The Management of the Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) wishes to address recent security concerns following events reported on the night of Saturday, 25 July, and the early hours of Sunday, 26 July 2026.
At approximately 10:27 PM on Saturday, Campus Security received an alert from the management of the University Adventist Residential College (UARC) regarding potential criminal activity in the area.
In response, the Chief Security Officer immediately mobilized additional security teams to reinforce personnel stationed at both UARC and the Catholic Residential College.
Responding officers noted a commotion in the neighbouring community outside the University's perimeter. There was no attempt to breach the perimeter fence, enter the campus, or damage University property.
Following the earlier incident on 18 July 2026, heightened anxiety persisted across the student body, particularly among female residents.
As news of the off-campus disturbance spread rapidly via messaging platforms and social media, a group of male students moved toward the female dormitories to offer support.
The rapid movement of students and surrounding uncertainty caused brief confusion on campus.
While no security breach was confirmed inside the University, several female students reported seeing unidentified individuals near their residential areas.
PNGUoT takes all student safety reports seriously. Security teams immediately conducted thorough searches and inspections across female residential facilities and surrounding grounds; no unauthorized individuals were located within the dormitories.
Following the 18 July incident, PNGUoT implemented heightened security protocols, which remain actively enforced:
Increased security personnel around student residential areas;
Enhanced overnight security patrols;
Strengthened perimeter monitoring;
Closer coordination with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary;
Additional security presence around female residential colleges.
The University continues to work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and other relevant authorities in relation to both the 18 July incident and the events reported over the weekend.
A comprehensive review of all campus security operations is currently underway to identify potential vulnerabilities and implement further protective measures.
PNGUoT urges students, staff, parents, and the public to rely exclusively on official, verified communication channels.
During the incident, unverified claims and unrelated media circulated widely online. Notably, a photo falsely claiming that a suspect tied to the PNGUoT incident had been apprehended is completely false and unrelated to the University.
Misinformation during sensitive times creates unnecessary panic, and we urge everyone to exercise responsibility on social media.
PNGUoT Management assures students, parents, guardians, staff, and the community that the safety and well-being of every campus resident remain its highest priority.
The Management continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies to maintain a secure learning and working environments for all.
