Families, relatives, and Paiam community in Porgera joined in a protest on Friday after a warring clan killed a father of five on Thursday, calling for the declaration of a State of Emergency (SOE) immediately. Local Porgera community called for immediate action from authorities as more innocent lives will be lost as a result of the ongoing tribal conflict between Nomali and Aiyala clans, where the spill-over of the conflict is continuing to impact lives and vandalism of properties in almost entire Porgera valley as security forces are exhausted. Families and relatives of late Martin Yandare from Paiam grieved while marching to Paiam police station to express their grief and resentment as an innocent life was taken while looking for food at his garden. They said they will not take revenge on losing one of their family and clansmen but called for government to address the continuous violence within a 7-day period of notice. In support of the protest, local leaders and activists banded together on behalf of Paiam and the entire Porgera community, calling for the immediate declaration of SOE as the first step toward resolving the ongoing violence in the host locality of the Porgera mine. Paiam Village Court Magistrate, Was Liko said the ten clans of Paiam do not engage in tribal conflict because they had signed a pact with God. However, a spill over of a fight that started at Kairik part of the valley has done more damaged in the Paiam community and called on government to declare SOE before the current situation escalates to further destruction around the valley affecting the restart of the mine. “The 10 clans of Paiam do not engage in tribal conflicts as this area was dedicated to God. My area is completely destroyed now. The state properties and the township are damaged. Community members are displaced. This conflict is affecting the entire Porgera valley and the neighbouring regions. Population decreased and the people who are here are scared to go into gardens because there are gunmen ravaging gardening areas in the bush. “I appeal to the Prime Minister and the Provincial Governor to declare a SOE immediately. This mine is on the verge of restart but how will the reopening of the mine proceed if this continue? Declare state of emergency first and law and order issues will follow”, Mr Liko said. Also sharing similar sentiment, one of the prominent local leaders of Porgera and Paiam town councillor, Kensary Lawaipa said innocent lives have been buried, and properties and government facilities within Paiam mining township have been destroyed and this will continue unless the security force on the ground is boosted. “The clans of Paiam are the custodians of Paiam mining township. There is a high school, an international school, hospital, village 1, 2 and 3, bank, police station; these are the facilities of Papua New Guinea being taken care of by the 10 clans of Paiam. But a severe destruction has occurred already within the surrounding community of the Paiam town. Homes and business properties have been destroyed. “Man, women, youth, and children, are killed everywhere. The number of people killed in a day is seven (7), and 13. These are not animals. These are human beings. “This is Papua New Guinea’s mine. This is the revenue generator of the country. Where is Marape Government? Where is Governor Sir Peter Ipatas?” Mr Lawaipa said. On behalf of the Porgera mine landowners, Lease for Mining Purposes (LMP) Chairman, Timothy Andambo said a joint effort by all stakeholders of the mine, including the landowners, is required to address this ongoing violence in the local communities. “The current situation has to be controlled, and we need collaborative and corporative efforts from everyone including landowners, government at the national and provincial levels. And we need serious actions done now and immediately. “From the landowners’ perspective, we are actually working with an emergency committee which has been established by some volunteers, that comprises of the police, the military, the church groups, some youth groups, and some village leaders, so we’re working with those groups to actually to come up with short term and long term action plans. Before anything happens, what we’re asking for is ‘cease fire’ and to get ‘cease fire’ done we need military and SOE declaration immediately”, Mr Andambo said. A joint security forum was held a few days earlier before the protest, security forces including Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the police said security effort is exhausted and want the local leaders including the people to take responsibility of the ongoing violence in the valley. The ongoing tribal war between Nomali and Aiyala clans began over payments of a Digicel tower at Kairik. This conflict emerged when the first wave of fight destroyed lives and properties around Kairik, Palipaka and some parts of Paiam in March, then re-emerged in May, causing terror and more destruction to the remaining properties within the vicinity of the Paiam township, killing more than 17 people, including the recent killing at Paiam, and others outside the based-conflict zone.

Prime Minister James Marape today (September 13, 2022) announced 12 Vice-Ministerial allocations, in line with his Government’s focus on ‘Growing the Economy’ and ‘Strengthening Internal Security’. He made the announcements before he left for London to attend the funeral service of Queen Elizabeth II. Of the 12 Vice-Ministers, four will be directly assisting PM Marape, in his role as Prime Minister and Minister for National Planning. The four Vice Ministers assisting PM Marape are: •  Jimmy Maladina (Office of State Negotiations); • Finoka Feo (Strategic Planning); •  Muguwa Dilu (Constitutional Matters); and •  James Nomane (Planning PIP Budgeting) The other eight Vice-Ministers and their allocations are: •  Solen Loifa (Treasury); • John Boito (Finance and Implementation); •  Kessy Sawang (International Trade and Investment); •  Miki Kaeok (Works and Highways); •  Thomas Opa (Petroleum and Energy); •  Raphael Tonpi (State Enterprises); •  Graham Piniau Rumet (Cocoa and Copra); and • James Donald (Mining and Border Issues). “The four Vice-Ministers have been given specific tasks to assist me, likewise, the other eight Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said. “We are timebound and want to achieve results “It is not just a ceremonial office they are holding, unlike the past, and they have been given specific tasks just like Ministers. “We expect the Vice-Ministers to achieve in the tasks that they have been given.” PM Marape said Ministers’ jobs were so “wide and huge” with Papua New Guinea not being like it was back in 1975, especially population growth. He said when he returned from his international tour-of-duty, he would sit down with individual Ministers and Vice-Ministers, and tell them what was expected of them. “All Ministers have already been given Key Result Areas, and when I return, I will sit down with them and the Vice-Ministers,” PM Marape said. “Likewise, when I come back, I will meet all Governors at a Governors’ Forum and engage with them on what they must do. “We will focus especially on provinces being less dependent on Waigani for finances, with more focus on agriculture, downstream processing of forestry, fisheries, tourism and other businesses. “I want provinces to step up in these areas and take ownership of businesses instead of just being spectators and waiting for handouts from Waigani. “This will complement our focus on Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in all provinces and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. “This, I believe, will really jumpstart our economy.”

Trukai Industries Ltd was recently recertified for meeting a global standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems under the ISO 45001:2018 standard. Trukai Industries CEO, Alan Preston said that Trukai continues to demonstrate its commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards with an aim to achieve zero harm in its everyday operations. “At Trukai we pride ourselves in ensuring that safety is our number one priority, our aim every day is to ensure our employees, contractors and stakeholders do their job in a safe manner at any Trukai site and go home safely to their families at the end of the day.” Mr. Preston added that, “This strong safety culture also guarantees we continue to produce the highest quality products for the people of PNG.” The purpose of the ISO 45001:2018 audit was to determine the organisation’s safety management system, the capability and effectiveness of the management system and meeting the set criteria of this standard. The audit was also to ensure that there was continued compliance with customers, statutory and regulatory requirements. This year Trukai Industries after being certified in 2019 was due for recertification and was recently audited in August this year. The rice company had once again met the international safety standard and obtained an approved updated certification of the ISO 45001:2018. Trukai Industries General Manager for Operations and Risks, David Newton said that this recertification is a great achievement for the organisation and confirms that Trukai Industries’ Safety Management System complies with international standards. “The significance of the achievement of being certified to Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) demonstrates the commitment Trukai Industries has towards providing a safe workplace where the risk of illness or injury to workers or customers is minimised or eliminated,” said Newton. The audit is conducted annually to ensure continual compliance and adherence to the set criteria of ISO 45001:2018 and also to prepare for a recertification audit which is conducted every three years. Trukai Industries had undergone an audit of the ISO 45001:2018 standard in 2019 when transitioning from OHSA 18001 to ISO 45001:2018 certification. It was carried out by SAI Global, an external certified organization which issued approval of the ISO 45001:2018 certification in 2019. The company’s recertification to ISO 45001:2018 standards of implementation paves the way towards fewer workplace injuries and illnesses through proactive approach, hazard identification and risk assessment. As a result, this leads to improved health and safety for all employees, visitors and contractors who visit any Trukai Industries sites nationwide.

Kiriwina District Administrator John Ephraim has called on the people of Gameta on the Trobriand Islands, in Milne Bay Province to return home to their village after they had fled for their safety during a fight that erupted after a football grand final match on Saturday causing the death of a man from Bwetalu. The call comes after successful negotiations between the district administrator and village elders of the warring factions that calmed down tensions between locals from Gameta and Bwetalu. A meeting was held last night that lasted till early hours of this morning to negotiate peace and calm between the two factions at Bwetalu Village. DA John Ephraim said that there was a rumour that the people from Bwetalu were planning on raiding Gameta Village were the apparent death had happened. Mr Ephraim confirmed the death while adding that three (3) others were referred to the Alotau General Hospital due to the extent of their injuries and more receiving treatment at the Losuia Health Centre. “A quick response team from the Alotau are here on the island to assess the situation and have been visiting affected villages carrying out awareness on not to take the law into their own hands.” “After hours of negotiations, at 5:30am this morning, the people from Bwetalu agreed to lay down their arms and let the law deal with the matter,” Ephraim said. He said people from Gameta who had fled their homes in fear can go back home now. Milne Bay Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Peter Barkie said that the quick response team will start investigations and people that were involved in causing the fight will be dealt with. PPC Barkie added that the team will be on the island monitoring and assessing the situation until tensions settle and the situation is arrested. PC: Getty Images   

Minister for Works and Highway Hon. Solan Mirisim was sworn- in as the Chairman of the Telefomin District Development Authority (TDDA) board. The swearing-in ceremony took place last week at the Cassowary Hotel in Kiunga, Western Province. Minister Mirisim together with Pastor Jeffery Moduwa (Church Rep), Quatroh Bisai (Women’s Rep) and Kepi Alungim (Business Rep) joins the TDDA board. Senior Provincial Magistrate David Susame witnessed the swearing-in ceremony in the presence of Telefomin District Administrator (DA) Mr. Nemsin Kibisep, Deputy DA Mr. Anslom Mani, Finance Manager Mr. Weka Fragim. Minister Mirisim thanked Mr. Susame for making his time available and for witnessing this important ceremony. “We will start work right away after this ceremony. We have three months before the close of 2022 and we will need to deliver to our people. Having said I’m thankfully to my people for re-electing me and also to everyone who were part of my re-election. We have a huge task ahead of us and having the board in place is very important for service delivery.” He also welcomed the new board members and congratulate them on their appointment. “You have been chosen among many to be part of this important board. We will continue to deliver to our people. You will carry the voice of the people to the board and I have every confidence that you will represent them well. This place is for us to make decision for the district, I want you all to contribute equally. Bring in ideas that can help the district. I welcoming debate, arguments, disagreements to some of the decisions so that we can have a vibrant board. Don’t come here, sit down and do nothing, you are appointed on purpose so you need to contribute to the development of the district. You have to be the voice of the people,” he said. Other board members of Telefomin DDA are President of Telefomin LLG Hon. Benny Remi, President of Oksapmin LLG Hon. Koniel Nereng and President of Yapsie LLG Hon. Pius Tony. Edwaki LLG President Hon Peter Iwei disqualify himself from the board after he resigned to contest the 2022 West Sepik Provincial seat

It is unfortunate the PNG National Men’s Youth U19 team could not travel out of Fiji on Sunday to Auckland, New Zealand enroute into Tahiti. PNGFA President John Kapi Natto, when informed of the situation was very disappointed and has been in contact with the team in Fiji and been communicating with OFC management to help resolve the issue. Mr. Natto after enquiring on the situation was informed that the main reason for not allowing the team to travel to New Zealand was because the PNG National Youth Team did not obtain an entry visa to enter Tahiti. However, the Assistant to the Head of Office in Papeete Mareva Beaugrard in a letter to all the teams dated June 30th, 2022, has exempted entry visa for all 10 participating countries, travelling into French Polynesia for a three months per six months period. This exemption allows the other countries to travel into Tahiti for the tournament. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding between the Air New Zealand staff in Nadi Fiji and hence, did not allow the PNG team to board the flight to New Zealand. Mr. Natto could not understand why the other countries were allowed to travel into Tahiti through New Zealand with the entry visa exemption notice, while PNG Team was denied by Air New Zealand. However, he has confirmed that the team is been looked after well in Fiji and PNGFA is working very closely with OFC, and Air New Zealand and the Travel Agents to sort the misunderstanding and accept the team to travel. Attempt to contact the Air New Zealand office in Nadi Fiji was unsuccessful and not helpful. OFC management has stepped in and have assisted the team and we are adamant that a positive outcome will be reached soon, and the team shall travel. PNGFA confirm the team have been accommodated in a hotel in Nadi Fiji. As soon as Air New Zealand have a response, the team will travel. OFC and PNGFA are now trying to establish the root-cause of the whole issue why the PNG Men’s Youth Team has gone through such a nightmare. Mr Natto said this is the second incident the team were denied entry into New Zealand as such situation. The last time similar incident has happened was several years ago when PNG national women’s team was denied entry into New Zealand and also non-participation by PNG men’s team in the 2007 Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa when PNGFA failed to meet the Justification Requirements by PNG Olympic Committee where to send an Under 23 men’s team.

South Pacific Brewery under its South Pacific Export Brand has entered into a partnership with the PNG Fashion week and earned the naming rights for the PNG Fashion Week Fashion Awards. SP Export is the Silver sponsor with K50, 000 given to PNG Fashion Week. South Pacific Export Brand Manager, Shandi Bock said that the company is delighted to give their support during the launching of the NGCB Paradise Runway. “PNG Fashion Week is the country’s premier fashion platform that provides opportunities for local established and emerging designers and models to showcase their creativity.” “As PNG’s world class export, it is only fitting we support another internationally recognized brand, PNG Fashion Week.” Bock on behalf of South Pacific Brewery wished all the participating designers and models all the best. Meanwhile, Founder and Director of PNG Fashion Week, Philly Kelegai said that the theme for this year’s runway is the "Dreams of a nation" so the designers were to put out designs according to the theme. The funds raised from this event will go to the Fashion Foundation. There will be 3 established designers along with 8 emerging designers showcasing their designs at the fashion show. The NGCB Paradise Runway will take place on Saturday 17th September, 2022.

This news just in! It’s confirmed that Wewak Open MP Kevin Isifu has passed away today. The United Resources Party Inc has confirmed this saying it is with great regret that URP advises of two term member for Wewak open Vale Kevin Isifu. Details of the cause of his death are not yet established at this stage. We will keep you informed as more updates come in. Keep listening to the news on this station and follow our news website pnghausbung.com for more updates.

“I have been briefed by our team at the National Command Centre that has been stood up at Morauta Haus", said Police Commissioner, David Manning. “At 9:46  morning, Sunday 11th September, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck in the Markham Valley, reported by the US Geological Society to be at a depth of 90 kilometres. “A second 5.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 10:42 occurring 70 kilometres north of the original tremor, at a depth of 101 kilometres underground. “The most significant damage reported to date has been in districts of Morobe, Eastern Highlands and Madang provinces. “The tremors caused damage to buildings and public roads in these provinces, and a number of landslides were triggered. “Sadly, seven people have been confirmed dead as a result of these landslides. Three in Kabwum District and three in Wau Town, Morobe Province, and one in Rai Coast, Madang Province. “I offer our condolences to the families of those who have died in these tragic circumstances. “This was a significant earthquake, however it occurred deep below ground level and this meant damage was less than if the epicentre had been closer to the surface. “To put this into perspective: · The Markham Valley earthquake was similar in size to the 2018 Highlands Earthquake; ·  The difference being that the 2018 Highlands earthquake was 23 kilometres underground, whereas the Markham Valley earthquake was 90 kilometres below the surface. “The immediate response that was directed by the Prime Minister was the standing-up of the National Command Centre at Morauta Haus. “The National Command Centre is staffed by specialist personnel from Police, Defence and other relevant Government agencies. Their immediate task of was to identify affected district communities in the affected provinces, and then ascertain the type of response required and deploy this immediate support. “These actions and the ongoing exchange of information the provincial disaster office and other government agencies has enabled a coordinated and immediate response. “Aerial reconnaissance is ongoing to identify landslides in remote and rural areas. “The COVID-19 hotline has been tasked to receive details from the public of any damage for relay to the National Disaster and Emergency Services, the National Command Centre and provincial authorities. Calls to the hotline number, 1 800 200, have been coming in with information to be provided to relevant agencies, and seeking information on the current response situation. “I will provide you with a summary of the information we have currently from each of the three affected provinces. “Overall, there have been reports of damage to the regional power grid, internet cables, and roads and highways. “Damage to the Ramu hydropower station infrastructure has resulted in serious system outages across the Highlands, Madang, and Morobe and this is being assessed by engineers at the current time. “PNG DataCo has reported disruptions to services that have disrupted operations of the Kumul Submarine Cable Network express link between Port Moresby and Madang, and the PPC-1 cable between Madang and Sydney. This is affecting customers in Momase, the Highlands and New Guinea Islands. “No damage has been reported to aviation infrastructure and regional commercial airports remain operational. In Morobe Province: · The most significant damage was in Kabwum District, where three deaths have been reported and an unknown number of injuries. Medical evacuations have taken place from Kabwum;· Landslides have been identified in Bulolo, Wau and Boana, and damage was sustained by houses and other infrastructures in these areas; · Damage was identified on several public roads and highways; · Damage was also sustained by the Muya Power Plant infrastructure causing supply outages; and, · Minor damage was reported in the Lae Metro area to buildings and roads. In Eastern Highlands Province: · There has been damage to public and private infrastructure. This includes cracks appearing in buildings at the University of Goroka male dormitory and other tall structures inside the campus; · There are reports of injuries to students on the campus and they have been admitted to hospital. Further details on these injuries are being collated; · Cracks have been reported on the bridge just after Kainantu towards Yonki, and minor cracks have occurred in the road to Yonki; · Two minor landslips occurred near kolwara close to the fish market area; · Engineers are undertaking assessments on damage to Yonki Dam infrastructure that has resulted in power outrage in most part of the Eastern Highlands Province; · A major land slide noted at Kassam Pass where a 25-seater bus windscreen was damaged, fortunately passengers escaped unhurt from the vehicle; and, · The Kainantu Mine reported that there was damage to its' underground operations or its' other site infrastructures.   In Madang Province: · One death has been reported in the Rai Coast, with medical evacuations taking place from Nankina. · There have been reports of building damage at New Town with 13 people injured at Fox Nest House; · The Government Store compound reported that 23 semi-permanent houses were damaged; · 22 semi-permanent houses at the Wagol settlement were damaged; · At the DCA Compound, one permanent building and 76 semi-permanent houses were damaged with one report of a person injured; · Damage to the Yonki Hydropower Station is being assessed; · The North Coast highway into Madang Town has been affected with reports of damage to buildings, power lines and public roads; · Due to power blackouts, reports from Rai Coast, Usino Bundi and other rural stations, damage reports are still being collated and provided to the National Command Centre. “It is now 24 hours since the initial earthquake struck and response operations are underway and being strengthened. “There remains a significant risk of aftershocks, so our people must be vigilant and think of the safety of their families and communities above all else. This means avoiding areas where there is the potential for landslides and coastal areas that could be at risk of tsunamis. “The Northern Divisional Commander and his Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) are maintaining round the clock operations to: · Identify all areas and communities affected by the earthquake in their respective districts, and facilitate immediate requirements for medical support and the delivery of urgent suppose. · The National Command Centre is working with the Provincial Disaster Office, provincial administrations, and other relevant stakeholders including Churches and NGOs to maximise our collective response actions. In conclusion: · All efforts are being undertaken to facilitate immediate responses to areas requiring support, particularly medial support; · Our country has faced many similar potential disasters, and through the lead of the National Disaster and Emergency Services with the support of Police, Defence and other relevant agencies, we have plans in place that were enacted immediately after the earthquake occurred in the Markham Valley; · But we must all maintain vigilance for the ongoing risk of aftershocks – I cannot stress this enough. “The National Command Centre will continue to engage with all stakeholders and ensure emergency support is provided where it is needed. “I will continue to brief the Prime Minister on current operations, and there will be the ongoing release of public information. “I urge our people not to be mislead by false information that circulates on social media, and rely on news information that is verified by government agencies. “We are a strong and resilient people in Papua New Guinea, and our people stand tall when our communities are threatened by potential national disasters.”

France shows solidarity with Papua New Guinea following the earthquake that severely hit the country, a neighbor of New Caledonia. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake shook the East of Papua New Guinea on Sunday. France stands in solidarity with Papua New Guinea. We are ready to send help from New Caledonia to address any requirements and needs expressed by the local authorities. The Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the French Embassy in Port Moresby, is following the evolution of the situation. The delegated Minister in charge of the Overseas Territories, who is on site, ensures the total mobilisation of the French Government in New Caledonia.

All flags raised around the city for the 47th Independence Anniversary will fly at half-mast as Port Moresby mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. City Manager Ravu Frank issued the instructions at City Hall in compliance with the directive from the Department of Foreign Affairs for all flags in the country to be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect for the late Queen of England and the Commonwealth of nations. “We have complied accordingly with all our flags in the city as we mourn the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen of England and the Commonwealth of nations. “The flags were raised all over the city in preparation for the 47th Independence anniversary celebration however, in these circumstances we are obliged to comply as a mark of respect and honor of our head of state. “The City of Port Moresby extends sincere condolences to the royal family with prayers and thoughts on this very significant loss,” Mr. Frank said. Queen Elizabeth II had a strong connection to Papua New Guinea and displayed gracious and humble leadership of the Commonwealth over the 70 years of her rule. She visited Papua New Guinea in 1974 prior to Papua New Guinea’s independence and Port Moresby hosted her visit at the now re developed Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. “Port Moresby deeply feels the passing of Her Majesty,” Mr. Frank said. Meanwhile, the City Manager is strongly appealing to city residents to refrain from stealing the Papua New Guinea flags hoisted in public places for the purpose of celebrating the country’s 47th independence anniversary. His appeal follows reports of missing flags from public areas which are presumed to be “stolen” from the locations. The national flags and the other decorations are put up to instill pride and a feeling of nationalism in our city as we approach independence day and stealing the flags is totally unacceptable,” Mr. Frank said.

US President Joe Biden has invoked the memory of America's united response to the September 11, 2001 attacks by Al Qaeda and vowed to "never give up" in the face of terrorist threats in a solemn commemoration at the Pentagon. Mr Biden's remarks about national unity on the 21st anniversary of the attacks on Sunday stood in contrast to his warnings in recent days about dangerous divisions in American society stoked by former Republican president Donald Trump. "I hope we'll remember that in the midst of these dark days, we dug deep. We cared for each other. And we came together," Mr Biden said, as rain fell on troops standing behind him, flanking his Defence Secretary and top general. Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks when Al Qaeda hijackers flew planes into New York's World Trade Center towers and into the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania. Passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 overcame the hijackers and that plane crashed in a field, preventing another target from being hit. [caption id="attachment_26446" align="alignnone" width="862"] Speaking at the Pentagon, Mr Biden said the fight against terrorism would go on.(AP: Andrew Harnik)[/caption] 'We will not rest' The anniversary comes a year after Mr Biden ended the US-led war in Afghanistan, launched two decades ago to root out the Al Qaeda militant group that carried out the 9/11 attacks after plotting them from Afghanistan. His chaotic withdrawal of US troops last year and the resulting rapid fall of the country to the Taliban drew criticism from members of both political parties. But Mr Biden vowed that the fight against terrorism would continue. "We will not rest. We'll never forget. We'll never give up," he said. Last month, he authorised a drone strike in Kabul that killed Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, an Egyptian surgeon who had a $US25 million ($36 million) bounty on his head and helped to coordinate the September 11 attacks. The disclosure of Zawahiri's presence in Kabul raised questions about the degree to which Al Qaeda is receiving sanctuary from the Taliban. Biden vows to prevent similar attack Military and intelligence officials had warned that a complete US withdrawal from Afghanistan could allow Al Qaeda as well as Islamic State to strengthen and, left unchecked, to eventually plot against the US. Mr Biden and others argued that the threat from terrorism had spread throughout the world over the past 21 years, and that there were better ways to combat it than open-ended military deployments and war. "Our commitment to prevent another attack on the United States is without end," Mr Biden said. [caption id="attachment_26447" align="alignnone" width="862"] Vice President Kamala Harris attended the service at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York.(AP: Julia Nikhinson)[/caption] The first lady, Jill Biden, attended a ceremony in Pennsylvania on Sunday morning, while Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, were at a memorial in New York City. In New York, key moments, such as the times at which each tower of the World Trade Center fell, were marked with a moment of silence after the tolling of a bell. Families of victims of the attacks have waited for years to see several of the people accused of planning and assisting the hijackers brought to trial and convicted. US plan to hold plotters to account They include Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four others imprisoned at the US military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. On Sunday, Mr Biden told reporters that "yes, there is a plan for that" — to hold the accused plotters accountable — but declined to comment further. Without naming Mr Trump, Mr Biden again also raised a call for Americans to safeguard democracy. "It's not enough to stand up for democracy once a year or every now and then," Mr Biden said. "It's something we have to do every single day. "So this is a day not only to remember, but also is a day for renewal and resolve for each and every American in our devotion to this country, to the principles it embodies, to our democracy." SOURCE: ABC News