Transparency International Papua New Guinea (TIPNG) has expressed its deep concerns and have condemned the events and actions that led to the violence and looting in the nation’s capital yesterday, with today seeing violence in other parts of the country. TIPNG is urging the public and all parties involved to return to their homes and prioritize the restoration of peace and order in all main centres around the country. TIPNG Board Chair, Peter Aitsi in a stament released stated that the frustration and anger amongst police personnel regarding tax mishandling of payroll tax calculations is but a tip of the iceberg in terms of a dysfunctional government system. “The public service and indeed the Police are institutions of state and if they are truly independent and free of political control should play a critical role as a check and balance to executive government.” “In the absence of strong, independent and competent institutions we have seen a significant increase of corruption which in turn will reflect in the way we manage our Country and the quality of life for our people.” Aitsi added TIPNG is calling on all citizens to think of their country and to not resort to violence and illegal activities, which is not the answer. He said such actions only inflict further suffering on innocent citizens and undermine the very foundations of law and order that everyone all relys upon. “We call on the Government of Papua New Guinea at the highest level to engage immediately in genuine open dialogue with the police representatives to address their legitimate grievances." "And to do this quickly through transparent, open communication in order to resolve this crisis and to restore the rule of law and bring order to our society.” Furthermore, the Aitsi is urging the Police Commissioner and the senior leadership of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to take all necessary measures to restore order and ensure the safety of citizens. The opportunistic violence and looting witnessed yesterday during the day and into the evening is completely unacceptable and must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. “Law enforcement authorities must uphold their duty to protect the public and apprehend those involved in criminal activities.” TIPNG has also emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the events leading up to the police strike and the subsequent violence. Understanding the root causes of this crisis is essential to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Public servants around the country are looking to follow suit in the footsteps of the Armed Forces who staged a protest yesterday following a speculated glitch in the Alesco Payroll System. However for the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association, theirs is in protest of a purported increase in taxation by 10%. According to a circular that was sent out yesterday by President of the PNGNA, Frederick Kebai all nurses could boycott working today. In the circular, Kebai appeal to all nurses and along with financial members were told to prepare for a nationwide stop work. He stated that the protest is to showcase to the government the association’s position that the further increase in the income tax from 32% to 42% is unjustified in the face of rising inflation, which has already put pressure on basic food stuff sold in shops around the country. “PNGNA must not remain a spectator while our sister union, the police are now [yesterday] protesting." "The PNGTUC has raised a similar concern last December." The Defence Force has also joined the protest,” the President wrote. Kebai urged the PNGNA to support the mother union and police union starting today if the government does not give in to the plight of the Unions, the overall public servants and the masses of population that have been effected and unable to afford basic services. He urged all to stay united in solidarity to force the government to reverse the increase in tax.

Police from both NCD and Central should be reprimanded following damage caused to property outside the Manasupe Haus in frustration over the issues of pay that they raised this morning. Over a hundred policemen and women took to the streets to vent their frustration after waking up to sudden deductions in their pay. Over 50 vehicles comprising of Police, PNGDF and Correctional Service Personnel attempted to storm the Manasupe Haus in order to find the Prime Minister and demand reasons as to why they had seen significant deductions in their pay. The Guard house situated in the entrance of the Manasupe Haus was burnt out of frustration after certain police officers, broke down the gates. This is the second time the Papua New Guinea Armed Forces have wilfully damaged public property in frustration of pay, to be exact taxation of their own pay. Meanwhile, Police Commissioner, David Manning, has expressed his annoyance that a technical problem in the Alesco payroll system caused police pays to be reduced this week. Commissioner Manning said a technical error caused pay deductions that will now be paid to police members. Manning said “The situation today where members received reduced pay is not good enough and we are sorting it out.” “I have been advised by the IRC that the deduction was caused by the Alesco payroll system and is being resolved by the Department of Finance.”

Tensions high in the Nation’s Capital as opportunists run amok, taking advantage of the situation today as the security forces held a sit-in protest over deductions in their pay. Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat, had advised members of the security forces that he will speak with Prime Minister, James Marape and for government to investigate the tax imposed on the disciplinary forces. Anger and frustration were among emotions that the members of the NCD/ Central command this morning felt as they congregated at the Unagi oval to voice their concerns of the new tax imposed on the members. Despite attempts by the NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika and NCD Central Commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr to calm the crowd, the disgruntled forces were still not satisfied with the advice from the Speaker. This however didn’t dissuade the servicemen as they then made their way to the Unagi Oval to await the Prime Minister after receiving word that he would address them this afternoon. All this occurred after members of the PNG Defence Force, the Correctional Services and the Royal PNG Constabulary woke up this morning to find a significant amount of money missing from their accounts. When addressed by the Internal Security Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, they were advised that this was just a glitch in the pay system and informed the servicemen that all would be compensated during the next pay period which did not go down well with them. According to some members of the security forces, a couple of members received K52 in their pay. NCD Met Supt told PNGHAUSBUNG at the Parliament that despite the commotion today, policing should continue and has asserted that the people should not be worried about moving around in the city.

The MCC Ramu Nico Limited and the Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited today came together to officially ink their partnership in the undertaking of the country’s first ever Base metal down-processing survey to determine if PNG is ready to start processing raw materials into final products. Present to witness the occasion, Chinese Ambassador, H.E Zeng Fenhua stated that he was delighted to witness this signing, as this is part of one of many important messages that the Chinese President, Xi Jingping would like to convey to the people of PNG to continue to build and develop the partnership for both countries. “The MoU to be signed today is another occasion to celebrate because it marks a significant and beneficial collaboration between China and Papua New Guinea,” the Ambassador Fenhua said. He emphasized that Ramu Nico, as a large Chinese invested local company has the extensive experience in Capital Investment, project construction and international operations in multi-metal mining. The Ambassador stated that its parent company China Minmetals Corporation, possesses robust capabilities across the entire mining industry chain, which achieved a revenue of 130 billion US Dollars last year, ranking 65th in the Fortune Global 500. “Ramu Nico has successfully operated projects in PNG for over 10 years. It stands as the largest nickel-cobalt mining investment project by a chinses enterprise overseas and the most substantial Chinese investment in the south pacific to date.” Over the past decade, Ramu Nico has fostered closer ties with local communities, facilitating local economic development, creating many job opportunities, and providing stable job employment and income. H.E Fenhua stated that the MoU signed between Ramu Nico and the KMHL is a tangible outcome that implements the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. “We just don’t talk! We take action,” he added. Prime Minister James Marape, who also was present to witness the signing of both entities expressed content over the monumental joint venture as this also coincides with the Government’s vision to expand into downstream processing of raw materials for export. The Survey is set to commence soon and will is scheduled to continue to the end of the year.

Police in Milne Bay have done a great job in ensuring that the province experienced peaceful festive celebrations during the Christmas and New Year period with no major incidents reported. According to Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Senior Inspector Ben Kua, this outcome was a direct result of the awareness on law and order conducted by police officers in the communities prior and during the festive period. The PPC reported that the four districts reported very quiet and trouble free all throughout Christmas and New Year, only encountering a few drunk and disorderly cases. Despite a lack in resources, the PPC was satisfied with the outcome of their operations. “We faced manpower and logistics problems, but my officers beat all odds to utilize any resources made available to ensure our operation code name "Peace and Respect in Communities" is fulfilled.” “I take this opportunity to thank all my hard-working members for their commitment and loyalty to serve our communities. I also extend my appreciation to foreign troops from NCD especially Mobile Squad headed by Sergeant Jeffrey Nomino and CID PHQ led by Sergeant Damien Kuasmapa.” He said they had faced a lot of issues affecting daily operations including power outages, fuel shortage, vehicles break down, financial unavailability and other setbacks, but the men and women in blue were committed to their job to ensure peace is maintained throughout the festive period. “I also thank our stakeholders, the locals MPs, councilors, communities, the Church groups and NGO groups for taking part and contribute to the peaceful and trouble-free Milne Bay festive period.” He said he is looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with all stakeholders for a better and crime free Milne Bay Province this year.

The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and National Events, Justin Tkatchenko, has said in a statement that he will no longer be questioned about his citizenship as a Papua New Guinean now that the investigation by the Ombudsman Commission (OC) into the allegations against him, is now closed. In a letter dated December 20th, 2023, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Richard Pagen informed Mr. Tkatchenko that the investigation into the allegations of unlawful granting of his citizenship found no wrongdoing on his part and as such, the investigation wrapped up. According to Mr. Pagen, the Citizenship Advisor Committee had granted Tkatckenko his citizenship. The Chief Ombudsmen in the letter explained that Tkatchenko was verified having met all the eligible requirements specified under Section 67 of the Constitution as submitted in his application for citizenship. Tkatchenko said he had followed the laws of the country in applying for citizenship correctly by law and without due influence of anyone. “That letter from Ombudsman Commission has finally put this matter to rest. It has shown that people out there have no facts and the truth has prevailed. I appreciate the work of the Ombudsman Commission for conducting a proper investigation on the allegations and finally putting this matter to rest once and for all.” He said following the investigation, the OC found out that these allegations were false and claimed that these were clearly only there to tarnish the name of the Member of Parliament and his reputation. “I’m a proud, dedicated, loyal Papua New Guinean and I will be here till the day I die. All those haters out there, the truth is crystal clear so move on and do something productive in your lives. For me now will be to continue to serve my country as Minister of State and as Member for Moresby South so my people can continue to benefit like they have over the last 12 years.” Mr. Tkatchenko said with the matter now laid to rest, it is time to move on for the benefit of the people and the country.

The Ombudsmen Commission (OC) has closed the investigation into allegations of illegally acquiring citizenship against former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Justin Tkatchenko, stating that at the time of him being granted citizenship, the Member of Parliament (MP) had already met all requirements. In a letter from the Chief Ombudsmen Mr. Richard Pagen to the MP for Moresby South, he advised that during the investigation, they had verified that the Member had met all requirements under section 67 of the Constitution. “The Commission’s investigations established that at that material time there was a Citizenship Advisory Committee in existence when you (MP) were granted citizenship,” the Chief Ombudsmen wrote. It was made known that prior to applying for citizenship in 2002, Tkatchenko had resided in the country for over nine years and it was not until 2003 when his application was finally processed and he received a confirmation letter from the then Director General for Immigration & Citizenship, Mr. Mataio Rabura. An investigation was launched last year when disgruntled citizens took offense over statements made by the MP whilst speaking to international media when he tried to defend the decision made by himself to be accompanied by his daughter to the official Coronation of King Charles.

Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr in a statement this week reaffirmed the Ministry and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s (RPNGC) commitment to ensuring they provide a more disciplined and driven police force for the country. The Minister stated that the recent report in the media regarding the charging of 116 former police officers for criminal acts is a clear indication of their unwavering commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct within the RPNGC. “In 2023, Commissioner Manning authorized the dishonorable discharge of over 300 police officers. Under the leadership of the Marape-Rosso Government, we have unequivocally stated that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or cover-ups within the police force. Those found guilty will be not only dismissed but also arrested and charged with criminal offenses.” He went on to state that the removal of these individuals from the police force demonstrates their dedication to creating a safer environment for all citizens. “We will not allow any individual to use their position as a police officer to engage in misconduct or criminal activities.” Furthermore, the minister added that they will be actively replacing the dismissed personnel through the ongoing training of 223 recruits and 63 officer cadets who will soon graduate. Additionally, the RPNGC is looking to recruit up to 1, 000 new police officers each year. This ensures that the force remains adequately staffed and capable of delivering effective law enforcement services. As investigations progress, the RPNGC is anticipating uncovering more cases of incompetence and corruption within the ranks, and pledge to take swift action to remove these individuals. “The Commissioner has already issued warnings to all members of the RPNGC, emphasizing that ill-discipline and misconduct will not be tolerated. It is essential to remember that police personnel are no different from any other citizen when it comes to abiding by the law.” “If a member of the RPNGC commits a crime, they will be arrested, prosecuted, and subsequently dishonorably discharged from the Police Force. This includes crimes such as assault, family and sexual violence, corruption, theft, public drinking, and the use of illegal drugs.” In line with the RPNGC’s commitment to reform, the Commissioner has implemented random and targeted drug and alcohol testing, resulting in the removal of several individuals from the force. “We are moving beyond the era when public trust in the Police Force was eroded. Real reform is underway, as exemplified by the Commissioner's decision last year to dismiss over 300 personnel who brought disgrace upon the oath they had taken.” He said the Commissioner and the RPNGC remain dedicated to upholding the law, ensuring accountability, and fostering public trust.

New Year, New way of thinking and New Infrastructure! The residents of Moresby South will soon have their own state of the art hospital worth around K15million by July this year. Construction work has commenced on the District hospital with no further delays. Moresby South MP, Justin Tkatchenko stated that project was planned for completion last year but was stopped for some time due to a court dispute by clan leaders from the Mahuru Village. Court case has now been completed with NCDC and the District being awarded the land, construction is set to move forward. Tkatchenko said the hospital will cater for an 8-bed maternity ward, emergency centre, 10 bed in centre, dental clinic, X-ray unit, antenatal care offices and conference rooms. “We are ensuring that all modern technology is in the new hospital.” He stated that this will do stage by stage to with a team from National Capital District Health Division, Department of Health, and Moresby South District Office. “I am dedicated to ensuring that this hospital is completed this year, I don’t want any more delays or unnecessary court cases. The land is under the state of this country, and we are building this hospital for the people of Moresby South for their health and wellbeing.” The Member added that this will be the first district hospital of its kind in the city and we are very proud because of its beautiful structure and is well designed and is looking forward to getting it opened in July. Mr Tkatchenko said his electorate is working with Health Department to engage top ranking doctors, nurses, and health workers to ensure that the hospital is fully operated by professional and qualified Papua New Guineans. He added that two doctors’ houses will be built behind the hospital premises as well as a nursing quarters with backup generator and good supply of water. “We will have doctors living on site 24 hours and St John’s ambulance will be allocated their space to serve our people our people.”

The Bougainville Police Service has commended the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville for their support and effort to ensure that they welcomed the New Year without any major incidents or accidents. Acting Chief of the Bougainville Police Service, Chief Inspector Spencer Aili told PNG HAUSBUNG that he was thankful for the support shown by the communities and is hoping they walk into 2024 with new and invigorated spirits to maintain peace. He said they had challenges with logistical support but managed to pull through with what resources that were available. He said as usual for the BPS they face issues with transportation, but that did not deter them from maintain police presence in the constituents of the region. “Although we didn’t have the number of vehicles to conduct our operations. We used the available vehicles that we had to continue our operations.” On behalf of the BPS, the Acting chief gave his word of appreciation to the people, especially the leadership for helping to maintain order and stated that for quite some times now have been working very well with the leaders. He maintains hopeful to continue this partnership moving forward into 2024.

With the intent to bridge the gap between the rural and urban sector in terms of providing internet accessibility the Minister for Information and Communications Technology Timothy Masiu announced the issuance of a five-year operator license to StarLink Incorporated for its satellite services by the National Information and Communication Technology Authority (NICTA). Making his announcement in Kokopo recently, the Minister remarked that this is a significant step in bridging the digital divide and a positive impact to the ICT Sector. Masiu stated that the license will ensure to enable StarLink to establish, maintain, and operate its satellite network, bringing broadband telecommunication services, especially to rural and remote areas of the country. The decision followed a public consultation conducted by NICTA and aim to address the long-standing challenges faced by many regions in PNG regarding internet access due to geographical and infrastructure constraints. Minister Masiu expressed confidence that StarLink's entry would promote competition, contribute to the government's policy goals for universal access, and pave the way for the digital transformation of PNG.