Commander for Northern and Assistant commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Guinness clarifies the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and PNG Defense Force (PNGDF) joint operations is for the people’s best interest. ACP Guiness emphasized to PNG HAUSBUNG today that the speculations and misinformation circulating on social media platforms are stirring up nothing into something which unsettles the public. “The collaboration between Police and PNGDF was sanctioned by the Commissioner of Police and Defense Commander which is under my command.” “I wrote the Operation Commands and there will be no misconduct by Police or PNGDF during this time." “Private security by Police and PNGDF will only be acceptable to Opposition and Government Party according to operations directives, and no other.” "The priority is to keep a safe and secure environment for the people and business houses to proceed to their normal daily hours, especially at this time,” said ACP Guiness. In addition to his remarks he's added under his command, the Police and PNGDF is not part and will take no part in politics at this time. ACP Guiness concluded the collaboration is to maintain law and order throughout the city and assure public safety. Police and PNGDF operations will continue during this parliament session completion.

The Ward 1 & 2 Peoples Association aims to expand the Orei Health Center for better Medical Services for the People of Orei, Imbongu District Southern Highlands Province. The Peoples Association President Mr. Steven Nomondo told PNG HAUSBUNG the plans to expand after its initial reconstruction is an appropriate action for the wellbeing of the people of Imbongu district. Mr. Nomondo emphasized that many locals with major cases and disabilities have struggled to travel to Mendi, Chuave, Kujip and Hagen General Hospital to seek medical assistance. Whereas the expansion could provide some form assistance in their time of despair. Furthermore Mr Nomondo added the Orei Health Center Non Goevernment Organisation once completed will be aided medical supplies from the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Department, and will be a referral health center for the Imbongu District. After a successful application in 2023 Digicel PNG Community Grant and granted K50, 000, the People’s Association has been fortunate enough to take the opportunity to reconstruct the Health Center and plans to expand in due time following financial support. Mr. Nomondo once again reiterated the Health Center would greatly benefit the communities and its expansion could do more.

The Orei Health Center (OHC) reconstruction project is near its completion under the Orei Ward 1 & 2 People’s Association management in Imbongu District, Southern Highlands Province. Orei Ward 1 & 2 People’s Association President Mr. Steve Nomondo overseeing the project handpicked local experienced carpenter Mr. Balik Tali to lead the OHC reconstruction project centered in Orei Village, alongside 15 chosen youths willing to assist in the project as carpenter assistants (Labor Support). Led by Mr. Balik Tali, the 15 local youths were evaluated and carefully selected by the Association President according to their work capacity and their sensible background in their community. President Mr. Nomondo emphasized the OHC foundation work took three weeks to complete and in its mid-stage with the complete skeletal framework standing, covered with roof panels and sheets. Mr. Nomondo told PNG HAUSBUNG the project now is entering the installation stage of windows and doors to apply exterior walls before applying plumbing and electrical installations. According to Mr. Nomondo the project has been resilient to issues contrary to the unpredictable weather, and cooperation has been a key factor toward the progressive stages during reconstruction. “The OHC will be greatly beneficial for patients to find service in the centre of the community, especially neighbouring villages.” “Our locals travel as far as Chuave, Chimbu Province to find medical assistance, due prolonged lack of medical supply from our own health clinic for almost 50-60 years.” “Now, this will help them seek no further than in their own community,” said Mr. Nomondo. The OHC reconstruction included the Health Extension Officer’s (HEO) home, as a part of the HEO’s primary privilege in the job. Meanwhile, Mr. Nomondo with acknowledgment to the progressive stages concluded the reconstruction competition may take 3-4 weeks, including the HEO’s house.

The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 8 saw the PRK Mendi Muruks dominate the West New Britain Provincial Government (WNBPG) Kimbe Cutters with 30-18. The Kimbe Cutters drew the first blow, taking a successful penalty conversion followed by a try by Hooker Emmanuel Ka with a successful conversion by Five-Eight Jetro John. The Mendi Muruk yet to score persisted to until full back Caleb Lo saw maneuver thought the cutters defense and scored a try followed by an unsuccessful conversion by Half Back Mark Tony. This followed two more tries by second rower Manso Laki and winger Miles Posu along with 1 out of 2 successful conversions between the remaining 10 minutes of the first half, leading the Kimbe Cutters 10-14. The Mendi Muruks continued their scoring streak in the early 10 minutes of the second half as they utilized their left winger, Finley Peter scoring two tries followed by 2 successful conversions by Mark Tony. Miles Posu closed the muruks score board in the 14 remaining minutes of the second half. Kimbe Cutters halfback struck back with a try in the remaining minutes to full time following an unsuccessful conversion. The limited time fell short for the WNBPG Kimbe Cutters to level the score board, the Mendi Muruks took the win 30-18 in full-time. The match saw a consistency of miscarriage, forward pass, offside, and especially drop balls and high tackles. However both teams were able to move forward in their defense and attack, especially the Mendi Muruks as they held their own in the final seconds into full time.

The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 7 at the National Football Stadium saw the Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles triumph over the West New Britain Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters in Port Moresby with a strong score line of 12-6. The head-to-head clash in the first half saw the Mt Hagen Eagles Right Centre Desmond Michael two tries back-to-back. His try followed by 1 out of 2 successful conversions by forward lock 13 Mosley Tika, leading with 10-0. The WNBPG Kimbe Cutters responded in the final minutes of the first half with forwards Prop (10) Muka Kalu scoring a try, followed by a successful conversion by the Kimbe Cutters Hooker Jethro John trailing the Mt Hagen Eagles, 6-10. In the second half, Desmond Michael in an attempt to perform a hattrick fell short due to an obstruction, which rewarded his try attempt unsuccessful. This attempt became the last attempt through out the second half as the Kimbe Cutters left no room for anymore attempts. The defense and attack shifted quickly into an intense momentum into the final 6 minutes of the game on both teams. Despite the strong defense, both teams shared an equal number of mistakes and penalties in the second half, with dangerous contact and drop balls. However, the Kimbe in their performance to control the ball, they still were overwhelmed by the Mt Hagen Eagles defense, this saw the Kimbe Cutters interchange forward Emmanuel Gar’s try attempt unsuccessful. The Kimbe Cutters defences took critical turn when a dangerous tackle was flagged as a penalty where the Hagen Eagles successfully converted the penalty kick adding two more points to their lead, 12-6. The dying minutes saw the team eager to kill time slowly playing the ball in the rack until full time. The strong performance saw the Hagen Eagles defeat the Kimbe Cutters 12-6.

The Digicel ExxonMobil Round 7 between Rabaul Agmark Gurias and the PRK Gulf Isou saw the Agmark Gurias destroy the Gulf Isou 38-0. The Rabaul Gurias dominated the first half and second half with multiple tries and successful conversions. The first half in the 27th minute saw the Gurias Hooker Jeremiah Dickson put his name in the score board scoring a try following a successful conversion by former SP Hunters and PNG Kumuls Half Back and current Gurias Half Back Ase Boas. This only scratched the surface of tries, as the left side centre Dominic Anis Junior score the second try in remaining 4 minutes of the first half into half time, following an unsuccessful conversion by Boas. This brought the Gurias to lead first half 10-0. Following the half time, the second half brought a surprising performance by Gurias interchange forward prop Justin Andrew scoring 30 seconds into the first half after a drop ball by the Gulf Isou attempt to bring the ball into touch. This saw another try by Gurias Five-Eight Wesley Batari followed with Boas successfully converting the two conversions bringing the score to 22-0. Through only defense throughout the first and second half time the Gulf Isou exhausted to sustain a strong defense line. Ase Boas scored his first try in the 20th minute of the first strong followed by Gurias left winger Chris Benjamin and forward prop Himson Ulalom followed by 2 put of 3 successful conversions by try Scorer Chris Benjamin. The Gurias dominated the remaining minutes until the final minutes into full time. The Gurias took the win through dominant defense and attack, wining with 38-0 restricting the Gulf Isou to remain idle on the score board.

A police unit from Malalaua that was tailing a fuel truck along the Kerema Highway in the Gulf province, foiled an armed robbery and apprehended three robbers while one escaped. The robbery was staged between Taval and Keke villages with initially four robbers attempting to rob the fuel truck on foot recently on Tuesday 14th May at 7pm in the evening; however, by the time they were in the process of robbing the truck, the police unit pulled up to the site and the suspect in possession of the firearm escaped. The police unit tailed the fuel truck from a distance and arrived in time to catch the robbery in progress and caught the three suspects by surprise. The armed suspect fled the scene leaving his three accomplices apprehended and taken back to Malalaua Police station to be charged for armed robbery. According to the Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Inspector Jeffery Lemb, police patrol operations will remain operational and investigation for the whereabouts of the armed suspect is ongoing and the public must report to the authorities if he is sighted in their communities. Meanwhile, the Mupa area along the 600 route is fast becoming a hot spot for vehicle stoning and auto thefts, which has raised tremendous security concerns for public safety. As such, PPC Lemb is urging the public to practice caution when travelling along this particular area along the highway.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) recently welcomed and hosted the Minister for Mining and Member for Kundiawa Gembogl, Dilu Muguwa on his first official visit to the Mine on Monday 13th. The visit by Minister Muguwa along with the Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim, enabled the ministers to acknowledge and understand challenges in the mine set-up to determine how the government can support the mine to continue its operations. “The work done by the board of Management, the Management Team, and the employees makes the government proud. OTML recently renewed its special Mining Lease (1), and my visit is to comprehend and determine the mine-life extension plans and continuity and see how we can support the firm in ensuring the mine continues to operate for the benefit of the nation.” “OTML being 100 percent nationally owned, it is vital that I visit this stated-owned mine as the Minister for Mining and see what the company is doing before visiting other mines. Mining matters in the country,” he said. Before taken on a tour of the mine site and mill operations, the Ministers were taken through a briefing with OTML’s Executive Leadership team. The delegations witnessed firsthand the daily operations of the mine and its continuous improvement efforts. OTML’s Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alan Bong emphasized during the tour that Ok Tedi is a proud 100% nationally owned mining company and is a great asset for the country. “The production and safety performance has been exceptional this year thanks to our people. We will continue to move in accordance to our vision to mine responsibly so that we can continue to deliver to our stakeholders and leave a lasting sustainable legacy for our people.” The degree of expertise and technology being used on site to run the mine and mill impressed the ministers. The ministers vowed to support the board and management of OTML to continue mining operations.

A police unit in Malalaua in the Gulf province recently apprehended three drug smugglers in possession of over 10 kilograms worth of Marijuana in Lese on Tuesday night on a Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) bound for Port Moresby city. The police officers, after attending to a complaint in Lese, set up a random but standard roadblock checkpoint procedure for security checks on the passing PMV’s, this led them to the discovery of a 10kg bag of marijuana with additional smaller packs in separate bags. The drugs were disguised and stuffed among 10kg betel nut bags for transporting, one 10kg bag full and other additional packs in another sealed betel nut bag. The officers identified the bag and seized the PMV and the three passengers, including the driver and the crew. The vehicle was taken back by police to Malalaua Police Station and the three suspects to be further investigated and possible charges to be laid. The suspected owner of the drugs will be charged for the high quantity of drugs in possession along with the Driver and Crew for transporting drugs under the Controlled Substance Act 2021. PPC Lemb further emphasized that according to his sources, a huge quantity of drugs slipped through their posts into Port Moresby, estimated to be over 50 kilograms and police are on high alert to minimize this from happening again. Police standard roadblock checkpoint operations will continue as normal to keep close watch of these illegal activities. PPC Lemb urged groups and individuals who choose a life of crime that they will all face this law when caught and charged accordingly.

Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) has thrown its support behind the Government’s decision to delay the passage of the Gold Cooperation Bill and seek wider stakeholder consultation. Mining Minister Muguwa Dilu at the consultation workshop on 15th April said that all stakeholders would have the chance to provide proposals for amending the controversial Gold Corporation Bill. Stakeholders are expected to submit their recommendations for the possible amendments to the bill in the next 6 months, before it reaches the parliament. PNGEITI Executive Director Mr. Lucas Alkan said there must be transparency in all phases of discussions and recommendations by both government and stakeholders in the lead up to the amendment and even to the passage of the bill. According to Mr. Alkan, this is a significant bill as it will support the economic growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG), which will include the establishment of a gold refinery and downstream processing of all natural resources into finished goods suitable for export. “We applaud the administration for delaying the passage of this measure in order to hear input from the stakeholders and suggestions regarding the modifications of this legislation,” he stated. “PNGEITI plays an important role in promoting good governance in the country’s extractive sector and therefore, it is our wish to see all discussions and recommendations done in a transparent manner,” said Mr. Alkan. Mr. Alkan also called on the government to disclose content of the deal made with a company from Singapore, Refinery Holdings Pte Limited. The PNGEITI Executive Director concluded by saying that the interest of the mines, the government, and the stakeholders among other parties concerned, must be catered for in these proposed amendments to the bill.

The Tokarara Secondary School Headmaster Mr. Gabriel Manga urges active students to focus on their studies especially grade 12 students with National Exams just around the corner, including grade 10 students. Acknowledging the Tokarara Secondary School’s most recent encounter of ineligible Grade 8 students requesting grade 9 spots have captivated the attention of Tokarara Secondary School Headmaster Mr. Manga to encourage active students to prevent such outcomes from happening. Mr. Manga expressed appreciation and concern to active students who have been successfully eligible to proceed to the next stage in High School and Secondary School and to keep their focus on their academic goals and not get distracted from the social temptation from peers and social media. Mr. Manga added social media has been a main contributor to distracting and tempting the young minds especially in cases of encouraging relationships, alcohol, drugs, pornography and other theft knowledge which results in jeopardizing their academic journey. Furthermore Mr. Manga emphasized the tragic result of students failing and can no longer afford to continue study should be minimized and so all students need to do their best to avoid any minor temptation that can easily consume them. “We have the first Written Expression national exams for grade 10 coming up and we fear the student’s academic journey may be tested or worse be demised within this small-time gap.” “Our mission now is to guide and protect their journey as much as possible, this may encourage them to improve their decision to better themselves within that time.” Furthermore, he added Tokarara Secondary School was in once in the Top 10 schools in the Nation and we believe it can be possible again. “Teaching and guidance for our students can boost their performance academically.” “The teaching staff will do our best to contribute deeply to teaching and guidance for our students.” “Despite these challenges, we will work hard and keep our finger crossed and hope for the best for our students.”

The United State Indo-Pacific Command visited Papua New Guinea to identify and expand further development of joint infrastructure on April 30th - May 2nd, under accordance to expand additional development capabilities within the PNG Defense Force. This scoping mission is in support of the recently signed and ratified defense cooperation agreement. The joint infrastructure will accelerate disaster response, enhance security cooperation, and further strengthen our bilateral relationship as it promotes and improves the capability of the PNG Defense Force, increasing stability and security and security in the region. The joint agreement will see coordination between the U.S team members in coordination with PNG partners, U.S Embassy and other relevant commercial industrial partners to understand capabilities of logistics and refinement of projects to support shared security and defense objectives. This will expect continuation of visitations for developments in October to Nadzab Tomodachi (Lae) Airport, and Igam Barracks, where UNSINDOPACOM J44-Joint Posture Management office and U.S Army Corps of Engineers began observations and surveys to identify future requirements. This also marks the Pacific Partners visit PNG where U.S military medical staff worked with the PNGDF to provide training and medical care to PNG citizens. The findings from this scoping mission will be used to create a proposal on future infrastructure programs that will honor agreements and bolster the U.S relationship with PNG.