The Prime Minister James Marape in Parliament today has advised that K12million will be allocated as relief funds for the Mt. Bagana after cabinet approval. PMJM stated that these funds will go towards addressing the first 2-3,000 people that whose lives been affected and displaced by the volcanic eruption. “I want to place on record my sincerest appreciation to President Ishmael Toroama and the leadership in Bougainville for realizing that the past, with the scars remaining but the past is gone. We need to separate a new future going forward.” He stated that there needs to be more collaboration, not only by people to people and Government to Government but more importantly government agencies to agencies. PM Marape added that knowing very well that Disaster relief is parked underneath the PNG Defense Force the Government have tasked the defense force to conduct relief operations. While making this statement, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the ABG Governments support and highlighted that for the first time in several years, the Papua New Guinea Navy has returned to Bougainville, as part of the disaster relief efforts. “They have requested for our Navy to go back and now today our Navy vessel is now about to berth in Bougainville.” A small reconciliation ceremony will be conducted upon its arrival in Buka. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also thanked the people and the Provincial Government of East New Britain stating that they continue to be a very important interface between Bougainville and Papua New Guinea. Before the Naval Vessel left the Shores of East New Britain for Buin, the people of East New Britain donated food and other items for those affected and for this the Prime Minister is grateful for their support.