Prime Minister James Marape has announced that a bill will be presented in Parliament in November to enhance law enforcement powers, following the recent surge in tribal-related violence in Enga Province. PM Marape stressed this in a media statement today. Marape also announced that the Cabinet has approved a domestic terrorism bill, to be presented in November. The bill grants extensive powers to law enforcement for searches, rapid responses, and the use of drones and technology to curb lawlessness and prosecute offenders. Prime Minister Marape mentioned that, in response to recent violence in Enga, he has met with the Police Commissioner, the PNGDF Commander, and concerned ministers, and has directed the extension of the State of Emergency along the Highlands Highway, covering Laiagam, Kompiam, Porgera, and Wabag districts. PM Marape emphasized the extension of the State of Emergency and directed the Police and Defense Force to make arrests instead of mediating tribal conflicts. Acknowledging reports describing this incident as a revenge killing, he condemned the recent killings in the Highlands Highway area, urging people to avoid using guns for revenge and emphasizing that tribal revenge has no place in modern society. Marape further stated that the Government is considering outlawing compensation and increasing penalties, including life imprisonment, for those who initiate tribal conflicts. He emphasized the need to hold those responsible for tribal fights accountable, as these conflicts cause significant socio-economic problems for communities. Additionally, PM Marape indicated that Parliament might be called upon to pass the State of Emergency (SOE) for the highlands provinces experiencing higher incidents of lawlessness. He added that instructions have been given to Treasury to resource the enforcing agencies to better maintain law and order in the provinces and the National Capital District (NCD).

The PNG LNG Kumuls has defeated the Vodafone Fiji Bati 22-10 in their impressive and thrilling first encounter of the 2024 Pacific Rugby League Bowl Championship match at the HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Fiji. The first half of the match was dominated by the Kumuls with three tries. Robert Derby opened the scoring in the 17th minute for the Kumuls by an intercept, followed by a try from Judah Rimbu in the 25th minute, and a third try for the Kumuls from Sylvester Namo with two minutes left on the clock before half time. The Kumuls led 16-0 in the first half. The Bati's first try came in the 7th minute of the second half from Semi Valemei. The Kumuls maintained the pressure on the Bati and managed to come away with a try from Nene McDonald to put them ahead to 22-4. Bati had the final say as Maika Sivo scored the second try in the last seconds of the match. The Kumuls will host the Cook Islands on Sunday November 3 at the Santos National Footbal Stadium in their second match of the Pacific Rugby League Bowl Championship.

The National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province police have confirmed the conflict on the 14th of October in 8mile Port Moresby occurred over theft. The Acting Commander of Police for Central province and NCD, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Guiness confirmed in a statement that the conflict erupted after a man from Marawaka in the Eastern Highlands province was caught stealing in a house. ACP Guiness stressed that the man was captured and seriously wounded. He was then taken to be treated at Six Mile Hospital, but he managed to escape. Upon his escape and returning to Eight Mile, his tribesmen retaliated against those who had caught him, which then led to the conflict. Around 8:44AM to 9:00 AM on Wednesday 16th October, the fight erupted. A lone policeman arrived to pick up a staff member and confronted a group armed with bows, arrows, and bush knives. Despite his calls to stop, they ignored him. While the policeman managed to save some individuals, one man from Marawaka was killed. ACP Guinness said backup police units arrived and stopped the fight and transported the body of the deceased to the hospital morgue. The police homicide team arrived on the scene, identified witnesses, and began investigating the man’s death. They have identified possible suspects and are working tirelessly to apprehend those involved in the fight, murder, and theft. Meanwhile, ACP Guinness further added that the incident at Gordons this morning was in relation to a fight that happened yesterday where a bus- 16 crew had a confrontation with a vendor where the vendor was seriously wounded. The vendor, according to the police, is also from Enga. He said during the fight several vehicles were damaged. Police quickly responded to the fighting and contained the situation. He said the situation is contained but things are still tense. "Otherwise, the situation around the city is quiet with police officers patrolling the streets in and around the city." "People moving around the city are encouraged to take extra precautions because police won't be at all the locations." “It's best before you leave your house, you plan your day, so you come early, do your business and go home early. With the influx of people coming into the city the crime rate had also increased," he said. ACP Guiness concluded by admitting that the police are outnumbered, and now call on the government to seriously look at implementing the Vagrancy Act that will help control the movement of people. "We do respect their right to move but it must be genuine when travelling into the city or town."

National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent (Met Supt) Silva Sika has urged grade-12 students in NCD to behave after their exams to avoid illegal activities. Met Supt Sika in an interview today with PNG HAUSBUNG said our future leaders in grade-12 must avoid any event that may result in the consumption of illicit material from alcohol to drugs and consider their future wellbeing at this crucial time as crime increases in the city. While acknowledging the fluctuating violence eruption in and round NCD, Met Supt Sika stated the violent incidents should trigger the national examination students including the public to consider safety measures while travelling into hotspot areas in the city. Met Supt Sika further emphasized that all the students who sat for 2024 National examinations are just beginning their journey in life and urged that students must respect and celebrate their accomplishments appropriately. Furthermore, Sika stressed that students must not misuse their parent's efforts to provide the opportunity to study. Sika concluded by reiterating that incidents around Port Moresby city are becoming unpredictable, and precautions must be taken to maintain personal security and safety.

Opportunists in Gordons, NCD today retaliated after failing to steal from a young lady. This is according to National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent (NCD Met Supt) Silva Sika in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG today. Met Supt Sika said a bus driver who had witnessed the incident saved the young woman but was faced with a fight that followed by the opportunist and his companions. This resulted in a clash involving several bus owners and opportunists in Gordons. NCD Met Supt Sika further confirmed police are present and will be patrolling throughout the day. He further urged the public to travel in pairs at such times and take care. Meanwhile, despite the magnitude of the violent clashes, there have been no casualties or major injuries sustained as reported at this time. There are very little public motor vehicles (PMV’s) in the area at present. NCD police will continue to patrol the area in a bid to restore order and normalcy to the Gordons market area.

Tourism Minister Belden Namah strongly supports Prime Minister James Marape’s plan to include a Papua New Guinea (PNG) team in the Australian NRL by 2028. Following the Prime Minister’s XIII game against Australia on Sunday, PNG Rugby Football League Chairman Sandis Tsaka also expressed excitement about the proposal. This initiative to bring the NRL to PNG symbolizes a new chapter for sports and tourism, showcasing the spirit and unity of Papua New Guinea. “Sports is something that unifies the country. The prime minister is absolutely right when he says that sports is ‘unity in diversity’ in PNG,” Minister Namah stated. Namah highlighted the link between tourism and sports, explaining, “When you look at it from a tourism perspective, sports are about tourism as well. Tourism is about promoting sports. When you look at a holistic view of what our government is doing, this is a decision in the right direction.” “The NRL coming into PNG is big time. Families and supporters will come here from all over the world to see their favorite players." "This is big-time tourism for the country. It will change how people see PNG." "The onus is now on our people to embrace this and start changing our mentality because the world is coming to PNG. We have to be prepared for that. I believe we are going in the right direction," Namah said. Chairman Tsaka reflected on the significance of Sunday’s game, stating that the game was broadcast live throughout the Pacific through Channel 9 and Foxtel, as well as Sky TV in New Zealand, and the attention of the rugby league world was on PNG. “These herald the beginning of what we will be doing in the NRL," Tsaka said, adding, "What a great atmosphere! Digicel, through TVWan, also carried the game live throughout the country. Our ground staff were tested to the maximum as we had to work to broadcast times because the game was watched live across the world. “I’m proud of the ground staff for delivering the event, as well as the players for coming together to showcase what the sport means to us." "Rugby league is more than just a sport; it brings together a nation of diverse tribes and languages and builds on the Australia-PNG relationship.” “We’re thankful to the Australian government and the NRL for partnering with our government. We’re thankful to both prime ministers and the cabinets of both countries for allowing us to nurture this important industry that brings our countries and people together.”

Prime Minister’s XIII Junior Kumul’s coach Joey Grima has expressed satisfaction with the fulltime 22-22 draw against the Australian School Boys on Sunday 13th October at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. Coach Grima told PNG HAUSBUNG his gratitude to the Juniors Kumuls performance acknowledging the positive transition from previous years of the Junior Kumuls. He added that the completion of the National Rugby League (NRL) Bid Academy Program has encompassing 720 students from Goroka, Kokopo, Mt Hagen, Lae, Central and the National Capital District (NCD), nurturing young Rugby potential into the Official commencement date of the PNG NRL bid in 2028. Coach Grima remains confident in the NRL Bid Academy program, addressing it as an advantage to the PNG NRL team. He emphasized that this acts as a 4-leverage preparation for the Juniors (Students) into the NRL level by 2024. Acknowledging the results of previous years, Grima concluded congratulating the Junior Kumuls on their efforts to contain a draw despite devastating years. The Junior Kumuls now have raised the bar for next PMs13 Juniors.

The Prime Minister's XIII Junior Rugby League Competition resulted in a draw between the Junior Kumuls and Australian School Boys at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby today, with scoreline 22-22. The Junior Kumuls led thanks to tries by Cedric Kuli in the 12th minute and Jared Horne in the 27th minute followed 1 out of two successful conversions. The Australian School Boys responded quickly with in the second half despite the Junior Kumuls with the first try by Fabian Kari. The Australian side responded fast with a thrilling momentum of tries by Sam Stansor, Lincoln Fletcher and Nikora William, leaving the Junior Kumuls exhausted to defend bringing the score close to draw, 22-18. The Junior side were unable to maintain the lead as the Australian side found their rhythm tailing the lead. The defence grew intense with against strong runs from both sides. The Australia’s Nikora William finally scored the final try but failed to convert his final two points to take the lead, concluding the game to a draw of 22points all. After facing a defeat last year against Australia, the Junior Kumuls upped their game bringing home a draw for the 2024 PMs13 Junior’s Competition with 22-all result.

SP Papua New Guinea Hunters (SP PNG Hunters) young gun, Finley Glare, remains focused on his first Prime Minister's XIII (13) match with the PNG men's team after a successful 2024 season with the Hunters in the Host Plus Cup. The 21year old lad from Ialibu Pangia district of Southern Highlands Province shared with PNG HAUSBUNG that he aims to focus on his first PMs13 match tomorrow against a firm Australian PM's 13 men's side. Although young Glare will have his debut with the PNG PM's 13 Men's side, he already has some experience playing in this particular international level representative match, having once captained the Junior PM's 13 side. He also played in various positions from hooker, halves and the forward positions from previous competitions he was in, adding to his overall experience in rugby league. He emphasized that his duty to his team is to be a team player, learn as much from his team and experience and bring home a win at the end of every game. Glare also said that in the future, he would like to be part of international tournaments if given the chance and one day hopefully play outside the region. Glare played at an early age starting in Lae Igam Primary School while in grade six. He actively took part in the School Boys competition and in his local community club the East Taraka Spiders. While competing in local Snax 9’s Tournament, he was offered a place on the Lae Snax Tigers in 2023 and later recruited into the SP PNG Hunters for the preseason. The PM's 13 match between the PNG and Australia side is tomorrow and Glare remains confident and trusts the team's progress, including his captain leadership and the guidance of Coach Demetriou. He said Sunday's match will be significant for him, and his family will be on the stands cheering for him motivating him to be his best out on the field with his fellow teammates representing Papua New Guinea.

Over 700 students participated in the Prime Minister's XIII Community Clinic Program (CCP) hosted by the National Rugby League Papua New Guinea (NRLPNG) at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby today. According to PNGNRL Evaluation and Monitory Officer Mr. Emmanuel Tali, 40 students each from 19 selected schools, which is a total of 760 students, participated in the program this morning in the 2024 school's Mini Mode Rugby League Competition for students aged between 6-12 years of age, which ran as part of the CCP. The annual PM's XIII CCP through the PNGNRL is aimed at promoting education through rugby, teaching and learning the basics of rugby through primary dynamics, exercise and skillful drills to educate students to be focused, discipline and to respect one another no matter the learning environment. All participating students were joined by the Australian Women’s squad, including PNG men’s squad and the Australia school girls and boys, sharing tips and tricks to the curious young students who cherished the moments with praise and love. The CCP commenced seven coned activities from basic running dynamics to ball possession and security. Exercising stepping, passing, agility and teamwork within the selective groups. Although last year’s CCP saw roughly 200 students, today’s event saw a massive increase in the number of students willing to partake from NCD, Central and Motu- Koitabu. Acknowledging PNG's bid to implement a PNG Rugby franchise in the Australian NRL, Mr. Tali encouraged parents to bring forth their children to school and join the Mini Mode School Rugby League Competition to raise their chances to have an opportunity to NRL once PNG’s bid is affirmed. He further emphasized that the Mini Mode School Competition acts as a fun-day platform for the students to exercise discipline and respect through friendly rugby games. Rugby can be leveraged by the parents to aid in teaching children virtue at home to be sensible and respectful on and off the field, likewise in or outside homes. The Australian and PNG sides were pleased to work closely with the young students. The event saw PM's XIII PNG Captain Judah Rimbu, Morea Morea, Murray Connors and Australia’s Luke Brooks, Lachlan Galvin, Alofiana Khan-Pereira and many more who gladly supported the young students with their presence, encouragements and smiles.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) representative coaches Tahnee Noris and Jason Demetriou have announced the full squad for the men and women for the Prime Minister’s XIII match this Sunday 13th October. The PNG squads have assembled in Port Moresby ahead of the international Games to take place at the Santos National Football Stadium. Norris acknowledged this PMs game as an opportunity to play against some of the best players in the NRLW, addressing it as a test for PNG Players against a firm Australian side, to prepare for the upcoming Pacific Championship. “I’m excited to see the talent we have assembled in this squad come together and play some of the football we have seen them produce during their seasons. “We have some NRLW experience in the squad who will bring a lot of knowledge to the side, and we have also selected players who were stand-outs in a very competitive Santos Cup competition. “I am looking forward to seeing the players come together and work hard through the week. This is an important game, but it will also help set us up for the exciting challenge ahead during the Pacific Championships tournament,” said Norris. Meanwhile, the PNG men’s squad is dominated by the SP Hunters players who recently played in this year's Hostplus Cup preliminary finals, with Petero Civoniceva Medal Winner Judah Rimbu as the hooker. Demetriou included domestic players from the 2024 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Grand Final after witnessing the game in PNG. An exciting addition will see the return to representative stage for Morea Morea following an injury recovery sustained in last year PMs XIII in Port Moresby. Demetriou mentioned that the future looks promising for the men’s representative side. “It is not until you get the list of players available that you realize how strong the side can be so I am really looking forward to pulling that together.” “The big thing for me is putting in a program and a plan that is authentic and suits the way the Kumuls like to play and that for me as a coach is the most exciting challenge,” Demetriou said. Meantime, tickets for the match are on sale at the outlets, including JMart as well as the National Football Stadium ticketing booth and online at ticketmastas.com. The price remains the same since last year with North/South Stand –K30, Eastern Stand- K50, Western Stand- K80 and the Grandstand – K120. All games will be televised on TV Wan, including the men's game to be shown on Channel 9. The game schedule is as follows: 9:00 am- PNG Junior Orchids Vs Ausatralia School Girls 11:00 am- PNG Junior Kumuls Vs Australia School Boys 1:00 am- PM's XIII PNG Women Vs Australia 3:00 am- PM's XIII PNG Men Vs Australia PNG Prime Minister’s XIII Squads name list is as follows with player’s name and their respective club. PNG Prime Minister's XIII Men’s squad (first name alphabetical order) Alex Max - SP PNG Hunters Benji Kot- SP PNG Hunters Brandon Nima - SP PNG Hunters Dan Russell - St George Illawarra Dragons Dudley Dotoi - Townsville Blackhawks Elijah Roltinga - SP PNG Hunters Finley Glare - SP PNG Hunters Ila Alu - SP PNG Hunters Jamie Mavoko -SP PNG Hunters Jordan Pat - SP PNG Hunters Josh Mire - SP PNG Hunters Judah Rimbu - SP PNG Hunters Khaiya Waiembi - Central Queensland Capras Koso Bandi - SP PNG Hunters Liam Horne - Castleford Tigers Morea Morea - SP PNG Hunters Murray Conners - Kroton Hela Wigmen Robert Mathias - SP PNG Hunters Sakias Komati - SP PNG Hunters Sanny Wabo - SP PNG Hunters Slyvester Namo - Castleford Tigers PNG Prime Minister's XIII Women squad (first name alphabetical order) Belinda Gwasamun – Wentworthville Magpies Delailah Ahose – Goroka Lahanis Elsie Albert – Parramatta Eels Emily Veivers – Norths Devils Essay Banu - Norths Queensland Cowboys Freda Anthony – Central Dabaris Freda Waula – Mt Hagen Eagles Gloria Kaupa – Wentworthville Magpies Jenny Wesley – Goroka Lahanis Jessikah Reeves – Western Clydesdales Latoniya Norris-Addo – Darwin Brothers Leila Kerowa – Central Dabaris Lilah Malabag – Port Moresby Vipers Lyiannah Allen – Mt Hagen Eagles Mala Mark – Central Dabaris Meli Joe - Mt Hagen Eagles Roswita Kapo – Wentworthville Magpies Sareka Mooka – North Queensland Cowboys Sera Koroi – Goodna Talitha Kunjil – Mt Hagen Eagles Ua Ravu - Canberra Raiders Yolanda Taute – Goroka Lahanis

The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent (Met. Supt.) Silva Sika is urging the public to be more vigilant following a rise in crime and violence in Port Moresby city. In an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG, the Met. Supt. firmly emphasized that precautionary measures must be taken by the residents at this time when vehicle theft, armed robbery, violent attacks and petty crime are on the rise in the city. Mr. Sika also said that the violent encounters between groups have also increased fueled by differences between people or drunken brawls, igniting fights that often led to groups joining in, further escalating the situation that could have been resolved normally. Mr. Sika added that the main culprits responsible for criminal behavior or violence are careless and reckless individuals, mostly unemployed, disrespectful and harmful to individuals outside of their local community, and police will always deal with such people. He then urged the public to respect each other as it is key to prosperity and unity amongst people in communities. “Respect must be maintained within homes and communities,” said Sika.