Reinstated Foreign Affairs Minister, Justin Tkatchenko has outlined that the ministry will be looking to work with international partners and heads of overseas missions to enable the regular flow of information for transparency. Minister Tkatchenko, whilst speaking a gathering with representatives of overseas missions reiterated that more information was needed to be shared with government departments and its international partners. This is in response to a question by UN Resident Coordinator, Richard Howard, regarding the lack of a coordinated security focal point from government. While commending the Minister on the briefing initiative with the international partners, Howard requested for a focal point within the ministry of Foreign Affairs for reporting purposes across the 23 UN agencies. Tkatchenko said that one of the biggest challenges that is faced by both agencies is the lack of information, which alternatively makes way for fake news to be easily circulated creating uncertainty, adding that more information and communication allows confidence and building of relationships. “It’s an issue that requires us all to work together, to ensure that whatever we put out is factual and clear everyone.” He revealed that the Foreign Affairs Department is setting up a unit that will be responsible for the implementation of its projects and programs. During this time the minister also responded to questions regarding outstanding projects and programs signed by overseas missions, stating that they are working closely with the Offices of the Attorney General, State Solicitor and other Departments to ensure that everything is done legally and correctly and to ensure that everyone is involved and is a part of the end result. “However, we need our own professional team. When it comes to implementation and timing. That will be one of our number one priorities.” “We want to see these projects be successfully implemented without delay which will give much needed confidence to our Partners.” In terms of security, the minister said the Security Council has now been meeting on a regular basis with government departments headed by Prime Minister James Marape giving out more information on a weekly basis on these issues, bring more transparent. “For me I have set up a new PR Branch in the ministerial office, so we have all the information from the ministry as well as the department disseminated to the missions every week.” Tkatchenko added that they Department is moving forward, and promised to learn from what has happened in the past.

In a move to ensure government stability and ensure accountability, the Prime Minister James Marape has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, announcing 6 new Ministers will be joining the government caucus and a major facelift to government ministries. The reshuffle, according to the Prime Minister, is to strengthen government capacity to deliver their plans outlined in the 2024 budget and represents the coalition between the Pangu led Government and other major parties. The Marape-Rosso Government Ministerial reshuffle sees Koroba-Kopiago MP, William Bando take over the reins from former Minister, Joe Kuli to become the Coffee Minister, Nipa-Kutubu MP Dr William Joseph as Defence Minister with Win Bakri Daki being reassigned to Commerce and Industry. Popondetta MP Richard Masere takes up a new role as the Key Constitutional Offices Minister, where the move sees the PNG Electoral Commission, the National Statistics Office and the Independent Commission against Corruption fall under this ministry. Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Muguwa Dilu, is now the new Mining Minister, one of the new ministries introduced after the separation of the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, this leaves Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina who takes over as Petroleum Minister. Kerenga Kua has been given the Ministerial Portfolio of Energy. Former Coffee Minister Joe Kuli has moved to Correctional Services whilst ⁠Minister Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr will focus exclusively on Police. Prime Minister Marape assumes the role of Treasury Minister with Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey becoming the Minister assisting the Prime Minister. Former Mining Minister Ano Pala becomes Minister for National Planning, while Rainbo Paita remains as Minister for Finance. The most notable change however would be the return of Moresby-South MP Justin Tkatchenko as the Foreign Affairs Minister. A move that Prime Minister Marape stated is timely as he believes the MP has proved himself worthy to be a Minister once again. Meanwhile, John Boito is Agriculture Minister following the voluntary stepping aside of Aiye Tambua due to charges against him. New Ministers welcomed into the Cabinet are Jimmy Maladina, Richard Masere, John Boito, Muguwa Dilu, William Bando & Billy Joseph.

Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey has announced that he has officially received for endorsement a ‘record’ K761,186,600 budget for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government [ABG]. This budget was passed by the ABG in December last year and was received this week by the treasurer. Ling-Stuckey stated that in forwarding the ABG Budget to himself, Robin Wilson, who is Minister for Treasury and Finance in the ABG, thanked the national government for their strong level of support for Bougainville and its people. “In the budget presented, additional to these national funds, Bougainville has internal revenue of K50,724,000.” “Good progress is being made in generating more internal revenue, although it still represents less than 10% of the funds being provided by the national government in the 2024 Bougainville budget presentation.” A number of issues were raised in the letter concerning outstanding funds and suggestions for better budgeting processes. He said he looks forward to productive discussions between both Treasuries to take these matters forward.

Thursday morning at dawn, Correctional Services of Papua New Guinea (CS) marked the 23rd annual parade in commemoration of the fallen CS Servicemen, who gave their lives in the service of their country. Correctional Services Commissioner, Stephen Pokanis in his address stated that the parade this morning was to honour those CS personnel who lost their lives during the Bougainville Crises, working together with Police and PNGDF officers and the government at that time during the initial start of the civil war in 1989. While there were a number of incidents that led to casualties from the CS, the commissioner stated that they had lost 5 men during the War. “We are here this morning to remember them for the service that they gave willingly to God, our Government and our people." "Let us maintain this passion to serve dutifully while at the same time remember the exemplary deeds of those officers who have gone to eternal rest.” Whilst commemorating the those that fell in service to the country, the Commissioner, urged the members, rank and file of the CS to uphold the laws of the country and serve to the best of their ability for God and those whom they swore to protect. He urged those that attended the Correctional Services 23rd annual Parade to serve with distinction by working honestly and with commitment in accordance to the promise that each CS personnel swore to serve. He further challenged them to have the duty to secure all detainees in their custody, provide reform opportunities so they can support their families and communities.

The Marape Rosso government has pledged to assist businesses affected by the events of last week Wednesday during the unrest. Prime Minister James Marape said the government is currently putting together an assistance package that should assist business houses affected by the unrest to get back on their feet. He said the government has sufficient funding in this year's budget allocation to cater for them. "For instance the K200 million for SME intervention, the K150 for state equity interventions." The Prime Minister stated that this is all in over K300million in this year's budget which he believes will be able to assist. Cabinet at the very earliest will convene next week to start working on packaging assistance units for businesses. Sharing sympathy for those that had lost much in the January 10 unrest, he said they believed the state should have been able to protect them but that was not the case. "The Taxpayers need our support in tough times." "We're a government that is known to give support for our economy and our people in tough times." He added that the events that unfolded on the 10th were a mistake that should have been avoided but said his government will take full responsibility for the unrest.

Police in East New Britain have advised that major suspects in the lotting incident have been identified and police will be moving forward to conduct arrests. This is following the unrest in the province, which caused widespread panic and chaos and led to the looting of shops within major towns, ENB Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat confirmed to PNG HAUSBUNG that police will now be looking to apprehend the suspects that orchestrated the looting. “The investigations over the looting of how many shops that were done at this that were conducted by the Criminal Investigation Division [CID] of the respective police stations over the province.” “Some people have come up with information and have identified some suspects and at this stage we will be conducting arrests.” After police managed to contain the situation in Gazelle, Rabaul and Kokopo, a Law-and-order meeting was held to discuss the action to be taken, police have beefed up manpower in the major business areas especially to conduct police business. Another Law-and-Order meeting will be held today to review the instructions of a circular instruction that was released last week and analyse the work done and will be looking to come up new instructions to handle the situation. “I have spoken to the team to which I have given my security and risk analysis of the province as to how law and order is happing now after the incident of last week.” “And now situation in the townships have returned to normal.” PPC Nebanat said the main concern during this time is to ensure the safety of the people of East New Britain and to maintain security around the main business areas of the province.

The Controller of the 14 Day State of Emergency, Acting Police Commissioner Donald Yamasombi has released amendments to the SoE Measures which are now in full effect. The Controller by virtue of the powers conferred in sect. 228 of the Constitution, revoking the first copy of the security measures and shedding more light into what measures will be taken in the remainder of the SoE. The amendment will see a complete ban on public gatherings, including street vending but excluding religious gatherings and Funerals or Haus Krais. This also gives power to the Papua New Guinea Defense Force Personnel who, acting as special constables under the SoE to disperse any public gathering within this measure and also dispersion of crowds outside shops or warehouses with the intention to of stealing or breaking and entering into the shop, warehouse, or government installations. Alcohol still remains banned for consumption in General Public, but will only be consumed in Pubs, Bars, Nightclubs, Hotels, and similar establishments between the hours of 10:00am to 10:00pm. “Any person found to be consuming any form of alcohol in a moving vehicle or in a public place of unlicensed alcohol Outlet would be searched upon reasonable suspicion.” The Controller has also advised that local shops/service providers providing goods and services should endeavour to maintain fair pricing for all services provided and with instructions given to the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission to ensure that this measure is adhered to. For the purposes of clarity, the measures allow Police and members of the PNGDF to stop and search vehicles transporting groups of people for public gatherings. In addition to the Search Act of 1977, the Police and PNGDF have been granted the authority to conduct routine searches and will be allowed to: 1. Conduct roadblocks or searches on a vessel at sea 2. Pat down searches of individuals 3. May be able to search a person upon reasonable suspicion of the persons intent to carry out an offence These searches will subject citizens to bag searches, may also require subject to remove outer clothing, including articles placed in the persons clothing, pass through X-Ray scanners and the use of walk-through detectors and handheld detectors. As for the recent concerns raised by the public on a purported curfew. For this SoE, the controller has advised that there is no Curfew in place.

A state of emergency call centre has been set up to cater for the 14-day SoE. This was recently announced by Acting Commissioner of Police and SoE Controller, Donald Yamasombi. The Call Centre will operate out of Morauta Haus. The Acting Commissioner stated that the set up of the SOE Call Centre was to ensure that any complaints during this time relating to the recovery of stolen items or report an SOE-related concern or crime. “We will have eight lines dedicated to the public on a 24-hour basis until January 26th, 2024, to assist the people with their queries. Staff manning the call centre will provide SOE information on the spot as required.” The Controller said during the SOE period members of the security forces, especially police and the PNG Defence Force will be heavily engaged in the National State of Emergency operations so the people are given the assurance that someone will be there to listen to them. “With the establishment of the Call Centre, we are giving confidence back to the people.” “Their concerns and complaints will be heard, and we will act upon them if and as necessary.” Meanwhile, the public in NCD and Central Province who have items that were looted and are in their possession are encouraged to bring them to the nearest police station or they can call the toll-free number to the location so the message can be dispatched through the police radio for security personals to retrieve. “Whilst I acknowledge those that returned the stolen goods, others still holding them must have some sense of guilt and surrender the stolen goods.” “I also appeal to the security personnel not to take advantage and take these surrendered stolen goods home.”

The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Events and Member for Moresby South has pledged to help those affected by the unrest last week Wednesday, by standing together in solidarity to assist the business community rebuild from the ashes. Minister Justin Tkatchenko said he pledges to stand together with his people and the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop to assist to rebuild what had been destroyed and put back vital services that will be desperately needed by the people into the near future. For the member, he mentioned that personally it was a sad day to see Moresby South go up in flames, stating that it was appalling and pathetic. “These actions of those looters and civilians is going to cause innocent Papua New Guineas of Moresby South great despair and grievance and harm over the next months and years ahead.” He added that not only have they destroyed the shops people get their groceries from every day, but they have left a sour taste in the mouths affecting thousands of people. “Good, honest and hardworking people have now lost their jobs because of the total blatant misuse of power by other selfish individuals and others. Now we have got an issue where not only have we lost most of our outlets that are our sources of food supply and services to our people, how are we now going to sustain our communities for the months and years ahead?” Tkatchenko said these buildings and infrastructure would take time and maybe years to rebuild and restock, and most business houses now do not want to come back and rebuild again. “I want to move forward now, there is no time to waste on the blame game, other than that this was total stupidity and lack of thinking and that we must learn from these mistakes, from what has happened and make sure this never ever happens again.” He said he will do his best to work with all communities, the government, the enforcement agencies and the governor and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to not only clean up the city and get to back to where it was before, but also to restore calm and peace and order back into the communities and assist those genuine hardworking, honest, trust worthy loyal Papua New Guineans that have lost their jobs from the greed and self-interest of others. “It's not going to be easy, but we must all work in partnership together, this is not about politics anymore but about getting our services back to our people that truly deserve it. As your member now, I will be there to support our Governor and the government under Prime Minister James Marape, to assist the business community to rebuild what we can as soon as possible to get our people back employed again that have lost their jobs, and to put vital services back in place that have been destroyed.” He said they have to work with police for normalcy to be restored and to get communities back on track so that we can clean up the mess that everybody has created and put us in.

The Commissioner of Police [COP] David Manning has pledged that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary [RPNGC] will bear the weight of what had transpired in the Nation’s capital and has advised that an investigation team has been set up to investigate the incident. Speaking to the media, the COP stated that he shared the same sentiments with many around the country, saying this incident was something that the RPNGC never anticipated to happen, whilst comparing to past incidents. “I share the concerns of many, in particularly residents of Port Moresby, our capital city. We’ve had some challenging points in our history." " It was something that we thought we would never have to experience in our lifetime.” 9 people lost their lives in the mass looting that ran rampage through out the capital, to which the Commissioner lamented should have never occurred. At the helm of the investigation team that has been set up, Assistant Commissioner of Police and New Guinea Islands Division Commander, Perou N’Dranou will take lead to ascertain facts and identify those responsible for the Port Moresby Madness. “We have stood up a critical accident Response team and will be headed by ACP N’Dranou.” Following a National Security Advisory Committee Meeting this morning chaired by the Chief Secretary, Ivan Pomaleu, a number of resolution were put forward to the National Executive Council [NEC], the first regarding the call out. The main aim of the RPNGC for now is to ensure the city returns to normal.

Acting Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, Commodore Philip Polewara has given his assurance that the Defense force will be working closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to make sure that the safety and security of Government facilities around the country. Polewara stated that these are key infrastructure that give life to the country and has assured that the defense for will be present to protect these infrastructure, in light of the chaos that had ensued yesterday. “To our people, the residents of Port Moresby and Lae and other areas, we have destroyed out city yesterday." "We built it and we destroyed it! And we will rebuild it again. Enough is enough.” “We raped our city to the stage that she bled and cried out for help and yet we raped her almost to death." "That is enough!” He said the defense will be assisting police to protect key areas. The Acting CDF once again urged the people that this is our country and we should all put our effort into rebuilding what we had lost over the past day. After the declaration of the 14 day state of emergency in the nation’s capital by Prime Minister James Marape, 1000 PNGDF personnel will be deployed onto the streets of Port Moresby along with members from the NCD Central Command.

The opposition this afternoon have expressed grave concern over the significant spike in crime over the past few days, stating that this is the first time a crisis of this magnitude has brought the nation to a standstill. Speaking to Media this afternoon, opposition Leader and member for Kandrian Gloucester, Joseph Lelang said this is a bad image of the country and they have reaffirmed their call for the Prime Minister, James Marape to step down. They said what had happened yesterday caused the chain reaction for the incidents recorded around the country today. “He needs to step aside, he needs to make way for a change in the leadership of this country and government so that we can restore normalcy and balance to the country.” He reiterated that the government and her people are co-dependent and depend on each other therefore the government must be able to work in cohesion and gain the trust of the people. After what has happened over the past few days he urged that the Prime Minister must take responsibility for what has occurred. ”That is the honorable thing to do.* "The people have lost faith and trust in this government and so he must resign.” Due to the recent issues, the Opposition leader stated that this has caused stakeholders such as business houses in the country to lose faith in the people and government systems.