A church elder in the Rai Coast district of Madang Province was brutally killed by four (4) suspects on Boxing Day at the Bawak village in the Astrolabe Bay Local Level Government (LLG) area.The victim, Jason Anepo, was walking home after a night church service when he was attacked by the four-armed men who allegedly mistook the victim for someone else that they were after. Tension rose after the killing with community members demanding the suspects be surrendered. Police intervened and secured the surrender of four suspects at the Ariaga village. The suspects were then taken to Madang and are now locked up at Jomba Police Station. Police investigations revealed the men were hired to kill a person suspected of practicing sorcery. Due to poor visibility, they attacked the wrong man. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Robert Baim praised police for acting quickly. “The quick response prevented further violence and possible loss of life,” Superintendent Baim said. He confirmed that the suspects will remain in custody and urged the public to respect the law and not engage in any retaliatory attacks. The body of the late Jason Anepo is at Modilon Hospital Mortuary while police investigations continue.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) has released its initial findings into the grounding of the Australian-registered passenger vessel MV Coral Adventurer off its Coast at Finschhafen in Morobe province, confirming that no injuries or environmental damage were recorded.The vessel ran aground on a coral reef at approximately 5:25am on Saturday, December 27th, while operating within PNG waters. The PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (PNGMRCC) was alerted shortly after sunrise through the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Australia, and direct communication was quickly established with the ship’s master. Authorities confirmed that all 124 people on board, comprising 80 passengers and 44 crew, were safely accounted for and remained in good health throughout the incident. Preliminary inspections by NMSA found no breach to the vessel’s hull, no water ingress, and no oil spill or environmental pollution. The authority also confirmed that the ship’s machinery and anchors remained operational following the grounding. “Our investigations so far confirm that the immediate risks were well managed,” said Mr. Paul Unas, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the National Maritime Safety Authority. “The safety of passengers and crew, as well as protection of the marine environment, remains our highest priority.” Mr. Unas said NMSA officers, together with the Provincial Disaster Office and Water Police, boarded the vessel later on Saturday to conduct formal inspections and commence a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. NMSA confirmed that a natural refloating attempt during high tide using the vessel’s own engines was unsuccessful, prompting authorities to engage Pacific Towing. A tugboat departed Lae Port early Sunday morning to assist with salvage operations. As part of its findings, NMSA revealed that a detention order has been issued to the vessel’s master, preventing the ship from departing the site pending further investigations, including a Port State Control inspection. PNGMRCC continues to monitor the situation closely in coordination with JRCC Australia, while further updates are expected as salvage operations and investigations continue.

The Federation of International Touch (FIT) has wrapped up 2025 as one of its most successful years, marked by record participation, expanding membership, and major tournaments held worldwide.FIT Chair Mr. Peter Topp, noted that the year served as a testament to the sport’s rapid growth. “2025 has been remarkable. We have seen high-level competition and strong growth in youth, open, and senior divisions worldwide,” Topp said. For Papua New Guinea, this global expansion offers new opportunities for players, coaches, and officials. Steven Kuimp, President of the Touch Federation of PNG, welcomed the international developments noting that the country is well-positioned to benefit from the sport's rising profile. “With strong grassroots programs and coaching support, PNG players can compete regionally and internationally,” Kuimp said. Looking ahead, FIT has confirmed a packed 2026 calendar, including the Asia Pacific Open Touch Cup in Australia in April, followed by the European Touch Championships in France in July, the European Youth Touch Championships in England in August, while the Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup is schedule for Japan in October.  “These tournaments are more than competitions- they are platforms for learning and development.” Kuimp added that PNG Touch intends to utilize these opportunities to strengthen its youth programs, improve coaching, and increase participation across the nation.

As police continue to work long hours in keeping communities safe during the festive season, several business houses and individuals have stepped forward to support officers on duty across the National Capital District (NCD) and Central Province.The support included food rations, cooked meals, shopping vouchers, Christmas gifts, cash and other essential items provided to police officers deployed under festive season operations. NCD and Central Provinces Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, acknowledged contributions from Boroko Foodworld, China Harbour, Elizo Group of Companies, several Chinese business houses, and individual donors who assisted police during this demanding period. Commander Turi expressed his appreciation, saying the donations boosted morale among officers who sacrificed time with their families to maintain law and order. “Police cannot work alone to keep communities safe,” he said. “When business houses and individuals support police, they take ownership of law and order in their communities.” “They become part of the team working together to protect lives and property.” He also thanked elected leaders within the command who provided assistance to police operations and noted that some leaders had shown strong and consistent support for law and order throughout the year. Meanwhile, Commander Turi encouraged other leaders and community members to come forward and support police efforts, stressing that officers are working to protect the very communities that elected their representatives. As the New Year approaches, police also issued a reminder to families and youths to celebrate responsibly. He called on residents to avoid destructive behaviour, such as burning tyres, which he described as unsafe and unnecessary. He also urged people in NCD and Central Province to welcome the New Year in a peaceful and respectful manner. Furthermore, police say the support from businesses and individuals reflects growing community partnership and recognition of the sacrifices made by officers during one of the busiest and most challenging times of the year.

A 19-year-old young man lost his life on Christmas morning following a fatal hit-and-run incident along the North Coast Road at Rempi village in the Madang province, the incident occurring at approximately 10:30AM in the morning.Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that the victim was walking along the roadside when a vehicle ran off the road and struck him. “The young man died instantly at the scene,” said the PPC.The victim was from Lagah village in the Transgogol area. The vehicle involved has been identified as a Toyota Land Cruiser utility. Police have since apprehended the driver, a 45-year-old man from Karkar Island, who remains in custody. In a move to quell local rumors, Superintendent Baim explicitly dismissed public speculation regarding the involvement of the vehicle's owner, Mr. Atis Deme. “It was the driver, not the owner,” he said, calling on the public to report facts and not hearsay. The driver will be charged with dangerous driving causing death. No other injuries were reported, and investigations are continuing.

The management of the Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae city, Morobe province has issued an urgent public appeal for blood donations as the hospital is facing a critical shortage needed for life-saving medical procedures.Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Kipas Binga, said the demand for blood has increased due to emergency surgeries, including caesarean sections and other critical medical cases. “Urgent life-saving blood donation is required,” stated the good doctor. “We currently have caesarean sections and other surgical emergencies that need all blood groups, but more especially emergency blood group O.” He appealed to the Lae community to come forward and support patients whose lives depend on timely blood transfusions. “Our blood bank is now standing by to receive donors of life-saving blood.” “Therefore, we are now calling on the public to come and donate at the Angau Hospital Blood Bank.” In addition, Dr. Binga said the support from donors would not only assist the hospital but would make a crucial difference to patients and their families during emergencies.He also acknowledged the community’s continued support, saying collective efforts can help save lives. “Together, we can make a difference and save lives.”

Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Robert Baim has issued a strong warning to his police officers against the illegal practice of demanding money from the public, instead of following proper legal procedures.According to Superintendent Baim, any officer who unlawfully detains a person’s property to demand payment is committing an act of extortion and will face both disciplinary action and criminal prosecution. He also said collecting cash without issuing a Traffic Infringement Notice on traffic offences is also illegal. He made it clear that the police force will not tolerate such misconduct and is prepared to hold offending officers accountable under the law. Superintendent Baim urged the public to remain vigilant and report any police officer who demands cash or issues false receipts. “If an officer threatens you or asks for money without documents, report it to me or to your station commander,” he said. Superintendent Baim concluded that active public reporting is essential for maintaining internal discipline and restoring community trust in the police force.

Two officials linked to land claims around Morobe’s Wafi-Golpu gold and copper project have been committed to stand trial at the National Court.Steven Kozi Judah, 45, and Jack Raban, 38, both from Babuaf village in the Huon Gulf district, were committed by Lae Magistrate Otto Avorosi recently. The court found there was enough evidence for the case to proceed. Judah and Raban each face charges of conspiracy to defraud, forgery, uttering and false pretense under the Criminal Code. Magistrate Avorosi told the court that the documents presented showed the men had a case to answer. The court heard that a legitimate landowning group, Waffes Integrated Landowner Group (ILG), had already been identified through a land mediation process in December 2018 and was formally registered in July 2020. Police allege the two men later registered another group, Waffes-Babuaf ILG, using the same clan information. The magistrate found that Waffes-Babuaf ILG does not exist, while Waffes ILG does. Judah and Raban are scheduled to make their first appearance at the National Court in Lae at the start of the 2026 legal year.

Raibus Security Services Limited (RSSL), a local security firm in Madang Province, has demonstrated its commitment to community safety by donating K5, 000 worth of food shopping vouchers to support the Sain Abe 3 Police Operation.The donation, presented as a cheque payment, is specifically for Andersons Foodland Supermarket in Madang town, where police personnel involved in the festive season operation can collect necessary items. The official presentation was made by Mr. Steven Saud, a member of the Board of Directors for the Raibus Group of Companies, to Acting Provincial Police Commander Patrick Walis. The event was attended by several key RSSL leaders, including General Manager Mathew Denguo, Operations Manager Michael Belem, Logistics Manager Simon Pharma, and Operation Commander Joel Waraih. During the presentation, Mr. Saud expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the police force, noting that as a security firm focused on protecting lives and property, RSSL felt it was important to contribute to law and order during the Christmas and New Year period. Acting PPC Walis accepted the donation with gratitude, reinforcing the sentiment that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility and acknowledging the various business houses in Madang that have supported the operation through cash or in-kind donations. RSSL is a prominent local entity with directors representing four impacted landowner groups within the Ramu nickel and cobalt mine project areas. The company’s name, Raibus, is derived from the Rai Coast and Usino-Bundi districts, which serve as the central hubs for the mine's operations.

Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Robert Baim has issued a strong plea for public safety following several accidents reported across the province during the Christmas season.Highlighting that the holiday should be a season of peace and unity rather than tragedy, the Superintendent reminded citizens of their shared responsibility to look out for one another. He specifically pointed to reckless driving and alcohol abuse as the primary causes of these avoidable incidents. “Irresponsible behaviour such as reckless driving and alcohol abuse has led to avoidable accidents.” To prevent further harm, Superintendent Baim called on all motorists to strictly obey traffic laws, refrain from speeding, and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol. He emphasized that making sensible choices during celebrations is essential to ensure that everyone returns home safely to their families. “Let us celebrate responsibly and ensure everyone returns home safely.” In response to these concerns, police will remain highly visible, continuing their patrols and enforcement operations throughout Madang Province for the remainder of the festive season.

The National Capital District (NCD) City Wardens have issued a statement in response to a video circulating on social media, showing individuals burning uniform shirts at the Manu Auto Port in the city of Port Moresby.The incident has raised concerns, prompting the organization to clarify the situation and address the public's questions. According to the City Wardens, the individuals featured in the video were not trained full-time City Wardens, but rather volunteer attendants who were temporarily overseeing the area. These volunteers had stepped in while regular City Wardens were undergoing their Annual Refresher Training. The volunteer attendants were not part of the main regular fulltime City Warden staff, the statement clarified. The incident stemmed from an administrative delay regarding the payment of these specific volunteers. This delay caused frustration, which unfortunately, led to them burning the uniforms as a form of protest. The act of burning the uniforms and sharing the video on social media was strongly condemned by the City Warden leadership. “We acknowledge that this administrative delay caused frustration. However, we deeply regret that this frustration manifested in the unacceptable act of destroying uniforms by burning them and posting it on social media.” The City Wardens also noted that the situation was further intensified by certain individuals with bad intentions, who used the incident to attempt to discredit the City Warden Initiative Program and tarnish its reputation. In response to the incident, the City Wardens have already taken immediate steps to address the situation: 1. The outstanding payments for the affected volunteers have been resolved. 2. An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding the creation and circulation of the video, including possible ulterior motives. The leadership of the City Warden Initiative emphasized that the uniforms represent public trust, service, and community responsibility. They expressed disappointment over the violation of the uniform, which they described as an insult to the hard work and integrity of the hundreds of full-time City Wardens who serve with pride. “We are angered and disappointed by this act. The uniform is a symbol of pride for our City Wardens. It is a mark of our service and commitment to the community.” The City Warden Initiative Program reassured the public that this was an isolated incident, and the core mission of the program remains strong. They vowed that the actions of a few would not overshadow the exemplary work done by the dedicated full-time Wardens who serve their communities across the region. The City Wardens concluded by thanking the public for their continued support and trust, emphasizing their dedication to maintaining the program's integrity.

Christmas Day at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) was marked by joy and celebration as 38 newborn babies were safely delivered, bringing hope and happiness to families across the city.A total of 37 mothers gave birth on the day, including one mother who delivered healthy twins. Of the 38 newborns, 21 were boys and 17 were girls. Hospital management praised the dedication and professionalism of PMGH staff, acknowledging the combined efforts of the night, morning, and afternoon shift teams.Nurses, doctors, midwives, and support staff worked tirelessly to ensure the safe delivery of all babies throughout the holiday period.The hospital noted that the commitment shown by healthcare workers on Christmas Day reflects their ongoing dedication to serving the community, even during times traditionally reserved for family and rest.In a recent statement released by PMGH Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Paki Molu, he congratulated all families who welcomed babies on Christmas Day and extended best wishes for a future filled with health, hope, and happiness.No photographs were taken in respect of the families’ privacy and their decision not to provide consent.