An adult man from Hela Province has voluntarily surrendered a high-powered firearm to police in Port Moresby.
This surrender comes as Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi, intensifies calls for the public to support the nationwide illegal gun amnesty program.
The individual, identified as Robert Tebua, is originally from Tari in Hela Province but currently resides in Hohola.
He handed over the weapon at Boroko Police Station earlier this week following awareness campaigns conducted by Hohola-based officers.
These local efforts align with directives issued by Police Minister Sir John Pundari in the lead-up to the national election.
Tebua was accompanied by Sergeant Max Etebe to Boroko, where Chief Superintendent Turi formally received the firearm.
Police confirmed the surrender was voluntary and part of a broader mission to remove illegal weapons from communities across Papua New Guinea.
Turi welcomed the gesture, describing it as a positive response to both local policing and national messaging.
The initiative, while initially launched in Enga Province, has since been expanded to cover the entire country.
“The illegal gun amnesty is not only for the Highlands Provinces, but it is a nationwide program.”
“I want those in the National Capital District who are in possession of illegal firearms to visit my office and surrender them to me so I can provide records to the management.”
“I am happy with the individual who came forward, and I want more to come and surrender their illegal firearms.”
“If you want to keep a firearm, follow the process, get a license, and keep your firearm.”
According to police, this surrender highlights the growing impact of community policing. Turi acknowledged that awareness campaigns in settlements are being carried out under instructions from NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab, Central Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Joseph Salle, and his own office.
These efforts are part of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s annual management plan and are aimed at strengthening cooperation between police and the public.
Turi also commended Reservist Coordinator Chief Inspector Ruben Giusu and his team for their support.
He revealed that ongoing operations across the city have already resulted in the confiscation of more than 300 knives and other offensive weapons.
Alongside the gun amnesty, police are continuing stop-and-search operations targeting illegal activities and traffic-related offenses.
Authorities have warned that enforcement will intensify, including the impounding of defective vehicles and the charging of offenders who fail to comply with directives.
Police continue to urge members of the public to follow Robert Tebua’s example by surrendering illegal firearms voluntarily, emphasizing that the amnesty program remains a critical component of national safety and law enforcement.
