NCD Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Silva Sika said the City Wardens Initiative and Neighborhood Watch have greatly assisted police in keeping communities safe and wishes to have them continue on beyond the festive season. “Going forward into the next year, we try to organize the project and spread that concept right across the city.” Said Met Sup Sika. He said he plans to create a unit called the Neighborhood Watch Unit “It will be directly hanging under the community policing department in the police force." "But we have to connect it properly and train them, properly equipped, give their roles and responsibilities and they can raise their profile so they can be recognized in the community.” Sika said each community policing unit will be given proper duty statements, managed by our Police Station Commanders and zone commanders, and coordinated by regular police officers, raising the level of their power and authority. He said they would identify competent persons among those groups from each neighbourhood and put them in charge of their respective groups. Met Sup Sika said he would discuss this plan further with authorities and have it implemented.

It's past midnight and into the New Year and so far, a police officer was attacked and minor altercations between drunkards have been reported by police in Port Moresby city during the New Year operation. In the first incident, a police officer in the Moresby South Electorate was reportedly stoned by drunkards but did not suffer major injuries, police units responded and contained the situation quickly. In the other incident, the Gerehu Neighborhood Watch team called in police support after minor altercation between drunkards, police units swiftly responded and calmed the situation. Meanwhile police have had to also deal with their own residential areas, moving into the Gordon's Police Barracks, removing boom boxes and warned police officers, their spouses, children and family members to refrain from playing loud music and causing noise pollution. Apart from these reported incidents, the city is generally quiet so far, except for reports of mostly minor alcohol related cases. Police officers at this stage have removed all roadblocks and are now on motorized patrols on the city streets and the main roads to ensure a safe New Year for all residents.

The Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs Soroi Eoe has been appointed Acting-Governor General by the National Executive Council (NEC) for the next three weeks. This appointment comes as the Governor General takes temporary leave, with the Chief Justice and the Speaker of Parliament both unavailable to assume the role. Prime Minister James Marape made the announcement, stating the decision was made collectively by the Cabinet. “Cabinet has appointed Hon. Soroi Eoe, who has served meritoriously as a Senior Minister, and it is fitting that he is appointed in this acting capacity.” He added that as the current Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Eoe brings a wealth of experience and unwavering dedication to public service. “His leadership in provincial and local governance has been instrumental in promoting effective administration and development at the grassroots level. This experience positions him well to fulfil the responsibilities of Acting-Governor General.” Marape underscored the importance of the Office of the Governor General, describing it as a cornerstone of Papua New Guinea’s democracy. “The Office of the Governor General upholds our Constitution and symbolises the unity of our nation.” “We have full confidence in Honourable Soroi Eoe’s ability to uphold the dignity and responsibilities of this office.” “His appointment reflects his integrity, dedication, and deep understanding of the role’s significance.” The Prime Minister further reassured citizens of the Government’s commitment to maintaining stability and continuity during this period. “Minister Eoe’s leadership will ensure the uninterrupted functioning of this critical constitutional office, safeguarding the stability of our governance.” “The Government extends its gratitude to Honourable Soroi Eoe for his willingness to assume this responsibility, further demonstrating his commitment to Papua New Guinea and its people.”

Minister for Police and Regional Member for Bougainville Hon. Peter L. Tsiamalili Jnr has applauded community behaviour over the festive season and encouraged a new mindset as the Nation prepares to mark 50 years of independence. “As we approach the end of 2024, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support of all Papua New Guineans in ensuring a safe and happy Christmas celebration.” He said Police Commissioner David Manning has reported that the Nation celebrated Christmas peacefully, except for a small number of isolated incidents. “This is a testament to the continued work of our police men and women in building trust and engaging with local communities.” Over the Christmas break, all regions of the country and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville were reported to be peaceful. Whilst we continue to see incidents in some parts of the Highlands Region, the Commissioner for Police has assured me that these are being addressed as quickly as possible.” On that note, Tsiamalili commended community leaders in Hela Province who assisted police in apprehending the alleged perpetrator of the murder of a policeman in Tari. “This is an example of community leaders and elders working together to promote law and order and to prevent serious escalation when violent crimes take place. As we approach the new year, I encourage all community leaders to play a greater role in supporting the police in addressing serious law and order issues.” However, he added that sadly, the Christmas break saw an aircraft accident that resulted in the loss of five lives, including a serving police officer. “To the relatives and friends of those lost in this tragic incident, I extend my deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers.” Tsiamalili said as the nation prepares to celebrate its 50th Independence Anniversary, we must maintain a mindset that supports and encourages peaceful celebration and adherence to the law. “One area that was reported throughout the Christmas period that does require increased effort was unnecessary noise and inconvenience caused by excessive use of alcohol and the use of homebrew. Such behaviour causes disruption to local communities but also has broader consequences resulting from illness and death from alcohol poisoning, and violence caused by those who are inebriated and lack judgement.” Speaking on that, Tsiamlili referred to a landmark court ruling that resulted in a significant financial penalty for a perpetrator of noise pollution in Madang. “In that case, the Provincial Police Commander charged a suspect with breaching the Environmental Containment Act 1971 by emitting loud noise under Section 52(1) of the Act. This resulted in a K5,000 fine for the individual convicted. This case provides precedent, and the police will not hesitate to charge others for breaching the Environmental Containment Act where similar cases arise in the future. So, my advice to future offenders is to be warned – such activity will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted.” He also added that the use of firecrackers in the country is illegal. “The use of firecrackers will not be tolerated over the new year period, or at any other time. Offenders will be charged with being in possession of prohibited items, and will also, where noise issues arise, be charged under the Environmental Containment Act.” “As a nation that has matured, now is the time to ensure that we change our mindset. This means continued efforts to build strong communities, address issues such as youth crime, and promote safe and healthy celebrations. In 2025, our nation will be showcased to the world. Dignitaries and other guests from around the globe will join us as we mark Independence Day on the 16th of September 2025. As Papua New Guineans, the greatest gift that we can give to our Nation is to show the world what a peaceful and harmonious society we have become.” The police minister appealed to citizens to enter 2025 to make the 50th year the most peaceful on record. “As Minister for Police, I strongly believe that by working together and embracing our unique identity, we can ensure that we mark our 50th anniversary in a way that captures the true harmony and pride that is Papua New Guinea.” “As both Minister for Police and Regional Member for Bougainville, I wish all Papua New Guineans and my constituents in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville a safe and Happy New Year.” “Let us together unite to show the world how far our nation has come in 2025.”

K92 Mining Limited, the operator of the Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province, recently incurred damage to one of its surface exploration drill rigs, after a recently dismissed disgruntled employee started a fire at the drill site. The fire was extinguished but the drill rig sustained some damage and is currently being repaired. In a statement released today, the company said their other three drill rigs in the area continue to operate normally while the damaged drill rig is expected to return to service once repairs are completed. The mine currently has ten exploration drill rigs operating between their surface and underground exploration sites. Law enforcement has been engaged with the support of the local communities to seek the former employee. Relations with our local landowners remain strong and mutually beneficial. The company said despite the incident, relations with the local landowners remain strong and mutually beneficial.

A youth from Love Village in Rigo district of Central Province has died after he was allegedly stabbed by a man from Tari in the Hela province, at the Kwikila station this morning. Central Provincial Police Commander Senior Inspector Jospeh Salle confirmed that the incident took place this morning and that police have responded to it. The quick response by the Central and NCD police managed to calm the situation down and prevent the locals from taking the law into their own hands. Assistant Commissioner of Police for Central/NCD Command Ben Turi also confirmed that they have sent the NCD Dog Unit and the CID unit to assist Central police in controlling the situation and carry out investigations into the killing. According to police, the suspect was doing business in Kwikila when he stabbed the youth who was later taken to the hospital but died soon after. Police investigations are currently underway to establish the cause of the incident.

The China Friendship Association with support from the Chinese Embassy donated a total of 30 Bulletproof Vests to the National Capital District (NCD) police yesterday. The vests were officially handed over by the Chinese Ambassador to Papua New Guina (PNG), His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang, to Assistant Police Commissioner of Police for NCD/Central Command Ben Turi at the Boroko Police Headquarters in Port Moresby city. Speaking on behalf of the China Friendship Association, representative Khim Tan said this donation is a show of gratitude from the Chinese Community in PNG. “Thank you for your long-standing support and tireless effort in protecting the Chinese community and China PNG Friendship Association. Your dedication has not only safeguarded our security but also strengthened the trust and cooperation between us. These vests will enhance the safety of frontline officers, ensuring their protection while on duty,” said Tan. He added that this gesture is also a reflection of the longstanding friendship between China and PNG and highlights the shared commitment to mutual respect, support, and cooperation. “Looking to the future, I am confident that the Chinese community in Papua New Guinea will continue to work hand-to-hand with the people of this great nation to achieve shared prosperity, harmony, and peace.” His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang expressed his sincere gratitude for the long-term support of NCDC Police to the Chinese Embassy, the overseas Chinese enterprises, Chinese community. “China and Papua New Guinea are good friends, good partners, and good brothers. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of our leaders and the concerted efforts of friends from all walks of life, our two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership have enjoyed rapid development,” Said Ambassador Xiaoguang. He said PNG and China’s political mutual trust has deepened while police cooperation is also making steady progress. In September this year, Assistant Commissioner Hodges Ette led a delegation to Fujian Province in China to attend the Third Ministerial Dialogue for China-Pacific Island Countries on Police Capacity Building and Police Cooperation. And In November this year, Police Commissioner David Manning held bilateral talks with China’s Vice Minister for Public Security Xu Datong, in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Ambassador Xiaoguang said they are going to officially hand over a drug testing laboratory to the Royal Constabulary of PNG this month as well. “China will continue to provide affordable assistance to PNG on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and upon the demand of the Papua New Guinea side, including on strengthening the capacity building of policing to support PNG police to give better protection to the Chinese companies and overseas Chinese communities in PNG, and to provide a safer public security environment for China-PNG cooperation,” he said. “The overseas Chinese community serves as an important bridge for our people-to-people exchanges. They have actively fit themselves into PNG's diversified society for the long term and contributed positively to the economic and social development of PNG,” said the Ambassador. The China-PNG Friendship Association for many years have kept close cooperation with NCD police and effectively promoted the improvement of public security in Port Moresby, through donation of office supplies, providing vehicle maintenance and installing CCTV camera networks around the city. ACP NCD/Central Ben Turi in receiving the bulletproof vests thanked the Chinese Community for their generosity. “For the donation today, it's going to be a milestone in helping our police force in the city,” said ACP Turi. He said they have about 60 police officers already trained for special operations. “Our police commissioner has already instructed us that at the beginning of the year (2025), this unit will come into full force and will no longer be acting as sector patrols anymore,” he said. Turi said the officers have been trained by the Australian Federal Police on hostage rescues, crowd control, unarmed combat, and fights and they will be the ones to respond to these violent activities in the city. “Your donation is really much appreciated by the command, and on behalf of the command, the police of both NCD and Central, I thank you and the Chinese government for the donation today," Turi said. The handover ceremony was witnessed by NCD Metropolitan Commander Silva Sika, police Station Commanders in NCD and other senior divisional commanders.

The NCD City Wardens with assistance from the police continue to curb out theft and petty crimes in Port Moresby city. In a recent incident, a woman's phone was retrieved after the snatcher was apprehended by the good city wardens and police at Gordons Bus Stop yesterday morning. According to the police and the wardens, the woman was transiting through Gordons bus stop when her phone was snatched by the suspect. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika confirmed that the suspect was apprehended by the wardens when the woman called out for help. He said the suspect has been charged and detained and is now awaiting court after the woman provided her statement. Met. Supt. Sika said since the inception of the City Wardens Initiative a month ago, they have collaborated well with the police. He said their presence at Boroko and Gordons had seen big improvements such as cleaner bus stops and people are moving freely. "I want to comment on the hard-working wardens and the police for a job well done. It's festive season and I hope that initiative can be extended to the other parts of the city to help police. We are down with manpower, and we need such initiatives to help us work together to make our city clean and safe. I want to commend the wardens for what they had been doing," Met. Supt. Sika said. He further added that from police records, the crime rate at Gordons and Boroko area, especially the petty crimes, has decreased since the introduction of the city wardens' program. He said that is a good sign of police and other organizations working together to fight crime. He also called on those who want to commit crimes that police are now out in numbers for the festive season operation. They will not hesitate to discipline those who step out of line.

Police in NCD have arrested and charged seven street vendors for illegal vending and they are expected to appear in court to answer to their charges. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika confirmed that the suspects are now detained at Boroko Police Station, but they are allowed police bail if they can afford it. The current bail rate for illegal vending is K5,000. "I want to thank the police and the wardens who are arresting the vendors. We cannot arrest them all at once but arrest one or two is good progress that will send out a message to the others that police will still arrest them when they are caught.” “We want the city to be clean and safe.” Met Supt Sika further thanked the wardens who had helped the police manning the bus stops that they were assigned to. He said since they started working with the police in the last three weeks, there had been some order around the bus stops, and the arrest of these vendors. It now shows the public that police will continue their mandated role in the city. He also added that with the festive season operation launched last week, police officers are now out in numbers to polish the city.

The Central Province Police Command received their first of four new police vehicles as part of Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu and his DDA’s support towards policing in his district and Central Province. After handing over the keys to ACP Central/NCD Ben Turi, in a brief statement, Mr. Iduhu said, “We recognize the expanse of the province, and we are encapsulating the wider part of Port Moresby. I think this is a timely support.” He said the other three vehicles will be delivered in the next few days. The first vehicle will be stationed at Vanapa Brown, while the other two in Hiri East and Hiri West, and one up at Sogeri. Iduhu acknowledged the support of the Minister for Police Hon.Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, Police Commissioner David Manning, ACP Central Commander Mr. Ben Turi, and all other members of the force who have facilitated the process of obtaining the vehicles. “We are very grateful on behalf of the people of Hiri-Koiari that we can rest assured to have a safe and blessed Christmas and prosperous 2025. We look forward to working with our communities in the district.” He said the next step forward in policing in his district is to formalize the Reservist Programme and have it rolled out next year. He further added that politicians must come on board now and help to improve law and order and not just leave it to the police. “The need for it (support) cannot be understated. Many a time as politicians we easily throw stones. I think it's about time we be proactive and do something about it and put our money where our mouth is.”

National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is focused on increasing its revenue in the fisheries sector according to Managing Director Justin Ilakini. Mr. Ilakini made this statement this morning after handing over a K402 million cheque to Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey as part of NFA’s Non-Tax-Revenue Administration (NTRA) contribution to the state. “This morning was an occasion where we want to tell the people of Papua New Guinea and our people in the sector that we have been contributing to the government a consolidated revenue so that goods and services can go down to the level of our people.” He added last year, they contributed K203 million Kina to the consolidated revenue as part of NFA’s NTRA contribution, and this year, they will be contributing over K208 million, which amounts to over 400 million Kina in the last 24 months. NFA’s fiscal contribution constitutes 54% of the total NTRA contribution to the government this year, making it the largest contributor in terms of consolidated revenue. “I'm really proud on behalf of the staff and the board that we have been able to raise that kind of money so that we can support the government in its commitment to our people." He added that since 2018, NFA has contributed almost K2 billion to the consolidated revenue, and this is the result of important reforms they have been rolling out to transform the landscape of the fishing industry in PNG. “Some of the work that we have been doing is now bearing fruit." "So, we've set 2025 apart as a year of full implementation of those reforms." "We are hoping that we'll be able to maximize economic returns from the fisheries resources back to our people.”

Police under the NCD Metropolitan Command just recently gathered as early as 3 AM on Saturday morning at Gerehu and walked all the way to Boroko Police HQ. Leading the walk, Metropolitan Commander Superintendent Silva Sika and his men and women in blue walked to advocate for peace and protection for every individual from violence and crime this festive season. Met. Supt. Sika said around this time of the year many violent crimes and criminal activities take place, but they want to ensure this festive season is different. “In the past, we experience chaos during Christmas & New Year so as a frontline policing agency, we need to lead by example to demonstrate that we want to share love, peace, law and order with everybody in the city,” said Met Sup Sika. He acknowledged those officers who walked with him, saying their participation shows that they do care for the wellbeing of citizens whom they are charged with the duty to protect. He also said this walk is not just a walk to advocate for peace but also a warning to citizens to abide by the law this festive season or else the police will not hesitate to come down hard on anyone who breaks the law. The walk for peace took place a day after the NCD Christmas Police Operation codenamed ‘Operation Silver Christmas & New Year’ was launched at Unagi Oval in Gordons.