The Catholic Professionals Society of PNG has unequivocally condemned the horrific killing of Lina Numbalihi, a young mother of two, at the hands of a soldier within the military barracks. Catholic Professionals Society of PNG President, Paul Harricknen, stated that this act is completely unacceptable and unethical for our women and girls, regardless of time or place. He emphasized that this is a serious concern for the people. "If it’s not safe in the military barracks, where else can we expect to be secure?" “We join the Law Society of PNG, Churches, civil society, and law-abiding citizens of this country to demand the national government to seriously take heed of the issue at the military barracks.” “The commander of PNGDF must not wait but to take immediate action to apprehend the culprit and hand him promptly to the police to be charged and dealt with accordingly." "The accused soldier has no respect for the life of a very close friend, a partner whom he had 2 kids with, shows no respect for life at all, he should be treated the same way under the law. It is always wrong to take other people’s lives.” Harricknen said, there is a total breakdown in the rule of law in this country. "If killings can happen within a discipline force barracks and by so-called disciplinary personnel, what message are we sending to the public?" “The recent case in Madang, where a senior policeman pointed a gun at a doctor and publicly declared himself a murderer. How can we the common folk be told to behave well in petty crimes when they are supposed to lead by example?” Government presence seems absent and wanting. Leadership at all levels seems helpless and do not seem to care anymore or do not seem to know what to do. “It is not safe to live in this country anymore. How can we deny this reality? Our institutions and towns are not safe. Our communities both urban and rural are not free and safe, especially for women and children.” Harricknen stated, “PNG celebrates 50th Jubilee anniversary this year. Are we ready to celebrate while we still have the memories of the Black Wednesday of 10 January 2024. The tribal fight killings in Enga, Southern Highlands, and Hela, violence and killings in Alotau, Rabaul, Madang, East Sepik, and recent savage killings in Goilala, Port Moresby, West Coast of Wewak.” In addition, the president stated that due to the lack of essential government services, a young female teacher, seven months pregnant, tragically passed away upon arrival while traveling on foot along a deteriorating 2.5km road from the remote Josephstal Primary School in Madang Province to seek medical attention. There is growing concern that the government must seriously address these issues—the lack of basic service delivery and the escalating law and order situation in the country. "It is crucial to restore the people’s confidence before we can truly unite as one nation to celebrate PNG’s 50th independence anniversary." When the holy Father, Pope Francis, visited PNG in September 2024, he prayed for PNG to end tribal fights, violence and killings and respect for human dignity and human lives. His central message was for the love of God and for each other to replace violence, hatred, indifference and killings. In his meeting with the civil authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps at the APEC Haus on Saturday 7th September 2024, the holy Father prayed with hope that tribal killings and violence in general will end for peace and development. He appealed to all citizens and authorities to stop the spiral of violence and to allow for fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all, for improved infrastructure, health and education needs for the population and increase in opportunities for dignified work. The Holy Father prayed that the love of Jesus Christ, close to the heart of the church, can permeate and nourish every culture and make the kingdom of God grow in the world. It is now for us leaders and people to take to heart the message and make these work for us.