After a successful end to the Special Police operations in West New Britain (WNB) Province, Provincial Police Commander, Peter Barkie is calling for the people of West New Britain to learn from the experiences of the past year and continue to strive for a better and law-abiding society in 2024. The PPC had nothing but praise for the people of WNB this festive period for being able to abide by the laws and restrictions that were set by both the Provincial Government and the police thus making sure that no major incidents or accidents occurred during the festive period. “My message as provincial Police Commander of WNB for 2024, I want us to be positive, I want us to learn from the experience of 2023.” “To hold onto the good things, learn our lessons from the bad things so that we don’t repeat those same mistakes this year, but we expand and build on the good things.” He told PNG HAUSBUNG that the WNB people are good people, but much like any other society, there are those that do not share the same sentiments with the majority, and these are the ones that end up causing trouble for the rest of the people. He said that there are already laws in place that protect the people but there is only a need for order. “For this year, I ask from the communities two things; Communities should take ownership of their issues.” “As much as possible, we address our issues at the community level we already have village courts and system in place.” “And those systems are traditional structures from our ancestors, down to our elders, down to our clan leaders down to our parents.” “And the political structure from the government to the Local Level Governments, and we also have our religious structures.” “I really believe that we must be proactive.” “We must prevent somethings from happening, rather than dealing with somethings when they grow out of our control.” PPC Barkie stated that he is optimistic and confident that this year will be a better year for the province in terms of peace and order and believes that by working together that they can achieve their shared goals.

Following 14 days of special police operations in the festive period, the West New Britain Police have advised that they are satisfied and happy that they have delivered a safe and peaceful festive period, with huge commendations for the people of WNB. Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie told PNG HAUSBUNG that although they had a few challenges along the way, he is quite content and had huge praise for the people for heeding instructions from the police and observing both Christmas and New Year in a civil manner. With the emphasis on working in partnership with the communities on, he said it was a huge challenge for the police, but in the end, they are happy that they managed to get the community leaders to work together. “We give the credit to the people.” “This year, especially in the metropolitan areas of Kimbe and Bialla we had the quietest celebrations.” “They did not to break bottles or to create nuisance in town.” Despite this there were still a number of people that tried to cause problems, especially those living in the Oil Palm block but police managed to contain them and advise theme to celebrate responsibly without getting into trouble. “As Provincial Police Commander, I am very happy with the communities.” “They conducted themselves in a very orderly manner.”

A young man, an alleged murder suspect, would have been brutally killed at the hands of an angry mob of people on New Year’s Eve in Port Moresby city, had it not been for a police roadblock that saved his life. Whilst everyone else spent the rest of the night in the comfort of their own homes and with family, the young man who was alleged to be involved in a murder incident the previous day, ran into the arms of the police at a roadblock at Badili last night in an attempt to save his own neck. Badili police informed PNG HAUSBUNG that the man, believed to be of a mixed parentage of Goilala and Kairuku districts of Central province, ran to the police checkpoint after being chased by more than 20 armed men. According to police, on the 30th of December 2023 following a heated argument with his neighbor at his residence in the surrounding areas of Badili, the man allegedly stabbed and mortally wounded the neighbor, who fought for his life at the Intensive Care Unit at the Port Moresby General Hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of yesterday morning. Two other suspects were also arrested in relation to the killing and the main suspect had fled the scene. According to police, the suspect had taken refuge with friends living at the Gorobe settlement, but was tracked down by relatives of the victim and attacked. Fortunately for him, the Badili police had set up a roadblock at the roundabout leading to Koki and stepped in to save the man’s life when the officers noticed a huge crowd chasing after him. The officers then proceeded to disperse the crowd and helped the suspect to treat his wounds before being transported by the St. John Ambulance to the Port Moesby General Hospital for further treatment. The man suffered large lacerations on his back and shoulder area as a result of the chase. He is believed to be kept under watch by police as well.

Overwhelmed with emotion the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi fought back tears as he explained to PNG Hausbung how much it meant for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) after hearing the guilty verdict yesterday of the four men who were arrested and charged for attempting to smuggle illegal substances out of the country. The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that this was a monumental achievement for the constabulary, stating that this is a case in point for the police and was happy that the National Court was able to get a verdict. “I was with my case officer, the arresting officer and there were a lot of issues that we overlooked that the Judge highlighted. Going through this case we have come to learn a lot and at the same time, like I said, this is a case in point for us,” said Yamasombi. He mentioned that the RPNGC will be using this as a steppingstone. The DCP explained that this puts them in a situation in which they can establish where they are at and how they can work to do better moving forward. “Achieving a verdict like this really gives us that confidence.” Speaking from past experiences with these sorts of cases, the DCP stated that the kind of operational requirements and processes that they go through has given the police a huge insight as to what it means for them and their field of duty. “It’s a big step forward for us now, learning all these things and seeing where we are going.” He said this is by far the largest haul of narcotics confiscated in the pacific by any law enforcement agency.

Three Papua New Guinean men and an Italian foreign national, who were arrested and charged for two counts of attempting to smuggle illicit substances out of the country and into Australia, left the Waigani National Court House in Port Moresby yesterday with their heads hung low after they were handed their guilty verdict by National Court Justice, Panuel Mogish in front of their friends and families. The four men, Carlo D’Attanasio from Italy along with the Papua New Guineans Shane Dikana, Dominic Terupo and Morgan Mogu, were apprehended in Central province back in 2020, for possession of 611 kilograms of Cocaine/Narcotic Drug valued at K200 million. Their very action was a breach to Section 508B (1) and (3) (a) of the Criminal Code (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Act 2015. According to the findings, all four had conspired to transport the narcotics to Australia when they were caught and taken into custody after a joint operation by both the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). Justice Mogish stated that of the two counts that they were charged with, the four men were found guilty of the first count but were acquitted of the second count on a technicality that the illicit substances were already in the country when they were intercepted. “The issue for me to determine is whether the State had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Morgan Mogu and Dominic Terupo and Shane, had assisted Carlo transport the property into Papua New Guinea.” All four men will return to court on the 13th of February 2024 to receive their sentencing. This is by far the biggest drug bust in the pacific to date.

Enga Province, for the past few months has been at the centre stage for election related violence and tribal fighting but for this festive season police in the province are satisfied that the holidays have been relatively peaceful. A content Enga Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent George Kakas told PNG HAUSBUNG that thanks to the relentless effort of the Security forces in the province, they have managed to deter people from conducting illegal activities. “Apart from the Porgera-Paialla area, which is seen to be ongoing, the rest of the province has been really quiet.” “People are respecting the rule of law and with our men out and about in the province, people are being assured of their safety.” The PPC stated that as part of the operations, members of the Defense Force and the police have been conducting daily patrols and awareness in the province and this goes to show the peoples need to live in peace and safety without fear. He said he is happy with the level of cooperation shown by the people of Enga and hopes that this positive attitude can continue on into the next year.

Madang, one of the most volatile provinces in the country this so far this year has seen a dramatic shift this festive period, with little to almost no major incidents reported. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim was happy to share with PNG HAUSBUNG that Madang was quite peaceful this Christmas, embodying the true spirit of the holidays, with families not having to worry about their safety when moving around. He said this was despite the two killing along the North Coast, generally though Madang seemed calmer this time around. “General Christmas period in Madang was reported to be very quiet except for the two murders reported along north coast road.” “Both are related to tribal enemies on payback killing.” He added CID officers in the province are now working around the clock to establish the cause of deaths & get suspects arrested. Despite this, Madang is gradually picking up with general law & order. The PPC has given out his heartfelt word of thanks to the community leaders in all areas of the province, especially those of the settlements within the Provincial Capital. “My sincere appreciation to all settlement leaders within the town area and the village leaders in outer districts of Madang to take ownership of law & order situation by assisting police to ensure all communities celebrated safely.” PPC Baim further added that people are beginning to realize the importance of Law & Order & now they can see some big changes taking shape in Madang town. He said he hopes this continues into New Year, and to see some new developments into Madang in terms of investments.

There are many challenges that face the National Capital District Commission in their mission to deliver a vibrant city for the people and support from the police is one thing that is very much needed by the NCDC. This is an idea of what NCDC need in order to ensuring and safeguarding the growth of the city. An idea City Manager, Ravu Frank alluded to when making his remarks during the launch of the NCD Commands Festive Period operation. Port Moresby, the capital of the country and the main link to the rest of the world has a big challenge ahead of it. Plagued with an influx of migrants from the rural areas into the urban setting almost every year in search of opportunities, a rise of ethnic clashes and crime, it is no surprise that the capital is the melting pot of the nation. Recapping his mandate as City Manager, Frank said it can sometimes be tough ensuring that municipal services are provided to the resident of the capital. “I have been tasked to deliver, in these four words, a city that needs to be clean, a city that is to be safe, a city that has to be healthy and a city that has to be planned. And in these four words, NCDC alone can’t do the job.” He stated that the City Commission is in need of the support of the Police. “We need the support of the police like never before for the city, to deliver this city for a clean safe healthy and planned city." "It is very hard to manage a city that has almost a million inhabitants." "It’s Very hard, and I can also understand the challenges that the Police face.” Despite the many challenges that befall the capital, Frank assured the Metropolitan Superintendent and the general public that they stand prepared to collaborate and work together with the police to deliver a safe community for all. He concluded twith a word of thanks to Met Supt. Sika for the hard work of not only himself but also that of all the police personnel throughout the year in doing their best for the safety of the people.

Although the National Capital District Command have already started festive season operations, today a huge parade was held at the Unagi Oval to officially launch the operations and for NCD metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika to address the public regarding how police will be going about their way to manage crime in the city. Addressing the members of the parade and the general public, keynote speaker and NCD/Central Commander, Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anthony Wagambie Jnr said this launching marks the final major police operation for both NCD and Central Province for the year and the significance of this operation is to ensure peace, harmony, and safety of the people. “Police we have our duty to do, and that is to ensure that our people celebrate this festive period in a peaceful and harmonious manner.” “We’ve come a long way through the year, to which we have been through a lot.” Reiterating on the duty of the police and also drawing inspiration from the bible, the ACP stressed that the men and women in blue have a duty to enforce the law, both criminal and civil, which is derived from the Ten Commandments. “That means we must carry out our duties professionally, responsibly and within the confines of the law.” NCD Metropolitan Superintendent, Silva Sika backing the statements of ACP Wagambie expressed that there is an expectation put on the force to perform and this is the time to show the public that the NCD Command is ready and capable of ensuring their safety. He urged that all police officers conduct themselves in a professional manner and remember to keep in mind that they carry the pride and the face of those that they swore an oath to protect.

The past three years has seen significant and positive strides in combatting transnational crimes, particularly trafficking of illicit substances. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations Donald Yamasombi told PNG HAUSBING that over the past three years, a number of people have been apprehended whilst being in possession of illegal drugs. He said through the Transnational Crime Unit [TCU], they have been able to achieve a number of goals that set, by working with international partners through information sharing and other aspects of their partnerships. “The transnational crimes unit and through this conduit, we have established connections communication lines with our international partners like the Australian High Commissioner through the Australian Federal Police.” Another positive outcome from this set up saw the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary link up with the United States Homeland Security through Operation Saki Bomb which saw the police conduct a large bust on a container carrying 169kg of Methamphetamine and also led to the introduction of the Controlled Substance Act 2021. With the Country being identified as a transit point it is no wonder that many of those involved in this illegal exercise have been apprehended on PNG soil are PNG nationals and alarmingly a few happened to be members of the security forces. This year alone has seen 16 people arrested over possession of the illicit substances and trafficking.

The Independent Commission against Corruption today has shed light on recent media publications stating that ICAC is actively investigating or reviewing immigration cases being passed on for investigation. In a statement released today, Deputy Commissioner Daniel Baulch strongly reiterated that the ICAC, an independent body by law, determines what matters to look into and is not obliged to release information to the public regarding matters under investigation. “The ICAC determines which matters it will investigate or not.” “As a general rule we will not be commenting on complaints or matter that we are investigating.” While the Agency welcomes complaints of corruption or corrupt conduct of public officials from public bodies but will not be commenting on complaint or matters referred to the agency for investigations. In his statement, the Deputy Commissioner advised that the ICAC met last week with senior members of the RPNGC with regard to collaboration on investigations, to which he stated were very productive in developing a mutual relationship for both agencies to combat corruption.

“Any major government policy reforms in the mineral resources and energy space in Papua New Guinea, will be done in consultation with industry.” Words of assurance by Minister for Petroleum & Energy, Kerenga Kua who presented at the recent 2023 PNG Resources & Industry Investment Conference. Minister Kua boldly stated to those present that the Marape-Rosso government remained committed to maintaining a clear channel of discussions with industry, especially on major policy changes including exempting the mining industry from the proposed production sharing regime. Kua stated that the Government continues to listen to stakeholders. Through this they have been able to change the form and content of the PPS regime a number of times. “This present version will exclude minerals, we just stick to petroleum,” the Minister said in relation to the proposed Production Sharing Agreement arrangement. Minister Kua stated he believes more research is needed to be done on the financial and economic feasibility of adopting a Production Sharing Agreement option. He added that the legal aspects of the proposed PSA changes were well within their framework, however, there needed to be more research done to incorporate financial and economic aspects, to ascertain the impact this would have on industry and returns on investment by government. “The conclusion of the legal drafting is, therefore, pending until the outcomes of the financial and economic studies are completed.” Minister Kua’s announcement was welcomed by industry, with many applauding governments for maintaining contact with stakeholders through the consultation process.