Acting Assistant Police Commissioner (ACP) for Northern Command, Chris Kunyanban, has announced that police operations for the festive season will begin next week. Preparations are in full swing, with community leaders working closely with law enforcement to ensure a safe and enjoyable Christmas period. ACP Kunyanban highlighted the importance of celebrating responsibly, reminding the public to prioritize safety during festivities. “This is a time for families and friends to come together and enjoy, but we urge everyone to do so responsibly.” “Celebrations like parties and sporting events are important, but they should not result in harm or disruption.” He also…
Author: Martha LOUIS
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Northern Command, Chris Kunyanban, has sounded the alarm over the illegal smuggling of fireworks into Papua New Guinea, calling it a persistent threat to public safety. Kunyanban said while the importation of fireworks is regulated by law, gaps in border security have allowed contraband to flow into provinces like Lae, Madang, Wewak, and even the Highlands. “Limited resources and stretched police capacity make it difficult to monitor and secure our borders effectively,” he said. He added that illegal fireworks often accompany other smuggled goods, including firearms. The issue was highlighted after the recent…
The Hidden Valley Mine’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture are transforming Nauti village into a thriving hub for coffee production. The mine’s legacy project, aimed at preparing landowner communities for life after mining, has brought essential training and tools to farmers like Mandra Jason. After years of hard work, Mandra said the workshops helped her boost both her skills and income. “The training changed how we work—it’s made us better farmers.” The support includes infrastructure like a coffee dryer house, helping couples like Shalome Raimon and Raimon Belris refine their operations. “The dryer house has been a game changer for…
Police in Madang have apprehended a 35-year-old man accused of filming and distributing a video of two teenagers in an intimate act at Coronation Drive Reef, a recording that went viral on social media, causing widespread humiliation for the victims. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, identified the suspect as Mr. Hudson Pinga, of Korogu Village in Wosera Gawi, East Sepik Province. Pinga, who allegedly recorded the couple during their date, is accused of not only filming but also threatening, insulting, assaulting, harassing, and stealing from them before fleeing the scene. The suspect surrendered to police following…
Police in Madang province have taken a similar approach to that of police in Port Moresby city by increasing the bill amounts for offences committed in a move to deter increase in crime this festive season and onwards. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said the aim is to ensure this festive period is safe and peaceful for all in the province. “We have increased bail amounts for summary offences to K1, 000 or more; similar to the measures in NCD and Central Province. Offenders engaging in group fighting will face bail penalties as high as K10,…
A high-speed car crash on the Bagawa Bridge along Madang’s North Coast Road last Friday 29th of November, has claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others injured. According to Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the accident involved a Toyota Landcruiser that collided with the side post of the bridge before plunging into the river below. “Preliminary investigations suggest speeding and alcohol were major contributing factors.” The occupants had reportedly attended a social gathering earlier in the evening before the accident occurred. One victim died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries shortly after…
The Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA) in the Morobe province has called for a complete ban on sales of cheap alcohol, which it says is fueling law and order problems in the community. District MP, Marsh Narewec alongside local leaders, has emphasized that the availability of low-cost, locally made alcohol is harming youths and straining community resources. “These drinks are cheap and accessible to young people. Instead of spending their lunch money in school, they’re buying alcohol,” the MP said when highlighting that cheap alcohol is now easily accessible by school aged children. The DDA had previously implemented a liquor…
The Naweab District Development Authority (DDA) is planning to expand its educational infrastructure, including building more classrooms and teachers’ housing, to accommodate an increase in grade 9 students next year. District Administrator Buds Botikie explained that the government’s decision to abolish grade 8 exams will affect the district’s education budget. With this year’s budget set at K1 million, the DDA intends to increase funding to address the growing number of students advancing to grade 9. “If grade 8 students move on to grade 9 without exams, we will need additional classrooms, teachers, and staff accommodation.” This follows the recent announcement…
Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Jacob Singura has reported the arrest of a man allegedly involved in impersonating a police officer to rob a truck loaded with goods valued at around K400,000 in Markham District, Morobe Province. The incident occurred on November 5, 2024, when the defendant, Noel Fenga, and four accomplices allegedly dressed in police uniforms and set off in a blue, 10-seater vehicle, registered as BGA 613 and owned by Kekam Hire Cars. Their target was a white twin-steer truck carrying 200 cartons of “blangka,” estimated to be worth K400, 000. Upon locating the truck in…
The Huon District in Morobe province, under the leadership of local member, Jason Peter, is making significant strides to improve the delivery of essential government services by collaborating closely with ward councilors, who have a deep understanding of the needs within their communities. The district introduced a new initiative that strengthens local governance by providing each ward councilor with up to K100,000 in funding. This move is designed to support critical community projects, empowering councilors to take the lead in addressing local challenges. “We’re working closely with councilors because they know what’s happening on the ground and I emphasize the…