Deputy Commissioner of Police Dr. Philip Mitna has addressed the financial challenges facing police operations in rural areas, citing that funding allocations are determined by population size and provincial priorities. He emphasized that the operational needs of the police frontlines are crucial, with administrative support playing a vital role. “We won’t solve this problem overnight, but we are taking steps to address key issues like accommodation, uniforms, and operational support at divisional and specialist levels,” Dr. Mitna stated. He acknowledged that some provinces receive less funding than others, a situation determined by the current allocation system. “We can increase funding…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Deputy Police Commissioner Dr. Philip Mitna has announced a crackdown on retired officers still living in police barracks despite receiving their entitlements. Dr. Mitna said some retirees have been allowed to stay due to their expertise in prosecution and investigations, but others are occupying space needed for new recruits. “We have a retirement program, but funding is limited,” he said. “If retirees have been paid, they have no reason to remain, and we will enforce evictions.” The enforcement will start in the National Capital District and major centers before expanding to districts. The police force also plans to demolish outdated…
A series of police raids conducted by the Zulu/Sector Patrol Unit in Madang on February 18, 2025, led to a shootout with armed criminals, the seizure of illegal firearms, and the apprehension of a suspect, police confirmed. Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said the raids took place in Siar village, Biliau Maus Rot settlement (BMR), and Sisiak 2, targeting criminal activity in the district. The first incident occurred at 7:30 a.m. near Coffee Mill, close to RD Tuna Cannery along the North Coast Road, where an attempted armed hold-up resulted in an exchange of gunfire between criminals…
A devastating incident unfolded on Bagbag Island in Madang Province, resulting in the tragic death of 23-year-old Shammika Pantumari. The young woman was fatally stabbed on Saturday evening, allegedly by Salul Kiari, a 24-year-old man from Swit village in Raikos District. Kiari has since been arrested and charged with wilful murder. Shammika Pantumari, the daughter of Senior Constable Joe Pantumari of the Madang Police, had traveled to the island with a singsing group from Yabob village. They were attending a funeral ceremony, a traditional gathering that turned into a scene of tragedy. The attack occurred between 6:30 pm and 7:30…
The Trukai Smart Farmers Training program is equipping farmers in Markham District with the skills to grow rice using the Irrigated Rice Farming method, providing them with opportunities to sustain their livelihoods and venture into rice farming as a business. According to Karo Nanivah, Team Leader of Radza Corporative Society, the training program is structured into four key modules designed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and practical skills. “The first module introduces farmers to the rice crop, its growth phases, stages, and overall development.” “The second module focuses on selecting suitable environments for irrigated rice farming, designing paddocks, managing fields, and…
A police operation in Madang to capture wanted criminal Yaks Linus Wanamari ended with his escape after he was wounded during a confrontation with law enforcement. Wanamari, 24, from Manjuat village in East Sepik, is facing multiple serious charges including murder, arson, armed robbery, and rape. The incident unfolded early Monday morning when police responded to a report of Wanamari threatening a resident at RD Cannery Ltd with a homemade firearm. Upon arriving at the scene, police pursued Wanamari into nearby shrubs. Acting Provincial Police Commander Robert Baim confirmed that Wanamari was shot in the leg after resisting arrest. He…
As Papua New Guinea gears up for its 50th Independence Anniversary, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander, has issued a heartfelt call for unity among the residents of the province’s six districts. He emphasized the importance of celebrating this historic milestone with a spirit of togetherness and assured the public of a safe and peaceful event. In his address, Baim reflected on the significance of the anniversary as a time for both reflection and celebration. “This is an opportunity for us to come together, honor our shared identity, and embrace the rich cultural heritage that defines us…
The Madang Provincial Police Commander has strongly condemned the sexual assault of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, describing it as a disturbing and inhumane crime. Acting Superintendent Robert Baim told PNG HAUSBUNG that the actions of the suspect are abhorrent and completely unacceptable in our society. “We will ensure that justice is served and that such crimes are met with the full force of the law.” According to police reports, the incident occurred on December 29, 2024, in the DCA Settlement area. The suspect allegedly lured the victim and her one-year-old brother to a secluded area behind James Barnes Cannery, where the…
A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a three-and-a-half-year-old girl at DAC Settlement in Madang Province. The suspect, originally from Yakamul village in Aitape, Sandaun Province, was taken into custody after the victim’s mother reported the incident. According to police, the assault occurred on Sunday, December 29, 2024, between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reports indicate that the suspect lured the victim and her one-year-old brother to an area behind James Barnes Cannery. He was seen leading them toward a small steel bridge over a drain, where he allegedly committed the offence. The victim’s aunt,…
The Lae City Authority (LCA) has taken over management of Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium from the National Sports Foundation and committed K30 million to a major renovation of the aging facility. Lae MP John Rosso said the stadium had been neglected for years, despite serving a large number of athletes and sports enthusiasts. “It has been run down for a long time.” “It was under the National Sports Foundation, but no attention has been given to it. It sits in the middle of Lae, with a lot of sportspeople using it, but the tracks had become dangerous.” The stadium, which…