Police Commissioner David Manning has condemned the recent sorcery related violence and killings in the Enga province in relation to the death of Enga businessman Jacob Luke of Mapai Transport. Nine women were rounded up and tortured over the death of the Engan businessman. Police in Enga intervened when news of the torture reached Wabag town. Unfortunately, police were only able to rescue five badly injured women who were tortured. Four died and were buried before police arrived. Mr Manning said, “This barbaric, senseless and evil act is an insult to the memory of a great man from Enga. Jacob Luke was kind, honest, and a hard-working man who was against such evil acts. “I have been assured by the Enga Provincial Commander that all who participated in the torture and murder will be arrested and charged. This evil act cannot continue and the police will take the strongest stand. We will not rest until every one who was involved in this evil act are arrested, charged and prosecuted,” Mr Manning said.

To mark the World Day Against Trafficking on July 30, the U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched a new $10 million USD (35.6 million PGK), five-year partnership with The Asia Foundation to implement counter-trafficking in persons interventions in Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. USAID’s Pacific Regional Initiative and Support for More Effective Counter Trafficking in Persons (Pacific RISE CTIP) project aims to strengthen trafficking in persons prevention, protection and prosecution through a holistic, multisectoral approach that engages government, civil society, and the private sector. “We are pleased to partner with the Government of Papua New Guinea to end human trafficking.  We must work together, and in partnership, to effectively address this crime.  Through this program, we hope to support and encourage Papua New Guinea to take concrete steps to end trafficking in persons, such as becoming party to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress, and Punish Trafficking In Persons among other prioritized actions outlined in the TIP report,” said Joseph Zadrozny, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Port Moresby. “Pacific RISE CTIP represents the U.S. government’s strong commitment to combat trafficking in persons in Pacific Island countries,” said Tony Greubel,  Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Suva.  “USAID and its partners are committed to helping the Pacific Island countries uphold human rights and combat this modern form of slavery.” On July 19, the U.S. State Department released the 2022 annual trafficking in persons report (TIP).  The U.S. Secretary of State is required to submit the TIP report to Congress annually under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA).  The annual TIP report documents the efforts by governments of countries including the United States to combat human trafficking. Papua New Guinea remained in the Tier 2 Watch List in 2022 relative to 2021.  According to the report, the governments of these countries do not fully meet the minimum standards in the elimination of TIP under the TVPA but are making significant efforts to bring themselves into compliance with those standards. Through the project, USAID will help reduce the incidence and vulnerability to trafficking, enhance mechanisms and strategies to prevent trafficking, improve protection services for victims, and increase access to legal services and remedies. Pacific RISE-CTIP will work to counter trafficking in persons through a whole-of-society approach that engages with Pacific governments, civil society and the private sector. “We are especially supportive of the aspect of a holistic, multi-sectoral approach that engages government, civil society, and the private sector.  Strong and robust relationships are essential to making lasting impact in a way that meets national priorities and values community leadership,” said Sandra Kraushaar, The Asia Foundation Regional Representative, Pacific Islands.

Police Commissioner David Manning has urged caution for the general public when it comes to reading and believing news that is posted on social media. Mr. Manning made the comments after a number of rumours began appearing about the roles of security forces at the time of the Return of Writs and the sitting of the Eleventh Parliament. “There are a number of nonsense rumours spinning around on social media about all manner of security issues relating to the election and what will happen on the 29th of July,” the Commissioner said.  “These include claims of massive security crackdowns, right through to claims of rogue security personnel, and I can tell you none of this will occur.”  Commissioner Manning further highlighted the damage fake online stories can cause, particularly when these relate to security matters. “Talks of insurrection in the ranks and divisions between disciplined forces is ridiculous, but sadly some people can be misled to believe these claims are true. “Police, Defence and Correctional Service work very close together and draw on each force’s strength in personnel and training. “I want to reassure the country that we in the disciplined forces are intact and going about our jobs protecting our countrymen and women and the national interest. “Social media that is driven by the wrong people is toxic for our internal security, particularly as there is a section of our community who finds some kind of sick satisfaction in causing anxiety and fear amongst our communities. The best thing these people could do is to check themselves in for mental health issues. “A very serious security concern for our country right now is the damage inflicted by nameless and faceless people hiding behind computer keyboards. “Free speech and the right of expression are cornerstones of our great democracy. “The cancer in our democratic process are lies, fake news, incitements to violence and intimidation that we often see online,” Mr Manning said.

Prime Minister James Marape has congratulated the Papua New Guinea women’s soccer team on its advancement to the OFC Women’s Nations Cup with a 3-0 win over Samoa in the semi-final in Suva, Fiji,  this week (July 27 2022). He has wished them all the best in the grand final on Saturday which will determine whether or not they get a place in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The team is supported by the Government and people of PNG through National Gaming Control Board and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd. PM Marape said PNG’s young women soccer stars were the “best news” for PNG after all the bad news about election-related violence. “Our young women are indeed a breath of fresh air for PNG after all the gloom and doom stories about election-related violence,” he said. “Today, I join with the rest of our nation in celebrating the win of our women’s soccer team, who have brought great pride to us all. “I am especially proud because two weeks ago, while attending the Pacific Islands Forum in Suva, I visited them and wished them all the best as they strive for a place in the World Cup. “They carry the hopes and dreams of our nation, especially our young women, and we are just one step away from the world stage. “I will join in with the rest of PNG on Saturday as you bring us together as one people, one nation, one country.”

Security forces and PNG Electoral Commission officials in the Southern Highlands Province met this week to look at strategies to complete counting before 12 August, the new date for the return of writs for the 2022 National General Election. “Counting in the province is a bit slow so I had a meeting with the Provincial Election Manager Mr Alwyn Jimmy, the Quick Response Force Commanders, Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen and the electoral officials in the province to strategise on how we can fast-track the counting,” Highlands Western End Commander acting Assistant Commissioner John Kale said. Mr Kale said counting in the Southern Highlands province is so far progressing well without any major election related issues, however, he has received police intelligence reports of an alleged build-up of firearms within Mendi township. There were also reports of certain candidates intending to block off the two roads into Mendi from Tente and Kiburu but they were warned not to do so. Mr Kale said security concerns is also another reason the authorities are looking at completing the counting quicker. “We told the electoral commission officials to speed up counting and they are doing that now. The way they are planning their counting process looks good and we should be winding down the counting by next week,” Mr Kale said. In the meantime, Mr Kale has appealed to all the candidates to cooperate with the security forces and the counting officials to ensure the counting is completed well before August 12. “I also want the public to refrain from creating unnecessary disturbances during the counting and declaration periods,” Mr Kale said. The Commander said polling for Southern Highlands was done peacefully and he expects the same to be maintained during counting and declaration. Mr Kale said the security personnel consisting of the PNG Correctional Services, PNG Defense Force and the Police are doing a great job in providing security during the 2022 National General Election.

Commenting on the recent announcement by Total Energies that that the Papua LNG joint venture will launch the first phase of front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies for upstream production facilities on the 5.4 Mt/year LNG project that they are operator of, Kumul Petroleum managing director Wapu Sonk was congratulatory. He said, “As a potential co-venturer in this LNG project, we are really glad that this momentous decision has been made by TotalEnergies and its partners, it is a sign of their faith in the future of Papua New Guinea.” Mr Sonk noted that studies for the downstream liquefaction facilities were also progressing in line with the overall project schedule, with the objective of launching the integrated FEED in the fourth quarter of 2022. “The project is targeting a final investment decision (FID) around the end of 2023, which will enable project construction to commence, leading to a projected project start-up at the end of 2027. We have been waiting for this good news for a number of years now.” As the national petroleum, company Kumul Petroleum Holdings will be exercising its right to take up to 22.5% equity in the Papua LNG project, and join the other partners TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and Santos. Mr Sonk continued, “We have seen the many benefits that have come about as a result of the ExxonMobil led PNG LNG Project, and I foresee that the lessons learned from that project will enable all Papua New Guinea stakeholders to maximise their various benefits from the Papua LNG development. Papua LNG construction will have large multiplier effects in the economy” The decision by Papua LNG to enter FEED would benefit many stakeholders since after the completion of an estimated four years of construction it was planned to then start the construction of the P’nyang LNG Project, which would take another 3-4 years to construct. “The likelihood of up to eight years of LNG related infrastructure construction means that many nationally owned service industries have the opportunity to develop a firm financial, technical and human resource foundation that will ensure their future in a rapidly industrialising Papua New Guinea.” Mr Sonk confirmed his belief that LNG developments would underpin the economy of PNG for at least the next two decades, assisting in the roll out of electrification across the country and be the catalyst for downstream processing of petroleum into products such as fertilisers and petrochemicals. “ At Kumul Petroleum we will be playing a continuing role in petroleum developments and also intend to play a greater role in related nation-building projects to ensure that benefits from this sector are spread as widely as possible.”

Incumbent Morobe Governor Hon Ginson Goheyuc Saonu has passed his Ultimate Condolences to the Late Chief Jacob Luke, the Businessman & Founder of Mapai Group of Companies. Governor Saonu acknowledged the efforts of the Late Chief Luke in the transport industry of the Morobe Province and Papua New Guinea. He described the Late Chief Luke as a simple yet hardworking man who contributed to the Economy of the country and provided many opportunities for Morobeans and fellow Papua New Guineans alike. “On behalf of the people of Lae City and Morobe Province, I would like to take this time to praise the leadership you have shown towards the Business Sector of the Country by demonstrating that Papua New Guinean’s are capable of entrepreneurship skills at National to International Level.” “Although originally from Enga Province, the Late Chief Luke called Lae City and Morobe province his home and even basing the headquarters of his entire operations in Lae City.” “I would like to pass my sincere condolences to his wife, children and family on behalf of the people of Morobe Province.” Governor Saonu said his passing was at a very crucial time for Papua New Guinea going to the poll and therefore his legacy will remain memory fitting to this significant time for the country to choose its next crop of Leaders to lead the nation into prosperity. “On behalf of my wife Marilyn, and my family I would like to honor the Late Chief Luke for his legacy & benchmark left behind for the next generation of Papua New Guineans to embrace.” VALE CHIEF JACOB LUKE

A video of a group of students ganging up on a fellow student at Popondetta Secondary School in Northern Province has gone viral on social media causing outrage with parents of students attending the school. Popondetta Secondary School Principal, Mr Clarence Honani said the incident happened yesterday however the school was unaware until the video was posted and shared. “There were 5 grade 10 girls involved and the video shows one of the students hitting the victim, a grade 9 student while her friends watched on and took the video.” “It is unknown at this time why they did that to the victim but I have suspended the girls and they will be facing the School Board of Governors.” Mr Honani said that bullying is a big issue in schools and it saddened him that this incident happened in his school. He added that as soon as he was notified of the incident, he called up the girl’s parents to come and meet with him. They were removed from the school grounds and will be called back once the BOG is ready to meet with them to decide on the right punishment for their actions. The school has made it clear that it won’t be tolerating such behaviour.

Seven suspects surrendered this morning to Mt Hagen police over the murder of four people in an ambush at the upper Nebilyer bridge on Tuesday July 19. Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Superintendent John Sagom commended community and tribal leaders for their efforts in bringing the suspects to police. He also thanked the suspect for surrendering to the authorities to allow for the law to take its course and for peace to prevail. The PPC took the opportunity to also thank the relatives of the four victims for not taking the law into their own hands. “This again is a first and I am grateful to the relatives of the four who were killed for not retaliating as is common in the highlands. Violence begets violence and is not a permanent solution. For long term peace and stability, we must allow the law to take its full and natural course,” Superintendent Sagom said. Mr Sagom said for the seven suspects, normal police investigations will continue where they will be charged to stand trial in court.

NATEL 2022 Operation High Speed for New Ireland Province was successfully concluded without any major incidences. This was revealed by New Ireland PPC, Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat during his final brief with the Namatanai team following the declaration in that electorate that concluded the election proper phase for the province. He said overall he was impressed with the high standard of professionalism displayed by every member of the Joint Security Forces during the NATEL 2022 Ops High Speed. “I am overwhelmed with the outcome of operations in general despite minor hiccups that was swiftly dealt with and mitigated to ensure the smooth running of the election process take its course until our leaders are declared for the 3 seats of Parliament.” PPC Nebanat thanked his men and women for the Joint Security Forces Ops including the local police, local QRF team, MS 17 and the PNGDF for the invaluable service during the Ops High Speed starting from the Contingent Commands to the Field Commanders from each stations looking after their respective LLGs to the Team Leaders, all his PPHQ team, admin team, all the way to the reservists and community auxiliary police officers. He extended a special thank you to the families of his formidable team, stating that the reason they can carry out their duties with diligence is because they have their families behind them making the biggest sacrifices on their part. He also acknowledged all candidates, scrutineers and their supporters for keeping the peace despite minor disagreements in between the business house, partners and stakeholders, the Provincial Administration, Provincial Government, KDDA, NDDA, the RPNGC both HQ in Port Moresby and DHQ at Ralum for their continued support in making sure that he is on par with the delivery of the NATEL Ops High Speed. Nebanat also commended the people of New Ireland saying that he cannot fathom the gratitude he felt seeing how far they have come in terms of security. “Knowing that you all have taken ownership and put in your collective effort one way or another to make our job a little easier and more bearable,” Nebanat stressed. With that said, he congratulated the 3 Members of Parliament, Sir Julius Chan, Governor for New Ireland, Member for Kavieng Open, Ian Ling Stuckey and Member for Namatanai Open Walter David Schnaubelt on their respective victories to take up another term in Parliament as mandated leaders representing the little people back at home. “I look forward to working with your prestigious offices to uphold and maintain Law & Order through my Smart Policing Concept,” Nebanat said.

Growing up in Sogeri, in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea, Edene Gebbie loved to watch Queensland Maroons legend Matt Bowen in action. For a young speedster, there was no better idol to have in rugby league. Fast forward to today and Gebbie is living out a childhood dream, as he learns from the man himself in Townsville’s representative team. Gebbie was selected for the side in April, when they overcame Mackay and Cairns to take out this year’s XXXX Foley Shield. This Saturday, July 30, he will now look to lead Townsville all the way to the state title, when they take on the Gold Coast in the XXXX League Championship grand final. Bowen, alongside the experienced Roy Baira, co-coaches the Townsville team and the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s greatest fullbacks has been invaluable for Gebbie. “He’s been really good,” Gebbie said of Bowen. “As a kid growing up watching him play, I was one of his fans back home. I just loved how he plays, the way he plays… it makes me want to be like him. “When I met him, he’s such a nice guy. He comes down to our level, especially for the younger guys. He’s a role model to us. “He tells me to just catch the ball, run, and run fast. That’s what he always tells me. Back yourself and just run. “It’s been good for me the way he coaches, the way he talks.” Gebbie starred at fullback for Townsville in the XXXX Foley Shield and in the side’s XXXX League Championship semi-final victory over Rockhampton last month. He has been named on the wing against the Gold Coast this weekend, with Carlin Anderson moving into the fullback role. Gebbie only arrived in Townsville at the end of last year, after he signed with the Blackhawks following a rollercoaster few years. The 27-year-old former PNG and Wynnum Manly gun had a taste of NRL systems with both the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers, but also experienced some disruption due to the impact of COVID-19 on the game. Since arriving in Townsville however, Gebbie has been slowly building back to his best football, playing with Centrals ASA Tigers in the local A grade competition, earning selection with the representative team, and making a return to the Hostplus Cup with the Townsville Blackhawks earlier this month. He scored a try in that outing and while he admits he has been a “bit upset” with his form, he knows Townsville is the right place for him. “It’s been good here, especially around the boys,” Gebbie said. “It felt so good to get back (in Hostplus Cup). I missed it for like a year or two years so it was good to be back, playing for the Blackhawks. “Normally I feel home sick but moving up here I don’t feel home sick anymore. It’s because of the playing group, the coaching staff, the people in the office. “Everyone in and around the club just makes me feel at home.” As well as getting more time in the Hostplus Cup before the 2022 season is over, Gebbie also has his sights set on a World Cup call up for Papua New Guinea. But his next big goal is to claim a win for Townsville this Saturday. He knows what a win would mean, not just for his teammates and Bowen and Baira, but for his new home in Townsville as well. “I’m going to take this final very serious,” Gebbie said. “I will do what I love doing on the field. Go hard. Back each other up. Play hard and get the win. That’s all I’m expecting.” The XXXX League Championship grand final will be held at Neil Stewart Park in Townsville from 4pm on Saturday, July 30. SOURCE: QLD.com.au

Two new ambulances have been added to the St John Ambulance fleet to assist them to continue to provide reliable, safe, and efficient ambulance services to urban and rural communities. Australian High Commission Minster Counsellor, Economics, Health and Infrastructure, Diane Barclay handed over the keys to St John Chief Executive Officer Matt Cannon at St John Headquarters in Port Moresby on Wednesday 27 July. The ambulances were funded by the Australian Government as part of the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership to boost St John’s capacity to address the high number of emergency responses in NCD, Central and Gulf provinces. St John Ambulance is the only ambulance service in PNG. The ambulance service covers a population of nearly 5 million people and responds to over 12,000 emergency calls for help each year. Ms Barclay said Australia is proud to contribute to St Johns work in PNG. “People from rural communities across the country now call St John Ambulance directly to attend to emergency cases - this is a real demonstration of the growing understanding, awareness and confidence that the people of PNG have in the services that St John offers” Acting Deputy Secretary, National Health Standards and Compliance, National Department of Health, Dr Goa Tau, said that St John was tasked by the national government to manage ambulance services and is providing significant support to hospitals, especially in emergency services. “The ambulance services have contributed significantly to the early provision of treatment that is critical to supporting survival, while transporting patients to appropriate health services,” said Dr Tau. St John Ambulance is a charity and statutory body that provides the nation’s primary emergency ambulance and emergency medical response service on behalf of the PNG Government. Mr Cannon said, “to save lives, emergency ambulances must carry essential lifesaving equipment. These ambulances not only help transport patients, but also deliver emergency pre-hospital care. We expect each ambulance will help us reach a thousand patients every year. “This support from the Australian Government is timely with the redevelopment of our new National Ambulance Call Centre that runs 24/7, answering to an increased number of calls to the 111-emergency line,” said Mr Cannon. The two new ambulances will replace older ambulances and ensure St John can be reliable in responding to emergencies all day and night, and in all kinds of weather and terrain, to serve others and save lives. Ambulance services are free for all Papua New Guineans requiring emergency and life-saving care at public hospitals. Fees apply for visitors to Papua New Guinea, any person requesting transport to a private hospital, or for medically non-urgent transport to a public health facility. Australia is committed to supporting PNG by working closely with health and emergency organizations across PNG such as St John and with other partners through a range of initiatives.