Badili Police officers, along with other support units, swiftly intervened to stop a group of men who had dragged a woman from the Two-Mile Hill bus stop into the settlement and were about to severely assault her. According to police units, it was alleged that one of the suspects that was identified is from Goilala in Central Province, who resides at Rabiagini Settlement. Police confirmed that they were notified by the public through the phone that a woman was dragged into the settlement by a group of men. The duty police officers then broadcast that on the police radio, to which other police units responded, but the suspects escaped into the settlement. The woman was rescued by the police officers. It had been confirmed by the police officers that one of the suspects who they identified is known, and they had advised his parents to bring him forward for questioning. Commander NCD and Central Provinces Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Turi, who was pleased with the response from the Badili police officers, also thanked the people who reported it to the police. Commander Turi said it's best the public must have contact for police officers who are stationed where they reside. He said that since the police radio communication is effective, the public can report it to the police who will then forward it to duty police officers or broadcast it on police radio for other duty police units to respond. He said the suspect in this matter will be identified soon but will need community support that will lead to their apprehension. He said the first person whom they identified will be apprehended soon. "Our mothers, daughters, and girls had been victims of such, and I am calling on everyone to help report such if they see it happening." "If we don't report it, we will later regret it when the victim got raped or killed. It's best to report it when the incident is about to happen." "On that, I want to once again thank those who were involved in saving the female this morning at Two Mile Hill, Commander Turi said. Commander Turi also thanked the Koki Community Policing members who assisted the Badili units. He said they had been very supportive in their area of operation. He further added that the settlement will be demolished if they continue to do that. He added that police will wait for the authorities to help assist in demolishing the settlement because the police have more reports about people living in that settlement committing crimes in the city.

After defeating Lae City Dwellers FC and claiming the Women’s Conference Soccer League title recently, Hekari United FC Coach said the ladies will regroup after a three-week break to prepare for the OFC Women's Champions League in Tahiti in May. Hekari United FC Coach Erickson Komeng said, preparation wise is something the team needs to work on after the match they had with the Dwellers. He added that they have not had any leadup matches and hope to play the Dwellers again to prepare the ladies in red for their trip to Tahiti. “We are asking any club if they can give us a good game as lead up matches, would be much appreciated.” Komeng thanked Mrs. Vonnie Kapi Nato for always backing the ladies and also acknowledged the ladies for giving their best on the field to book their spot for Tahiti. Komeng further stated that, they have a quality team and do not plan on recruiting any potential player. “We have quality team. I think we have a fit team to challenge the Auckland, Vanuatu & Fiji teams." "We have a good team. We just need to train hard and train well and preparation is a better key to the team.”

Prime Minister James Marape has emphasized the strong and lasting bond between Papua New Guinea and Australia following a series of productive meetings in Sydney on Friday. Prime Minister Marape made a courtesy visit to the Australian Governor-General, Her Excellency Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, where they discussed the long-standing historical connections and the shared future of their nations. “I affirmed that our relationship with Australia is a valued and foundational one, dating back to Papua Newpaula Guinea’s sovereignty in 1975." "Since then, Australia has stood with us every step of the way, contributing significantly to our progress over the past 49 years as we approach our 50th anniversary of independence,” Prime Minister Marape stated. Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Australia’s ties with Papua New Guinea extend far beyond 1975, with strong historical, economic, and security cooperation dating back to the colonial era. He emphasised that Australia has been a key partner in PNG’s development long before independence and remains committed to its progress today. During the meeting, the Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen PNG-Australia relations across key areas, including trade, investment, governance, and security. A key highlight of the discussion was Prime Minister Marape’s invitation to the Governor-General to attend a special 50th-anniversary event in Papua New Guinea dedicated to honouring women and girls. This landmark event, scheduled within PNG’s 50th-anniversary celebrations (September 16, 2025 – September 15, 2026), will call upon all men and boys in the country to formally recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in Papua New Guinea. “The Governor-General is a strong advocate for women’s rights, with a distinguished background as a businesswoman and community leader, and she has graciously accepted our invitation." "She commended PNG on its progress and reiterated Australia’s continued commitment to supporting our development and aspirations,” Prime Minister Marape added. The discussions also reinforced Australia’s long-standing support for PNG’s development, spanning infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic growth. Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the critical role Australia has played—not just during his tenure as Prime Minister, but over the past five decades—in shaping PNG’s growth and transformation. Furthermore, Prime Minister Marape highlighted PNG’s commitment to fostering a favourable environment for Australian investors, ensuring that trade and commerce between the two nations continue to expand and flourish. “Australia remains PNG’s largest trading partner, and our people-to-people ties continue to grow." "Our government-to-government relationships, institutional partnerships, and economic cooperation have never been stronger." A notable milestone in this deepening partnership is the NRL’s official acceptance of Papua New Guinea as the 18th team in the National Rugby League from 2028. Prime Minister Marape described this as a powerful symbol of the strength of PNG-Australia relations at every level—from government and business to sports and culture. “This is yet another step forward in our long-standing relationship, a sign of our growing integration and mutual progress,” he concluded. Prime Minister Marape will continue his engagements in Australia before travelling to the Solomon Islands for bilateral discussions and a major fisheries conference.

Papua New Guinea is now the 18th NRL team, following the launch and official signing ceremony between the PNG Government and Australia, on Wednesday at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium. A bond uniting two countries was made stronger last night, after Prime Minister James Marape, Australia High Commissioner to PNG John Feakes and the PNGNRL BID CEO officially sealed the deal. PM Marape highlighted the significances of the event, recalling the challenges and triumphs of the nations journey. He said, when the Somare generation conceived this nation in the late 60's and 70's, they knew that years will roll onto the future but they really never fully understood what 2025 will be. "The struggles, the ups and downs, the tears and joys we have experienced." "We've had our many moments of pain, sorrows, struggles as are emerging developing nation but lited in those moments of pain, are also moments of joy." "Sports has contributed to some of those moments of joy to our nation's 49 year history." "I want to acknowledge all the sports women and men of our country, who have brought joy to our country in the midst of challenges of a developing nation were needs are bound and resources are to fill." PM Marape also made a special acknowledgement of the NRL legend, Cameron Smith who travelled from Australia to witness and be part of this momentous occasion. "It is said that the fact that many PNG people love the Melbourne Storm is because the NRL team continues to be hospitable to many PNG greats, including Marcus Bai Justin Olam and more." Mr. Marape als stated that, they will work alongside NCD to make Port Moresby a much safe, secure and more organised city come 2028. He also added that, road access to the highlands region and other parts of the country should be linked and connected by then to allow for the people to travel freely and watch the live NRL games. Marape also spoke to the young people present and encouraged them to pursue their dreams and envision a bright future for themselves and the country.

Preparations for Papua New Guinea's entry into the National Rugby League in 2028 have received a significant boost, with former Australian rugby legend Cameron Smith visiting the country to attend a historic dinner celebrating the arrival of the new NRL franchise in Port Moresby. Smith, whose decorated career included over 400 NRL games for the Melbourne Storm, in addition to 42 State of Origin matches and 56 Tests for Australia, will spend part of his trip meeting with rugby league officials to offer advice on best practice preparations as the nation gears up for 2028. The idea for the visit came from PNG NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill, who is looking to bring the very best in rugby league expertise to Papua New Guinea to help create a world’s best franchise. Smith’s visit follows hot on the heels of Panthers’ CEO Matthew Cameron, who visited Port Moresby in recent weeks to offer advice on the creation of a High-Performance Centre that will be based on the state-of-the-art facility that the Panthers built in Penrith. Cameron met with the Prime Minister James Marape along with leading PNG officials during his time in Port Moresby to offer advice on creating the world’s best practice across all areas of a rugby league club. One of the highlights of Smith’s visit will be a special event held in Port Moresby to celebrate the NRL team being based in the city. Prime Minister James Marape will provide the keynote address at the dinner, which will also be attended by PNGRL CEO Stanley Hondina, NRL Bid Chairman Wapu Sonk and NRL Bid CEO Andrew Hill. Hill was delighted to be able to call on Smith’s support at such an important time: “When you are looking to create a world class franchise in any sport you need to be able to seek advice from the best rugby league brains in the game.” “We were recently able to host Panthers CEO Matthew Cameron here in Port Moresby and he was tremendous in terms of offering advice in a number of areas that are crucial when it comes to creating a top-class club, both on and off the field.” “In particular, it was great to be able to seek Matt’s advice on building our state-of-the-art High-Performance Centre, as it will be one of the major projects that we are about to embark upon, alongside the NRL Village that will serve as home to our players and their families come 2028. It is important that we leave no stone unturned in making sure that we create the best possible environment to allow our players to succeed.” Cameron Smith was also excited about what the future held for rugby league in PNG: “Every experience I have ever had with rugby league and PNG has been a good one, so when Hilly invited me to come over to be part of such an important celebration I jumped at the chance.” “I have seen first-hand what the game of rugby league has done for the people of Queensland and how it brings our community together.” “The game unites everyone and inspires the next generation, and I know that will happen here in PNG,” said Smith.

Due to the recent brutal killing in the nation’s capital, the United Nations in Papua New Guinea is calling for justice and human rights protection amid gender-based violence and forced eviction reports. The United Nations in Papua New Guinea is deeply concerned by recent reports of forced evictions and burning of houses in the Baruni informal settlement in Port Moresby allegedly by the police, reportedly in response to the horrific abduction, rape and killing of a woman near the settlement. UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Peterson Magoola, strongly condemned all acts of sexual and gender-based violence and called for justice for the victim. “At the same time, collective punishment, forced evictions, and destruction of homes violate fundamental human rights and disproportionately harm vulnerable members of the community, including women, children, the elderly, and persons with disability.” “We urge authorities to ensure that law enforcement actions are conducted in accordance with human rights principles, due process, and the rule of law.” Collective punishments and reprisals should never be considered part of legitimate law enforcement operations. “We call for an immediate investigation into these incidents and reaffirm our commitment to working with the Government of Papua New Guinea to promote justice, human rights, and the protection of all individuals,” said Magoola.

Transparency International PNG Inc recently released the results of the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) with PNG scoring 31 out of 100. The Corruption Perception Index is a report that scores countries and territories around the world that record perceptions of public sector corruption. The scores reflect the surveyed views of economic experts and businesspeople, not the general public. Countries are scored on a scale of 0 to 100. A hundred (100) being very clean and zero being highly corrupt. TIPNG Chair, Mr. Peter Aitsi said, “the country’s CPI score paints a stark picture that despite pledges and sporadic efforts, Papua New Guinea is not making significant impact in the fight against corruption.” “This lack of progress has dire consequences, most notably the recent Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) grey-listing, which has serious flow on impacts to our international banking arrangements and country credit rating.” “The results of the CPI and FATF assessments are a clear indicator that Papua New Guinea is failing to act on corruption.” “Millions are still being stolen through various means which robs the public and prevents them from accessing essential services such as quality education and health, it reduces economic and income opportunities and undermines trust in the government.” “It is right to say, we’ve all had enough, it is time for real and serious action,” added Mr. Aitsi. TIPNG is calling for ACTION and for the PNG Government to demonstrate its firm and unwavering commitment by: • Giving full authority and mandate to National Anti-Corruption Agencies. • Strengthening and fully resourcing integrity institutions. • Taking action to implement the FAFT recommendations. • Ensuring greater transparency and accountability in all government operations through enabling Freedom of Information Law and robust oversight mechanisms which are fundamental pillars of good governance. • Foster a culture of integrity within the public sector through strengthening codes of conduct, ethics training, and promoting a merit-based system for appointments and promotions, ensuring that competence and integrity are valued above all else. • Engage meaningfully with civil society, the private sector, and international partners in the fight against corruption. Collaboration is essential to harnessing expertise, resources, and innovative solutions. “We urge the Government to heed this call to action, to move from perception to progress.” “The time to act is now.”

A tight contest between the two top women’s teams in the country, faced each other at the PNG Football Stadium on Saturday afternoon much to the likes of Hekari United FC taking home the victory, after defeating Lae City Dwellers FC 7-0 in the Women’s Conference Soccer League grand final showdown. While also claiming the WCSL title, Hekari United FC have booked their spot in the OFC Women’s Champions League in Tahiti in May. The victory did not come easily as Hekari United have to work hard for it to win the match. In fact, Lae City Dwellers were equalled to task taking Hekari United to the drawing board forcing them go into the break nil-all. From remaining goal less at the break, Hekari United side capitalised on Lae City Dwellers to score seven unanswered goals in the second half to win the match to qualify for the OFC tournament. Ramona Padio opened the scoresheet with a neatly placed corner kick before winger Michael Butubu extended the lead to 2-nil. Hekari United capitalising on the lack of concentration and fitness Padios scored her two quick goals to cushion the lead 4-0 before Butubu scored her double to put the game away 5-0. The PNG champion had too much power for visitors when substitute player Hortance Kimit scored before captain courageous Marie Kaipu put the nail to the coffin at the 90+3 minute to book the ticket to Tahiti later this year. Lae City Dwellers played strongly but Hekari United were too good for them in the end and ran out winners.

The Catholic Professionals Society of PNG has unequivocally condemned the horrific killing of Lina Numbalihi, a young mother of two, at the hands of a soldier within the military barracks. Catholic Professionals Society of PNG President, Paul Harricknen, stated that this act is completely unacceptable and unethical for our women and girls, regardless of time or place. He emphasized that this is a serious concern for the people. "If it’s not safe in the military barracks, where else can we expect to be secure?" “We join the Law Society of PNG, Churches, civil society, and law-abiding citizens of this country to demand the national government to seriously take heed of the issue at the military barracks.” “The commander of PNGDF must not wait but to take immediate action to apprehend the culprit and hand him promptly to the police to be charged and dealt with accordingly." "The accused soldier has no respect for the life of a very close friend, a partner whom he had 2 kids with, shows no respect for life at all, he should be treated the same way under the law. It is always wrong to take other people’s lives.” Harricknen said, there is a total breakdown in the rule of law in this country. "If killings can happen within a discipline force barracks and by so-called disciplinary personnel, what message are we sending to the public?" “The recent case in Madang, where a senior policeman pointed a gun at a doctor and publicly declared himself a murderer. How can we the common folk be told to behave well in petty crimes when they are supposed to lead by example?” Government presence seems absent and wanting. Leadership at all levels seems helpless and do not seem to care anymore or do not seem to know what to do. “It is not safe to live in this country anymore. How can we deny this reality? Our institutions and towns are not safe. Our communities both urban and rural are not free and safe, especially for women and children.” Harricknen stated, “PNG celebrates 50th Jubilee anniversary this year. Are we ready to celebrate while we still have the memories of the Black Wednesday of 10 January 2024. The tribal fight killings in Enga, Southern Highlands, and Hela, violence and killings in Alotau, Rabaul, Madang, East Sepik, and recent savage killings in Goilala, Port Moresby, West Coast of Wewak.” In addition, the president stated that due to the lack of essential government services, a young female teacher, seven months pregnant, tragically passed away upon arrival while traveling on foot along a deteriorating 2.5km road from the remote Josephstal Primary School in Madang Province to seek medical attention. There is growing concern that the government must seriously address these issues—the lack of basic service delivery and the escalating law and order situation in the country. "It is crucial to restore the people’s confidence before we can truly unite as one nation to celebrate PNG’s 50th independence anniversary." When the holy Father, Pope Francis, visited PNG in September 2024, he prayed for PNG to end tribal fights, violence and killings and respect for human dignity and human lives. His central message was for the love of God and for each other to replace violence, hatred, indifference and killings. In his meeting with the civil authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps at the APEC Haus on Saturday 7th September 2024, the holy Father prayed with hope that tribal killings and violence in general will end for peace and development. He appealed to all citizens and authorities to stop the spiral of violence and to allow for fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all, for improved infrastructure, health and education needs for the population and increase in opportunities for dignified work. The Holy Father prayed that the love of Jesus Christ, close to the heart of the church, can permeate and nourish every culture and make the kingdom of God grow in the world. It is now for us leaders and people to take to heart the message and make these work for us.

Prime Minister James Marape has praised the National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) for achieving a record 34,450 new members in 2023, highlighting the growth in job opportunities and the expansion of Papua New Guinea’s private sector economy. Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the surge in superannuation membership is a clear indication of more Papua New Guineans securing formal employment. He attributed this milestone to the government’s efforts in fostering economic expansion and creating job opportunities across various industries. "The addition of 34,450 new members in 2023 is evidence of real jobs being created in the private sector. This demonstrates the strength of our economy and the opportunities opening up for our people." He underscored that while savings are vital, the core message of this achievement is the increasing employment rate, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, small businesses, manufacturing, and services. "Our priority as a government is job creation. These figures confirm that more Papua New Guineans are gaining employment and securing their financial future." Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting job growth across both formal and informal sectors. He highlighted ongoing policy efforts to encourage more Papua New Guineans to transition into formal employment and participate in superannuation schemes. "The expansion in Nasfund membership directly correlates with our economic policies aimed at job creation. We will continue to strengthen initiatives that drive employment and financial security for all our people." He further emphasised that economic reforms, particularly in the superannuation sector and financial policies, play a crucial role in sustaining long-term employment growth. "As we create more jobs, we also want our superannuation funds to be key players in national development, ensuring that employees not only earn today but also secure their future." With 34, 450 new employees joining the workforce and enrolling in superannuation in 2023, Nasfund’s milestone underscores the government's success in fostering employment opportunities and economic stability in Papua New Guinea.

The Provincial Member for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, has urged the older generation of men in the Trans-Gogol Local Level Government area to abandon the practices of cultism and black magic. He emphasized that Papua New Guinea has transitioned into the modern era, and such outdated and harmful traditions should be completely left behind. Mr. Pariwa said the cult practices is influencing youths to carry around bush knives in gangs referred to as ‘cuttings’ and causing barbaric killings and is causing fear amongst many rural communities in Trans-Gogol areas in Madang district. Consequently, the evil practices of “cuttings’ has also disrupted the flow of basic government services such as health and education into many places in Trans-Gogol LLG. Mr. Pariwa was at Bemal village in ward four of Trans-Gogol local level government last Friday to discuss a way forward for a new Trans Gogol TRP Landowners Association. However, during the gathering he cautioned the village elders from Bemal, Baisarik, Jobto, Yal, Tebesarik and their neighbors to stop the bad practices of cult activities which is influencing village youths to carry around bush knives and doing barbaric killings. Governor Pariwa said the influence of cult practices has triggered barbaric killings in Trans-Gogol and has spread to Rai Coast, Madang, Sumkar and also influenced the infamous ‘Hetwara Gang’ in Nayudo LLG of Rai Coast district. He said when the ‘cuttings’ is stopped in Trans-Gogol then other places in Madang would stop the bad practices. Mr. Pariwa said since he took office as governor he has already officiated in a number of reconciliation and peace ceremonies associated with ‘cuttings’. These included reconciliation at Suwao in South Ambenob, Bau and Trans-Gogol secondary school. The Madang Rural Police Commander, Senior Inspector, Peter Gorek who accompanied Governor Pariwa to Bemal village last Friday also called on the old people who possess traditional spells in their possessions to throw them away in the rivers. Senior Inspector Gorek said he has developed a special police operation which would soon penetrate into the hot spot areas where ‘cuttings’ is crack down on their activities. Governor Pariwa said the fear and effects of the so-called ‘cuttings’ is deterring basic government services such as infrastructure development, health and education to reaching the rural people in Trans-Gogol LLG.

The 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season will kick off with a blockbuster Grand Final replay set Sunday 13th of April in Port Moresby. Fans will get to see if the Kroton Hela Wigmen can avenge their Grand Final loss to the 2024 reigning Premiers Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles. This year's draw will also see Round 1 matches in Lae showcasing the remaining four finalists from 2024, going up against each other to complete a Super Sunday across the country. PRK Mendi Muruks will play KMHL Enga Mioks, and Lae Snax Tigers will take on ENB Agmark Gurias. The WNBPG Kimbe Cutters host PRK Gulf Isou whilst Asila Wagni Tumbe will have their first match home against the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in Minj. To complete the round in the local derby will be the match between the Moni Plus Vipers and the Gas Resource Central Dabaris. Chairman of the PNGNRLC Adrian Chow expressed excitement when releasing the 2025 Dicigel ExxonMobil Cup draw. “This competition is critical in providing the opportunity for our players to play at the national level. Each week we will see the talent, skills and excitement this competition brings. I thank our wonderful sponsors, our clubs, the players and coaches and our incredible fans. I am confident 2025 will be a great season.’ Meanwhile, General Manager of Pathways and Performance Tony Archer added, “Following the success of our Conference and with the release of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season draw today it allows our clubs continue to prepare and plan for the season ahead.” “A feature of last season was the closeness of the competition. We all remember the Kroton Hela Wigmen’s road to the finals went down to the last play in the last second of the regular season, it was amazing. It shows the emotions and excitement the game brings to our fans. I expect the 2025 season to be even better and look forward to kicking off.” Bouncing off the success of the 2024 season, the teams will battle it out over 18 regular rounds played across the country. The season will culminate with the Grand Final to be played on Sunday 14th of September. In a huge week, that will see the winner be crowned on the Sunday prior to the country celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence.