Twenty Correctional Service officers remain behind bars after police moved in on a group allegedly involved in an armed disturbance that unfolded from Bomana to parts of Port Moresby.

The officers are accused of unlawfully discharging firearms and intimidating members of the public during the incident, which drew a heavy police response on Tuesday night.

Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi confirmed the arrests, saying investigations are continuing into the actions of those involved.

Police said the trouble started at Kerepia Barracks in Bomana, where tensions reportedly developed among factions within the Correctional Service before the situation spilled into the city.

Videos circulating online showed armed police surrounding uniformed Correctional Service officers who were ordered to lie on the ground during the operation.

Acting Correctional Service Commissioner Bernard Nepo told reporters that the disturbance had no connection to reports about a new Correctional Service leadership appointment.

"Last night's incident is an isolated case," Mr Nepo said.

He explained that the matter arose after authorities moved to recover two firearms allegedly stolen by four rogue officers.

According to Mr Nepo, officers intercepted at Rainbow were disarmed by police and later taken to Waigani Police Station for questioning.

He added that four suspects remain at large and are believed to be linked to the missing firearms.

The detained officers have been denied bail as police continue their inquiries.

Headlines

• PNG Resource Projects Expected to Lift Economy and Forex Reserves : marape
• PNG Appoints Former AFP Officer to Lead ENB Police
• PNG Government Tightens Internet Controls
• PNG Man Charged Over Social Media Threats Against Ok Tedi Mine
  

The Pangu Party has put its record in government on display at a convention expo in Port Moresby, showcasing projects and services delivered across Papua New Guinea during the past seven years.

The exhibition, which opened yesterday at the Hilton Hotel, forms part of the Party's national convention and attracted students, party members and delegates eager to learn more about government programmes being implemented around the country.

Minister for Works and Highways and Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, officially opened the expo and said the displays reflected the progress made under the Pangu-led Government since taking office.

He told attendees that the government's development agenda was built on a long-term vision that required patience, commitment and the involvement of all Papua New Guineans.

Mr Tsiamalili highlighted the Connect PNG programme as one of the country's major infrastructure initiatives, saying the project was aimed at linking communities and creating opportunities for future generations through improved road networks.

“The dream that we have is not owned by us leaders, but collectively owned by all of us,” he said.

He encouraged students and visitors to take an active role in nation-building and contribute to the country's future development.

Students from the University of Papua New Guinea, IBS University and several schools in the National Capital District attended the opening, alongside representatives from Pangu Party branches in NCD and Motu Koita.

One of the main attractions of the event was the opportunity for young people to engage directly with Pangu Party MPs and discuss government policies, development plans and opportunities available to them.

The expo will continue today, giving convention delegates from across the country a chance to view displays highlighting projects and services delivered in their respective provinces ahead of the convention's closing on Friday.

Headlines

• PNG Resource Projects Expected to Lift Economy and Forex Reserves : marape
• PNG Appoints Former AFP Officer to Lead ENB Police
• PNG Government Tightens Internet Controls
• PNG Man Charged Over Social Media Threats Against Ok Tedi Mine
  

Mr Marape said Papua New Guinea was moving into a new phase of economic activity driven by major resource developments such as Papua LNG, Wafi-Golpu, P’nyang and Pasca A.

According to the Prime Minister, the country’s energy and mining industries would continue to play a major role in supporting employment, business growth and government income over the next decade.

He said Papua LNG remained one of the Government’s priority projects and once it reached the Final Investment Decision stage, it was expected to trigger large-scale construction and investment activity across the country.

Mr Marape said the developments would create jobs during both the construction and production phases while also increasing economic activity in different sectors.

He also pointed to growth in the non-mining and petroleum sector, saying agriculture had continued to perform strongly with most Papua New Guineans relying on the sector for their livelihoods.

Mr Marape said the Government would continue pushing for a fairer return from major resource developments.

“We get Papua LNG and Wafi-Golpu online and get more revenue into the country and ensure our foreign reserves improve for the Government, landowners and developers,” he said.

“These projects will provide long-term construction activity, production opportunities, employment and revenue for Papua New Guinea.

“We’re looking at the next 10 to 15 years as a period of sustained energy sector activity, not only in construction but also in long-term production and economic growth.

“We will not compromise on ensuring the State secures around or above 55 per cent of the total benefit from our major resource projects.

“There can be no clearer example than the New Porgera Limited agreement.”

Headlines
​

• PNG Government Tightens Internet Controls
• PNG Man Charged Over Social Media Threats Against Ok Tedi Mine
• PNG Government Orders Review on Referral of Chief Justice to NEC

PAPUA New Guinea has appointed former Australian Federal Police officer Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates as the new police commander for East New Britain Province in a move aimed at strengthening policing leadership in the province.
Chief Supt Kates was officially sworn in at police headquarters by Police Commissioner David Manning, who described her appointment as an important step towards improving command capacity and supporting frontline policing operations within the Royal PNG Constabulary.

Mr Manning said Chief Supt Kates had already proven herself during her earlier service in Papua New Guinea under the PNG-Australia Policing Partnership program.
He said her understanding of local communities and policing challenges would assist East New Britain police in maintaining discipline, improving operational coordination and supporting community safety efforts.
According to Mr Manning, the appointment would also allow national officers in the province to focus more on investigations and frontline duties while benefiting from experienced leadership at the provincial level.
Chief Supt Kates brings more than 32 years of service with the Australian Federal Police, including senior command positions across Australia and Pacific countries.
Mr Manning also highlighted the growing number of women stepping into senior leadership roles within the Royal PNG Constabulary.
“Kates proved her capability when she served here as an AFP officer,” Mr Manning said.
“She understands our policing environment, our communities, and the operational realities of PNG.
“I have no doubt she will perform to expectation as a member of the Royal PNG Constabulary.”
“East New Britain deserves strong, stable, and experienced leadership. Kates brings that, and she will work diligently to strengthen policing outcomes for the people of ENB,” he said.

Headlines
​

• PNG Government Tightens Internet Controls
• PNG Man Charged Over Social Media Threats Against Ok Tedi Mine
• PNG Government Orders Review on Referral of Chief Justice to NEC
• Oral Cancer Cases Reach Alarming Levels in PNG Highlands

A Papua New Guinea man has been arrested and charged by police over alleged threatening messages posted on social media targeting Ok Tedi Mining Limited operations in Western Province.

North Fly Acting Provincial Police Commander Inspector Anjap Minata confirmed that the 34-year-old suspect was charged under Section 23(4) of the Cyber Crime Act 2016 following a complaint lodged by Ok Tedi Mining Ltd.

Police alleged the man used his mobile phone to publish messages calling on communities to block the Kiunga–Tabubil Highway and shut down Pump Station KM59.

The posts were allegedly shared on the Fly River Forum Facebook page and quickly attracted widespread attention online.

According to police, the company’s Community Relations Manager reported the matter after becoming concerned about the content of the posts. Investigators later identified and arrested the suspect, who is now being held at Kiunga Police Station.

Inspector Minata warned the public against misusing social media platforms to spread threats or incite unlawful actions.

“Do not abuse your rights. If you have issues, there are proper avenues to resolve them amicably. We must protect our mine, our future, and our pride,” he said.

He also warned that anyone attempting to disrupt mining operations would be arrested and prosecuted, adding that the mine was an important asset for Papua New Guinea and its people.

Headlines

• PNG Government Orders Review on Referral of Chief Justice to NEC
• Oral Cancer Cases Reach Alarming Levels in PNG Highlands
• NICTA Begins Internet Content Filtering Enforcement
• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
  

Papua New Guinea’s top public servant has been directed to review the process that led to the referral of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika to the National Executive Council following action taken by the Ombudsman Commission.

Prime Minister James Marape confirmed that Cabinet has not yet convened to discuss the matter, saying the Government is taking a measured approach because of the constitutional and institutional implications involved.

“It’s a matter we’re handling very diligently. We don’t want to rush,” Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister said Chief Secretary Ivan Pomaleu had been asked to examine the process surrounding the referral before any formal government action is taken.

Mr Marape described the situation as one without precedent in the country’s governance history, pointing out that both the Office of the Chief Justice and the Office of the Prime Minister carry equal constitutional standing.

“This is an unprecedented matter, and as equal heads of government, we are treating it very carefully and diligently,” he said.

He said legal advice has also been requested from the State Solicitor after what he described as a conclusive determination by another constitutional office, and Cabinet will consider its legal authority once that advice is received.

“An equally important constitutional office in the Public Prosecutor has made a conclusive finding, and so we asked the State Solicitor to look into this matter. Advice is due and pending,” Mr Marape said.

“As soon as the advice comes, we will look at firstly what power Cabinet has and what Cabinet can do, and then we’ll finalise the process,” he added.

Headlines

• Oral Cancer Cases Reach Alarming Levels in PNG Highlands
• NICTA Begins Internet Content Filtering Enforcement
• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
  

Papua New Guinea is facing a worsening oral cancer crisis, with doctors warning that more people are dying from the disease as hospitals continue to receive new cases almost every day.

At the centre of the growing concern is the Highlands Region, where health authorities say the majority of oral cancer patients are coming from. Dental Specialist Dr. Thomas Tatua from the Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital says PNG now records the highest number of oral cancer cases in the world.

Speaking during an oral cancer and wellness training in Tambul Nebilyer District, Dr. Tatua said the disease is spreading rapidly and many patients are arriving at hospital when the cancer has already reached dangerous stages.

Dr. Tatua revealed that statistics show 68 per cent of oral cancer cases in PNG are from the Highlands Region. Momase Region follows with 18 per cent, Southern Region with 9 per cent while the New Guinea Islands Region records 5 per cent.

He described oral cancer as a fast-moving disease that destroys lives quickly when treatment is delayed.

According to Dr. Tatua, Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital is now treating oral cancer patients daily, with many cases already advanced by the time patients seek medical attention.

He said the number of people suffering from mouth cancer continues to rise across the country and warned that betelnut chewing remains the biggest contributor to the disease.

Dr. Tatua stated that close to 80 per cent of oral cancer patients treated at the hospital have a history of chewing buai.

Because of the growing number of cases, the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority has started awareness and training programs aimed at helping communities identify symptoms early.

The authority recently carried out a two-day oral cancer and wellness training at Tambul Health Centre involving health workers, Village Health Assistants, staff from Kiripia Health Centre, representatives from Marie Stopes and members of Upper and Lower Nebilyer communities.

During the training, Dr. Tatua urged clinicians and community health workers to examine patients carefully for early warning signs before referring them to Mt Hagen Hospital.

He also conducted practical demonstrations to help participants recognise symptoms during patient checks.

“Early detection can save lives if symptoms are identified quickly,” Dr. Tatua said.

Headlines

• NICTA Begins Internet Content Filtering Enforcement
• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
  

The authority also confirmed that a separate 30-day compliance instruction has been issued to ISPs, including wholesale provider PNG DataCo Limited, directing them to remove unsuitable content from their networks.
According to NICTA, the initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Office of Censorship and the Department of Information and Communication Technology under a whole-of-government approach led by Acting ICT Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
The enforcement program will initially target five categories of prohibited online content: pornography and sexually explicit material, violent content, hate speech and discrimination, substance abuse-related material, and illegal online activities.
NICTA stated that its latest compliance measures strengthen existing efforts under the Restricted Content framework, with particular attention on pornography and explicit material, while the Office of Censorship will continue addressing the remaining categories through established procedures.
The authority also warned reseller licensees that regulatory compliance requirements do not remove obligations relating to upstream wholesale network resilience. It further noted that Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite operators operating in the country will also be required to comply with the directive.
NICTA said show-cause notices would be issued under Section 244 to operators and licensees that fail to comply with the directive within the specified timeframe.
Meanwhile, the Office of Censorship will provide monthly reports to NICTA outlining the classification methodology and updates relating to the removal and addition of restricted content.
At the end of the 30-day implementation period, a Technical Working Group is expected to submit a final compliance report to Minister Tsiamalili detailing the progress of the nationwide internet content filtering rollout.

headlines
​

• Court Rejects Rosso Bid to Stop Ombudsman Probe
• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
• ​PNG Hosts Major Ocean Talks as Marape Welcomes Pacific Leaders

The National Court has refused an application by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Physical Planning John Rosso, seeking leave for judicial review against the Ombudsman Commission to halt an ongoing investigation against him.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Paulus Dowa this morning confirms that constitutional investigative processes under the Leadership Code cannot be prematurely halted by the courts.
​The matter arose after the Ombudsman Commission issued a notice to Mr. Rosso, alerting him of allegations that he failed to declare income in his Annual Statements during 2016.

The Commission's letter required a response to determine whether a prima facie case of misconduct in office exists for referral to the Public Prosecutor.
​Mr. Rosso sought to challenge this decision through judicial review, alleging that the investigation was fueled by personal bias, bad faith, and improper motives.
He claimed the investigation was fast-tracked after he refused to intervene in a private property dispute between Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen and his daughter and Emma Rosso.
​
​In dismissing the Deputy Prime Minister's application, Justice Dowa stated several critical legal principles.
He said the application is premature.
"The judicial review is a remedy of last resort. Because the Ombudsman Commission is still in the preliminary stages of assessment and has not made a final decision to refer the matter to the Public Prosecutor, Mr. Rosso's legal rights have not been impacted".
Justice Dowa stressed that all administrative avenues must be exhausted before a judicial review can take place and for this case, administrative processes have not been exhausted yet.
"The constitutional framework provides ample opportunity for leaders to clear their names before a Public Prosecutor or a Leadership Tribunal. Mr. Rosso must allow these established administrative processes to run their course".
Justice Dowa also noted that there was no arguable case established in Rosso's application especially when the Ombudsman Commission was acting within its jurisdiction.
" The court noted that under Section 217(6) of the Constitution, the proceedings of the Commission can only be challenged if it exceeds its jurisdiction. Mr. Rosso failed to plead any jurisdictional overreach"
The Court also found that the allegations of biasness against the Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen were unfounded.
While the allegations of bias were aimed at Chief Ombudsman Richard Pagen, the court observed that the investigation notice was actually reviewed and issued by Ombudsman Tabitha M. Suwae and Acting Ombudsman Simon Bole, neither of whom had any connection to the alleged personal dispute.
​
​Justice Dowa concluded that granting judicial review at this juncture would inappropriately interfere with the proper administration of the Leadership Code and prejudice the lawful operations of the Ombudsman Commission.

headlines
​

• Australia Delivers Bell 412 Helicopters To PNG Police
• ​PNG Chief Justice Matter Escalated to NEC by Ombudsman Commission
• ​PNG Hosts Major Ocean Talks as Marape Welcomes Pacific Leaders
• PNG future in doubt as Philemon condemns corruption in leadership

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