Returning Officer for Kagua Erave Open Electorate in Southern Highlands Province, Albert Wens has resigned today while counting is still in progress. Mr. Wens said he resigned because he was faced with a lot of threats from candidates and supporters. In a letter to the Electoral Commissioner, Wens complained that some of the 44 ballot boxes set aside by the Electoral Commissioner were already counted since Saturday. Wens said most of the candidates called for a failed election because more than three-quarters of the ballot boxes were allegedly hijacked.

The member of Ialibu Pangia and former prime minister, Peter O’Neil, have come out to strongly condemn the election-related violence that has erupted in the nation’s capital city Port Moresby and appeals for calm. Mr. O’Neil is appealing to the current leaders and candidates to show leadership in this chaotic time and put a stop to this madness now. He is appealing to the people as well to stop this violence. “I know you are frustrated and angry but please, I am asking you, to stop holding the city to ransom. “Get off the streets and go back to your home and calm down,” said Mr. O’Neil. He said no leader, past or present would ever ask their people to go about settling issues this way and in the process putting the lives of others at risk for no good reason. “I give you my word that I am doing all I can, but I first need those who are causing this chaos to the whole Port Moresby community to return to your homes.” Meanwhile, he is also urging the public to stay safe and look out for those close to them.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has been in Port Moresby since early today (July 25, 2022) from Wewak to attend to yesterday’s unfortunate election-related events in Port Moresby and others around the country. The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) is meeting at 3 pm today to discuss not only the Port Moresby issue but other issues that have disrupted the electoral process right across the country. PM Marape will address the nation through a press conference right after the NSAC meeting. “We are on top of all these issues,” he said. “By tonight or tomorrow, there will be a curfew. “Those who want to continue to cause disturbances to counting, as well as to the innocent society at large, will face the full force of the law.”

A stand off outside the Sir John Guise Stadium led to a violent attack in which supporters of rival candidates clashed with bush knives and other offensive weapons. Police , PNGDF and Correctional Services personnel responded immediately. A cluster of makeshift tents set up outside the Stadium and along the fence line of Vision City mall were removed by the security forces. In the process of doing so, knives, clubs, and other non lethal offensive weapons were found and confiscated. What happened outside of the counting centre? This altercation and violence has put the lives of the innocent public in danger. We must understand that while the election process is taking place , people must be free to move about their normal activities without the fear of violence. Detectives at the helm of the investigations have confirmed that two men were wounded in these attacks. A footage of the marauding mob armed with bush knives was taken on video from a shopper inside a Shopping Mall. The footage showing the mob slashing their victims near the mall is now being investigated by CID. The victims were taken to the hospital for treatment. The Police investigation team is now in contact with the two men and statements will be collected. After Police dispersed the fighting a suspicious vehicle was stopped and searched in which a bundle of bush knives was found. The vehicle was taken to Waigani Police Station and 9 male adult occupants were detained and they will be formerly arrested and charged. Police have also dispersed people camping outside PILAG and the Rita Flyn courts as a security measure against any form of violence. Scrutineers of candidates are the only ones who will enter the counting venues on behalf of their candidates upon producing their IDs. Wagambie said he has instructed the Metropolitan Superintendent to work with candidates to ensure that while we ensure that public safety is maintained, candidates and their scrutineers must also be catered for so that transparency in the process of counting is maintained. He further called on candidates to exercise their leadership in controlling their supporters for the benefit of the public in NCD. Public Safety is our paramount interest.

Police are called upon to undertake a wide variety of tasks during the election campaign that go beyond maintaining general law and order and protecting and transporting ballot boxes. Enga Special Operations Chief Inspector, Kelly Sombe, said police, and all security services members have to be ready for the unexpected often in remote areas. Chief Inspector Sombe said, “While undertaking overall security to protect our people and our democracy, there are always a number of other varied tasks. “This could be anything from helping to transport people to healthcare facilities, through to wielding a chainsaw to remove obstructions and roadblocks. “Our disciplined officers are always ready to jump in and perform tasks that are not always part of their training, but must be done to keep the election process moving and supporting communities. “No matter their rank, our security services personnel must always be prepared to overcome any challenge that confronts them.”

Team PNG has now landed with majority of the members checked-in to the two Games Village. Training has commenced for all team members including familiarization of the training and competition venues. Chef de Mission Michael Henao and his General Management Team are satisfied with the level of preparation of these Commonwealth Games, and thanked the Organizing Committee “for all their efforts thus far.” “The support from Papua New Guineans at home and abroad has been truly remarkable, boosting the confidence of our athletes who have been preparing for these Games for months upon months," said Mr Henao. He reminded Papua New Guineans to “keep supporting our 33 athletes via social and other media as they fly the Bird of Paradise at the Commonwealth Games.”

The SP PNG Hunters have produced an inspiring come-from-behind 32-24 win over the Brisbane Tigers in Round 16 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. John Kerr Park played host to the game as part of the QRL’s Country Round initiative and the Cunnamulla locals were treated to a high-scoring and fiery contest on Saturday afternoon, with the Hunters finding themselves down 14-0 at one stage only to fight back and claim their fifth win of the season. Early penalties conceded by both sides presented scoring opportunities in the opening sets and it was the Tigers who first turned those chances into points. Setting up camp on the Hunters’ line, the Tigers sent one attacking raid down their right edge which the Hunters repelled before setting up at the posts for another crack. Again searching to the right, the Tigers’ shape beat PNG’s rushing defence on the second attempt and towering centre Dan Russel was the beneficiary in the corner. [caption id="attachment_24281" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Photo Credit: SP Hunters Fb page[/caption] The Hunters responded convincingly by forcing an error with their defence in the kick off set and then surging upfield themselves through prop partners Sylvester Namo and debutant Francis Kembis. A deft fifth tackle kick from fullback Tyler Han then pinned Brisbane on their own line but an offside penalty on the following play gifted the Tigers free passage upfield and Jayden Nikorima made them pay. Targeting the space around the ruck, some fancy footwork from Nikorima broke the line to link with Haele Finau in support, giving Brisbane a 10-point lead. Another smart attacking kick from the Hunters in good ball – this time Wartovo Puara –quickly swung the momentum back in PNG’s favour. Puara’s grubber looked too heavy off the boot but found a puddle of water in the in-goal to sit up perfectly and force a line drop out. In the ensuing set, 50 Cup game milestone man Brandon Nima almost collected another attacking grubber but his timing was out by the smallest of margins to be called back for offside. Taking a leaf out of the Hunters’ book, the Tigers put boot to ball in their very next set. The class of Nikorima was again the difference, landing a bomb right on the Hunters’ line which ricocheted to find an unmarked Bennett Leslie a few metres out. Facing a 14-0 deficit midway through the first half, the Hunters suddenly came to life. Bench forward Emmanuel Waine made an immediate impact to generate some ruckspeed with his first carry, and two more quick play-the-balls later Puara went from half and linked with Han in the backfield who slid over beneath the posts to score. With halftime approaching, ill-discipline was proving the key difference between the two sides as the Hunters continued giving Brisbane free passage out their own end. Bessie Toomaga was the next Tiger to turn that gifted field position into points, producing a special diving effort in the right-hand corner to score in the 28th minute. The Hunters would answer right back however, with Judah Rimbu sweeping down PNG’s left edge and dropping a charging Kitron Laka back against the grain. Taking possession 20 metres out from Brisbane’s line, Laka pushed through four attempted tacklers to dive over beside the right post and bring the scores to 18-12 at the break. A far more disciplined Hunters outfit took the field in the second half and immediately earned themselves a shot at Brisbane’s line when Rimbu forced a drop out with a delicate short kick. Five tackles later and bench hooker Kingstimer Paraia produced a trademark burrowing effort close to the line to score. [caption id="attachment_24280" align="aligncenter" width="674"] Photo Credit: SP Hunters Fb page[/caption] Paraia was at it again just four minutes later, darting from hooker and passing Laka into half a space beside the ruck when attacking Brisbane’s line. The Tigers’ markers couldn’t react in time as the powerful backrower drove low to give PNG the lead for the first time in the match. The Tigers had no answer for Paraia around the ruck as he orchestrated yet another Hunters’ try for Jordan Pat in the 56th minute. Again the points came on the back of PNG’s improved discipline and the boot of Rimbu, who forced his second line drop-out of the match to give PNG another shot at Brisbane’s line. Paraia would make that shot just three tackles later, scooting from half to engage the markers before offloading back inside for Pat to score beside the posts. A rare error off the boot of Rimbu then saw a yardage kick go out on the full and give Brisbane their first chance of the second half. The Tigers promptly took it through Bernard Gregorius who finished a nice left edge movement in the 61st minute, diving in the corner to narrow PNG’s lead to just four points when Jonah Pezet added the extras. Those four points quickly became eight however when Hunters’ debutant Liam Joseph finished a slick four pass shift to the right edge. Han played a leading role in Joseph’s maiden try, with the Hunters’ fullback popping up on the left edge one tackle earlier and then creating the overlap on the right for his winger to score on the following play. [caption id="attachment_24283" align="aligncenter" width="906"] Photo Credit: SP Hunters Fb page[/caption] Joseph’s try sealed the result for the Hunters, who repelled a desperate Tigers outfit in the dying stages to finish off an inspiring comeback win. Head Coach Matt Church was delighted with his players’ response after conceding an early lead. “That was a really brave effort from us today,” said Church. “I’m really proud of the way the players responded. We just gave them too many leg ups in the first half so we spoke about getting through our sets and stopping all the penalties and we did that in the second half.” Church also paid tribute to Liam Joseph and Francis Kembis who made their club debuts in winning fashion. “Both our debutants were huge for us today and I’m really pleased for them,” said Church. “Liam’s positioning was excellent and obviously a great reward to get that try, and Francis played 67 minutes straight for us in the middle in his first game at this level – that’s a huge effort.”

Barrick (Niugini) Limited (BNL), in response to a recent media article that the Port Moresby BNL office would operate out of Perth, Australia, is not accurate. BNL would like to clarify that the Port Moresby Office will continue to be the Head of Country office for its operations in Papua New Guinea, after the incorporation of New Porgera Limited. Barrick President and Chief Executive officer, Mark Bristow, explained that Barrick recently opened a Perth Office for Barrick’s Asia Pacific growth operations. “Barrick has recognized the potential for the mining industry in the Asia Pacific region with current operations in Papua New Guinea and Pakistan. We are looking at other mines throughout Asia Pacific, and the new Barrick office in Perth will allow for our move into the region. As for the Porgera Mine, our head office for all of Papua New Guinea operations is Port Moresby and will continue to be after the Shareholders Agreement is fully executed.” Bristow said that Barrick’s approach is to ensure that the countries in which Barrick has primary operations, is managed by citizens of that country. For PNG, the Porgera Project Commencement Agreement ensures a greater participation by its citizens and the State. Speaking from Port Moresby Bristow said, “The Porgera Project Commencement Agreement shows our genuine intention to nation building here in Papua New Guinea. On top of the 51% equity to PNG stakeholders, of which 10% is protected equity for Project-impacted landowners, we are committed to building a predominantly PNG national workforce at Porgera Mine - and refining our approach to localizing our supply and business contracts.” Mark Bristow, who was in country this week, stated that once Mineral Resource Enga Limited signs the Shareholders Agreement and other associated agreements, the long awaited economic benefits for the country will flow.

Papua New Guinea took full advantage in the second half as their three substitutes stepped up to control the game to see them through with a win on penalty-shoot out 3-2 against spirited Tonga side in the quarter finals on Saturday night at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva, Fiji. The score was 2-2 at the regulation time and in the extra time both teams scored a goal each to for for the penalty shoot-out. The injection of the three substitutes Ramona Padio, Rumona Morris and Meagan Gunemba in the second half sparked off a fight back by PNG ladies despite a two goal down. Tonga was leading 2-0 at half time through Daviana Vaka before imperious centre-back Laveni Vaka who grabbed another assist for Tonga’s second goal where she perfectly chippedto Jazmine Loto’aniu, who fired home Tonga’s second to further stun the pre-tournament favourites. [caption id="attachment_24262" align="aligncenter" width="676"] Photo Credit: PNGFA Fb page[/caption] PNG had won all three previous OFC Women’s Nations Cup meetings between these two sides, with Tonga failing to score in any of those fixtures. On the half-hour mark, Team Mataliki broke that record in sensational fashion to lead 2-0 half time. In the second half, West New Britain striker Padio pulled her nation back into the game, reacting fastest to fire home after Tonga’s replacement goalkeeper Meleana Taufa had saved Meagen Gunemba’s effort to trail 2-1 Gunemba who came in for Arnolda Dou level the score at 2-2 from the corner kick. Her corner-kick delivery evaded all-comers before finding its way beyond Taufa for the equaliser. Gunemba’s ferocious free-kick and Marie Kaipu’s one-on-one shot were then well saved by Taufa. Tonga Loto’aniu shrugged off her marker and hit a low powerful drive which snuck past Watpore’s near-post for her second goal of the game to take the tie to penalties. The match was one of the best ever games since the start of the tournament. Half-time introduction Padio ulled her nation back into the game, reacting fastest to fire home after Tonga’s replacement goalkeeper Meleana Taufa had saved Meagen Gunemba’s effort. Gunemba, another substitute, then pulled PNG level. Her corner-kick delivery evaded all-comers before finding its way beyond Taufa for the equaliser. [caption id="attachment_24263" align="aligncenter" width="716"] Photo Credit: PNGFA Fb page[/caption] Gunemba’s ferocious free-kick and Marie Kaipu’s one-on-one shot were then well saved by Taufa, who was later fortunate her mistimed clearance was not punished by Kaipu, as PNG piled on the pressure. Tonga held on until the end of normal time and Laveni Vaka again produced a tenacious piece of defending to deny Kaipu early in extra-time before Padio thought she had secured the win, heading home Charlie Yanding’s well-placed cross only for Tonga to produce more heroics. Tonga star player Loto’aniu shrugged off her marker and hit a low powerful drive which snuck past Watpore’s near-post for her second goal of the game to take the tie to penalties. After Daviana Vaka hit the post with Tonga’s second spot-kick Watpore was the hero, saving from Ofaloto La’akulu and Fololeni Siale for victory with her teammates mobbing their experienced stopper, knowing she had saved them from a shock exit. Papua New Guinea will now play Samoa in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 27

The Police Investigative Task Force for the 2022 National General Election will soon arrest supporters and candidates involved in causing destruction and disruption to the counting for the Markham and Kabwum Open seats. Morobe Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Jacob Singura said the criminal acts resulted in the suspension of counting for these two electorates. The Police Investigative Task Force (ITF) team has commenced investigation for the Mahakam counting incident. He said another team will be set up to investigate the incident in Kabwum as well. Mr Singura said the actions taken are criminal in nature and will not be allowed to go unpunished. He said what happened did not display the actions of leaders but thugs and criminals. He said candidates are responsible for the actions of their supporters and cannot distance themselves from what has happened. Everyone involved either directly or indirectly will be arrested and charged criminally. Mr Singura said the electoral commission is to make a decision on the future of these two disrupted electorates. Meanwhile, Mr Singura said two declarations were made for Lae as well as the Huon Gulf open seats. Pangu candidate John Rosso retained his seat whilst United Resource Party candidate Jason Peter was declared for the Huon Gulf Open seat. “We have commenced counting for Bulolo, Nawae and Menyama electorates. The counting for the other three districts (Finschhafen, Tewae-Siassi, and Wau-Waria) are yet to commence,” Mr Singura said. The PPC said that disgruntled candidates from Bulolo have also presented petitions to the Provincial Election Steering Committee (PESC) and the Provincial Election Manager this week alleging foul play in the counting process. This is being addressed by the PNG Electoral Commission.

Roadblocks and stop and search of all persons and vehicles entering into and within the Mendi township is critical to the security of counting for the Southern Highlands Province 2022 National General Election, says Chief Inspector Daniel Yangen. Mr Yangen, who is the Provincial Police Commander for the Southern Highlands Province, said roadblocks and checkpoints have been set up within the Mendi township to monitor movements of people within the town area. Vehicles are also being checked to ensure no offensive weapons are brought in during the counting and declaration. “The people of Southern Highlands had a peaceful polling and I expect the same results to be maintained during counting and declaration periods but it does not hurt to be a bit more cautious,” Mr Yangen said. Mr Yangen said the roadblocks sends a signal to the people that the security forces are on high alert and at work. He said they have enough manpower consisting of the local mobile squad, Quick Response Force, a platoon from the PNG Defence Force, and additional manpower is coming into the province to boost the numbers to allow the counting process to be completed without any major mishaps. “I am expecting peace without any disturbance as I am working closely with the communities talking to the leaders, stakeholders, churches, and the candidates. I want the supporters to respect the rule of law and to accept the declarations. Candidates are expected to educate and inform their people, and the supporters to behave,” Mr Yangen said. Mr Yangen called on the candidates to control their supporters. He said during this critical period people are not to carry any offensive weapons into the Mendi town area. He said everyone must respect the rule of law and the security personnel and let the counting process continue to its completion undisturbed.

The three patients were transferred to PMGH by SJA team. Two males; a 25 year old & 13 year and a 22 year old female. They had consumed internal organs (Liver/ Intestines, etc...) of a large pufferfish. All three patients had paralysis and difficulty breathing on arrival and assessment at the PMGH Emergency Department. They were immediately artificially Ventilated and eventually transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for ongoing mechanical ventilation and critical care. Pufferfish contains a Toxin called Tetrodotoxin. It is named after the Tetraodontidae pufferfish family. This poison blocks the ability of muscles to contract and therefore it will affect all muscles by causing paralysis. Paralysis of the breathing muscles means patients will become hypoxic (low on oxygen in the blood). The toxin cannot be broken down by cooking. It is therefore, not recommended for anyone to eat this fish. There is no antidote for the this rare type of poisoning. Therefore doctors are not able to administer any type of Antivenom (like they would for Snakebite patients). The recovery of these patients is dependent on supportive Intensive Care. Until such time that the toxicity wears off and the patients are able to sustain their own breaths; will they possibly be weaned off mechanical ventilation.