The New Porgera Limited (NPL) advised today that it has immediately suspended the employment of the persons of interest identified in the Emergency Orders issued by the State of Emergency (SOE) Controller until all criminal allegations against them have been resolved. NPL took this action in response to Emergency Orders No. 18 dated 1st December 2024 issued by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police and State of Emergency Controller, Joseph T. Tondop, following the murder of eight people: two women and six men in an unprovoked attack on Suyan village by members of the Pianda tribe. It turned out that in the early hours of the 29th of November 2024, Councilor Tawa Kina and members of the Pianda tribe, their allies and supporters attacked Suyan village. According to police, Councilor Tawa’s actions have confirmed that he does not have the mandate of his people to be an elected official and government representative at the local level. In fact, Councilor Tawa has proven himself to be nothing more than a common criminal masquerading as a democratically mandated leader. Therefore, it is now necessary for this specific Emergency Order to be issued by the SOE Controller to ensure the apprehension of Mr. Tawa and his accomplices to face the law. “I, Joseph Tondop, QPM. DPS, Controller of the Porgera State of Emergency 2024 hereby make the following orders by virtue of the powers and authority conferred upon me by the National Executive Council in Decision 212/2024 (as endorsed by the Governor General on 20th September 2024) and under the National Emergencies Act and all other enabling acts to the following parties as specified hereunder.” The Order requires Councilor Tawa Kina and his brother Sedrick along with their supporters and accomplices to surrender to members of the State Security Forces (SSF) in Porgera or anywhere in Enga province to allow the process of the law to be followed through to its conclusion in accordance with the laws of Papua New Guinea. The Emergency Order also calls on members of the Pianda tribe, their allies and supporters to provide all facts and information needed that will lead to the immediate apprehension and arrest of Councilor Tawa Kina and his accomplices, identify any person or persons involved in the attack, and refrain from taking sides, harbouring, or protecting any person or persons who were party to the attack on Suyan village. Any person or persons who fail to comply with these orders will be arrested, charged, and prosecuted without further warning.