under the Prime Minister’s Department with Tkatchenko as the Minister then they will understand where they will be going forward. “Also, with the National Events will come into play the APEC Haus and International Convention Centre will come under National Events and Prime Minister’s Department.” He added that this will make it easier for everybody to work and get things done so the use those facilities quite often and the Chinese government will completely upgrade and renovate the ICC later on this year. Minister Tkatchenko told government officials that the visit of the Pope would be completely different to the normal programs for state visits for the heads of government and VIP guests. He explained that the decision for the Pope’s visit to the province was yet to be confirmed with what is appropriate for him although the invitation for this visit was originally from West Sepik Province. Pope Francis will be the second pontiff to visit PNG. Pope John Paul II was the first head of the Catholic Church to visit Papua New Guinea twice in 1984 and in 1995.

The Marape-Rosso Government has devised a timeline with the Indonesian Government in terms of current Bilateral Agreements to and to the review, finalization of details, and eventual Implementation of partnership arrangements pending. Foreign Affairs Minister Justin Tkatchenko in a meeting with Indonesian Deputy Ambassador Nugraha Purniawan offered the Marape-Rosso Governments commitment to Progress and the Implementation of Papua New Guinea and Republic of Indonesia Partnership Agreements. Foreign Affairs Secretay Elias Wohengu was also present. The meeting also confirmed Prime Minister James Marape's State Visit to Indonesia in June/July. This has been scheduled around the Senior Official Meeting, and Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting, which will be held in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea prior to the State Visit. Discussions were centred around the establishment of a Joint Border Committee to Review and Update the 2013 Basic Border Agreement on Border Arrangement: a Review of the 2013 Plan of Action for the Implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership between Indonesia and PNG. Additionally important are details of the 'Entry into Force and Validity' of the Defence Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in March 2010, which PNG through Parliament has ratified. Indonesia has also implemented the Visa on Arrival for regular Papua New Guinea passport holders. Minister Tkatchenko made very clear in his remarks, that Indonesia-PNG relations are solid, and have been better than other Governments have had, and that the Marape-Rosso Government intends to commit to maintaining relations. Minister Tkatchenko assured Deputy Ambassador Purniawan in relation to the DCA, that an immediate request would be made to the Clerk of Parliament to Certify Ratification, which will then allow for the next phase - a Review of the DCA. On the Economic Front, Indonesia's commitment to partnerships through; an Electricity Deal and Preferential Trade Agreement, are at negotiation stages through the respective Departments, with Foreign Affairs committing to communicate with its partner agencies to encourage discussion, to ensure agreements are finalised for the benefit of both countries. Indonesia-PNG partnerships also extend to the Wutung Primary School Renovations under the West Sepik Intergrated Phase 1 Grant; the Port Moresby General Hospital Grant; and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Education.

Acting NCD/Central Division Commander, ACP Peter Guinness has released details of incident that had occurred on the 10th of January, now infamously known as Black Wednesday. The Commander stated that although this may be the facts ascertained by police at the time there are still investigations going on to determine whether they have missed anything. According to police reports, 6 people were shot and Killed at the Wayback trading in Sabama while the remains of 3 others were found in the burnt down ruins. “We can now confirm that 3 people were burnt to death in the fire that engulfed the shop.” At 9mile, a man was also shot and killed when looters tried to storm the 9mile plaza with a similar occurrence at the Eliseo Waigani. Another man who took part in the looting lost his life trying to gather stolen items from the burning Stop N Shop North Waigani and was accidently electrocuted to death. Apart from this, police have also recovered the charred remains of 5 adults, including a woman, a few days after the Bismillah Supermarket was destroyed by fire. The Acting commander said police are still investigating a number of people killed in the melee and updated facts will be presented later on when available. Meanwhile an ATM inside the Mobile Service Station at Waigani was also vandalized, with over K430, 000 taken from it.

In response to questions raised by the Ombudsman Commission on the recently established Ministry of Key Constitutional Offices, Prime Minister James Marape has asserted that the ministry, initially introduced during a Cabinet reshuffle last Thursday, will now be officially designated as the Ministry for Administrative Services. This comes after the OC had written a joint letter to the Prime Minister, questioning the legality of the creation of the Ministry. Marape reassured that the Ombudsman Commission's role and responsibilities will not be diluted or compromised, drawing parallels to previous administrative structures. "In the past, ministers have assisted the Prime Minister in similar tasks, such as the administrative services minister under former Prime Minister Paias Wingti.” “The Minister I appointed will in no way usurp the role of the Prime Minister in constitutional offices.” “The government remains committed to transparency, legal adherence, and effective governance in the establishment and functioning of key ministries.” The Prime Minister affirmed that the Government remains committed to upholding the law with regard to Constitutional Offices reporting to the Prime Minister. Following the appointment of Richard Masere as the Minister for Key Constitutional Offices in the reshuffle, he emphasized the government's steadfast commitment to legal compliance, stating that there was no intention, whatsoever, to break the law regarding constitutional offices reporting to the Prime Minister. "That is entrenched in law and will be maintained." He elaborated on the purpose and work of the Ministry for Administrative Services, outlining that it will be specifically established to enable the minister to address key functions that have been outstanding, such as the National Census, progression of the National Identification programme, assisting the Prime Minister in reviewing key constitutional offices, evaluating the electoral process, and other essential tasks. The Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council is actively working on determining an appropriate name for the ministry, likely to be finalized as the Ministry for Administrative Services.