The Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) has raised alarm over the escalating crime crisis in Papua New Guinea, revealing that 263 people, reported in the media, have been killed in the past year. During a media conference today, Transparency International PNG Chair and CCAC Co-Chair, Mr. Peter Aitsi called on leaders to take responsibility for the crisis and ensure public safety. The conference addressed the ongoing violence, which included recent killings in East New Britain, Enga, and Port Moresby. Mr. Aitsi emphasized that the loss of 263 lives is unacceptable. "This level of violence should not be tolerated in our communities or the country.” He further highlighted the urgent need for a unified response from the government and community leaders. Meanwhile, CCAC Co-Chair and President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Neville Choi echoed these sentiments and urged police and community members to act decisively. He warned against the normalization of brutality shared on social media, and in turn emphasized the need for immediate action to stop the violence. The CCAC has expressed deep concern over rising crime levels, calling on the government and public officials to implement a comprehensive crime prevention strategy focusing on economic recovery, unemployment, and poverty. Aitsi further stressed the need for government intervention, stating, “It’s time for our leaders to step up and take full accountability for the problem and the issues we’re facing as a nation.” He said the government and relevant law enforcement agencies must acknowledging the crisis and implement necessary reforms to tackle the root causes of violence. Choi, also remarked that the graphic images of brutality shared on social media show a troubling trend of desensitization among the public. He said the media's role must be to provide timely and factual information to help deter violence and highlighted the necessity for transparency in government processes. Mr. Michael Guka, representing the PNG Council of Churches, lamented the situation, and stated, “Life is sanctioned by God. Only God will take life through natural means.” He called for collective responsibility among leaders to address the societal issues contributing to the violence. Furthermore, PNG Trade Union Congress National Women’s representative, Wilma Kosi, noted that the current lawlessness is not a sudden development. "There are other pressing issues in relation to how we take to this place where we are now. Where women, girls, minority groups are being assaulted in public places, on public transport, on their way to work, on their way to school. So this is not an overnight issue," Kosi said. "And current political leadership, current leaders in power, in community, in business, need to all come together. And who's going to take the lead?" "The leaders must be the political leaders who have been elected to represent the people. Workers pay revenue to this country." "Workers' physical, psychological, emotional health must be taken care of. Because without the labor force in this country, how can you be sure to go down the drain?" "The current statistics is very troubling. Because every time someone knocks on the door, they have the risk of getting assaulted and getting killed." "Now, part of our everyday greeting is be safe. What does that say? When you say be safe, instead of saying good morning, good afternoon, that greeting in itself speaks volumes." Aitsi concluded the conference by stressing the need for immediate action. “The action needs to start now. We can no longer wait.” The CCAC remains resolute in its call for government accountability and community action to combat the rising tide of violence and restore peace across the nation.