Ten survivors of a recent sea ordeal near Tabalip Point, Rai Coast, are in desperate need of food, fuel, and transportation as they recover and prepare to return home. The Madang Rapid Response Network (MRRN) is calling on the public, businesses, and government authorities to step in and provide urgent support. MRRN Director John Newton Ariku said the survivors lost everything at sea and require immediate assistance. “These people have gone through a traumatic experience and now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives. They need food, fuel, and logistical support to return home safely.” Although clothing donations on Sunday…
Author: Martha LOUIS
A 27-year-old man has been apprehended by Madang police after issuing death threats to Madang Governor Ramcy Pariwa and Acting Provincial Administrator Daniel Aloi through a social media post that went viral. The post, which surfaced on the Madang Town Updates page on March 17, 2025, featured images of semi-automatic rifles and a warning to the officials, threatening them with violence should they take office. The post, originating from Ward 09 in the Madang Local Level Government area, rapidly gained traction on social media, raising alarm across the province. Accompanying the threat were photographs of weapons allegedly connected to ongoing…
Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has pledged to uphold law and order while ensuring a smooth leadership transition in the province. Speaking at the recent welcome ceremony for the newly appointed Madang Provincial Administrator Mr. Daniel Aloi, Mr. Baim said he respects the National Executive Council’s (NEC) decision to appoint Mr. Aloi. “I am from this land, but I will follow the law and do what is right. My actions will be properly recorded so that my successor can understand my decisions as PPC,” he stated. Baim affirmed his support for the government’s directives, emphasizing that…
Two women have been arrested and charged under Papua New Guinea’s counter-terrorism law following violent clashes in the Gampo area of Lae. Lae Metropolitan Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban said the women were accused of inciting violence, which led to destruction and attacks on innocent people. “This is the first time we are applying the counter-terrorism law in such a case.” “We want to set a precedent and ensure people follow the rule of law,” Kunyanban said. The suspects are currently in custody at Buimo Prison, awaiting trial.
Netball in Lae city is picking up pace as the Lae District Netball Association prepares for its season proper, despite facing limitations in court availability. Games Coordinator Josephine Ila acknowledged the strong interest from teams but said space remains a challenge. “Right now, we only have two courts to accommodate the growing demand, which isn’t enough for all activities. But the competition is what the netball community in Lae is eager for.” She added that outdoor courts are still unavailable, with the Lae City Authority expected to advise when they will be fit for use. With no major changes in…
Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso has called for unity, urging Papua New Guineans to reject racism and division. He condemned the spread of hate speech on social media, stressing the need for mutual respect in a country with over 800 languages and diverse cultures. “There will be challenges, but we must learn from each other,” Rosso said. He acknowledged concerns over crime and urban migration, stating that lawlessness is not confined to one region. As Minister for Lands, he reaffirmed efforts to formalize settlements and remove troublemakers from urban areas. Rosso praised law enforcement for cracking down…
Netball lovers in Lae city are in for an exciting weekend as the Lae District Netball Association hosts a special tournament this Saturday, March 8, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” focuses on promoting gender equality and supporting initiatives that empower women. Josephine Ila, the Games Coordinator for Lae District Netball Association, said the event is a platform to recognize women’s contributions both in sports and society. “We want to celebrate women and encourage them to keep striving for success. Netball is one way we can bring women together and inspire the next generation,”…
Police in Madang have arrested a suspect linked to an armed robbery involving the criminal group “3X Wantoks.” The suspect was apprehended following a coordinated police operation. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, confirmed the arrest, stating that law enforcement agencies had been actively tracking the group responsible for a series of violent crimes. “The suspect was taken into custody after intensive police surveillance and intelligence gathering. We will not tolerate criminal activities that endanger the safety of our communities,” Baim said. Authorities are continuing investigations and are working to bring the remaining members of the gang to…
Violence broke out at Nawaeb Block on Monday afternoon following escalating tensions between two factions, prompting a strong police response. Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban confirmed that the conflict stemmed from an incident last weekend when a taxi belonging to a member of one faction was held up by criminals in the area. In retaliation, the taxi driver allegedly attacked and seriously injured one of the suspects. “The suspect was later rescued by his associates from Angau Hospital and, over the weekend, they gathered in numbers, demanding compensation from the other faction,” Kunyanban said. Attempts to settle the…
Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban, has commented on the recent court ruling involving 14 Unitech students found guilty of consuming alcohol in a public place. The students appeared before Lae District Court Magistrate Nasiling Bingtau on March 3, 2025, where they pleaded guilty to the charges. Magistrate Bingtau convicted the students and imposed a fine of K4,000 each. Alternatively, they could face a two-year sentence in the Industrial Handling Labour (IHL) program at Buimo Correctional Service. During sentencing, the Magistrate stressed the students’ potential as future leaders, saying, “You 14 are the future leaders, but your actions do…