A special magistrate court is sitting to begin processing the 189 male suspects allegedly involved in the burning down and property damage in Maprik town, in East Sepik Province following Tuesday's incident. It is expected that around 600 individuals will be arrested and charged over the next few weeks, according to an update from East Sepik Governor Allan Bird in a statement. He said additional police was arriving on Wednesday in Wewak, and the Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari has been requested to pay attention to this incident, including all outstanding police matters around the province like the mass rape and killings in Angoram. "Police from Wewak, Yangoru, Wosera and Drekikia all responded to the situation in Maprik," he said. Governor Bird said all ESP leaders have agreed to pull resources together to support the Boram Correctional Services with temporary facilities in the ensuing weeks with the additional arrests to be made. Tuesday's incident is a flare up of events which transpired on Monday, August 5th, as explained by Governor Bird in his statement. "On Monday, around 3pm, 2 unknown people entered the property of Peter Simon, a local businessman and brother of former MP, John Simon." "They set fire to 4 of his dump trucks. Police were alerted and attended to commence investigations." "Yesterday (Tuesday), around 6am, family and relatives of the Simon family arrived in town in 5 vehicles." "A rampage ensued in Old Town Maprik - three houses were set on fire; two 5 seated buses and other houses were looted." " Maprik Police intervened but they were attacked by wire catapult and had to retreat." "The surrounding villagers came to the aid of Police and started attacking the group that came into town." "In the ensuing retaliatory attack, property belonging to the Simon family was burnt to the ground.” “As of this morning, Police are now trying to protect the remaining property belonging to the Simon family." "So far, no other property has been affected by the violence," said Governor Bird. "Both John and Peter Simon were not in the province at the time of the attacks." The 189 suspects were detailed on Tuesday night, and police on Wednesday morning prevented Maprik youth from further destroying remaining property of the Simon family. "ESP MPs met this morning (Wednesday) and strongly condemned the violence," Governor Bird further expressed. "The leaders also welcomed the reappointment of PPC Tamari who resumed duty the day of the attack." "ESP MPs also commended the work of the Police yesterday (Tuesday) and today (Wednesday) in Maprik and we also deeply regret the pain caused to all families including the Simons." "The administration will be doing all it can to support the displaced families." "Our people must also note that we have limited capacity because we have expended significant resources on the natural disaster, we are still dealing with victims of Kanda, YS and now Maprik." Addressing the policing issue in the country, Governor Bird said, "Since the PPC was sidelined in January, police morale and command and control has deteriorated significantly - this has led to the escalation of law-and-order issues in ESP." "Our people must allow police to deal with law enforcement and not try to take matters into their own hands." “All perpetrators will be arrested and processed, from Angoram to Westcoast, Yangoru, Wosera, Maprik and Drekikia over the next 30 days." "In the meantime, we request all our community leaders and people to be patient and support the efforts of our law enforcement agencies currently in the province," the Governor appealed to his people. "Please do not take the law into your own hands. This could lead to much greater harm as we are now seeing in Maprik." "The situation in Maprik is tense but calm." "We need peace, tolerance and harmony to return to our communities." "That will require everyone to exercise restraint and allow law enforcement to do their work."

Shadow Minister for Civil Aviation and Transport, and Member for Bulolo, Sam Basil Jr., has expressed serious concerns over the management of the National Airports Corporation (NAC). In a statement on Wednesday, August 7th, he highlighted the ongoing controversies and prolonged court cases that are affecting the organization and its stakeholders. "The NAC plays a critical role in our aviation industry and transport sector." "The position of Managing Director/CEO is key to its success," Basil stated. He noted recent issues with the recruitment process for this vital role, emphasizing that these problems require immediate attention. According to Basil, the recruitment process for the NAC's Managing Director/CEO has taken over a year, with the position being re-advertised multiple times. "The recent re-advertising of the position is causing further delays. This situation poses a significant risk to the safety and security of all NAC airports." He explained that the selection, screening, and shortlisting of applicants must follow the public service process and adhere to aviation laws. "This must be done quickly by the Department of Personnel Management and the Public Service Commission.” The Shadow Minister also raised concerns about the transparency and efficiency of the recruitment process. "The recruitment process appears to be non-compliant with the Regulatory Statutory Authorities (Appointment to Certain Offices) Act 2004 and the Civil Aviation Act 2022." "These acts mandate a merit-based appointment of a fit and proper person for the job." Basil warned that non-compliance with statutory regulations could lead to legal and reputational repercussions for the NAC. "The perception of a lack of due process and statutory compliance may harm the reputation of NAC and erode public trust." He stressed the importance of having a stable executive team to address issues such as the opening of Nadzab Airport to international flights and freight runs. "We need to put in amenities such as banks, restaurants, duty-free shops, and even accommodation at Nadzab Airport to serve our people and maximize returns from the loans for building this infrastructure.” Basil emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the NAC by selecting the best possible candidate for the Managing Director/CEO position. "We must ensure that the best possible candidate who meets statutory requirements is selected for the role of Managing Director/CEO." "This position is important in ensuring the new airports and facilities are rolled out while amenities need to be built in the new airports to make them comfortable for users."

Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the Supreme Court's decision on Monday, August 5th, to dismiss a vote-of-no-confidence case filed by the Opposition. The Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika along with three other judges, upheld Attorney-General Pila Niningi's objection to the competency of the case. The majority decision of five-man panel of judges, concluded that this court could not intervene in the Parliament's proceedings of May based on the pleadings of the Opposition's case. "I welcome the Supreme Court decision. Laws of our country cannot be hijacked or coerced or influenced in any forum, including National Parliament," expressed Marape. He emphasized that the court's ruling clearly defines the separation of powers between Parliament and the Judiciary, citing Section 134 of the Constitution, which prevents Parliament matters from being brought to court. The Prime Minister noted that the Opposition's case questioned the conduct of Parliament and the Private Business Committee, but the Supreme Court found no constitutional breach by Speaker Job Pomat. "If they were man enough, they would have remained in their seats and used their numbers to defeat my Dissent." He reassured the public that the vote-of-no-confidence remains a constitutional right until 2026. "My government is not fearful of this vote-of-no-confidence and will continue to deliver services to you." Marape urged the Opposition to focus on presenting better policies rather than pursuing court cases. "I ask the Opposition to be responsible leaders and not create unnecessary tensions in the public space." The Opposition Leader Douglas Tomureisa has said the Opposition will pursue another VONC motion when Parliament reconvenes in September and has urged the Prime Minister not to 'meddle' with the PBC.

Over 180 people involved in burning and damaging properties in Maprik, East Sepik Province have been arrested on Tuesday August 6th, due to quick response from police within the province. Commander of Border Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Perou N'Dranou confirmed that former acting ESP PPC Senior Inspector James Bugen and police officers from, Wewak, Yangoru, Wosera and Maprik are currently on the ground in Maprik monitoring the situation. He said the situation was under control after the arrest of the suspects. “I am yet to confirm the number of properties damaged and whose properties were destroyed," ACP N'Dranou said. He said police are still confirming the exact number of damaged properties and the reasons behind the destruction, as well as the number of people injured in the incident. "The information provided by the suspects arrested will help establish the facts that led to the incident that led to the instruction of the properties." ACP N’Dranou praised the quick response of police and thanked the citizens of East Sepik for their cooperation in calming the unrest. He urged the public to continue supporting the police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice. “I also want to thank the genuine citizens of Maprik and East Sepik who were providing information to the police who responded and arrested the 189 male suspects involved." "The mass arrest of those suspects had calmed down the situation." "Those who were arrested will be profiled by the police and they will be dealt with accordingly." "I also want to thank the genuine citizens of East Sepik who did not take the situation to damage the other properties that will benefit them." "The people managed the situation and guarded the properties that would benefit them all." He further called on the public to help police provide details of those who caused the problems so they can deal with them once and for all. He said if the police officers are not assisted, and the main suspects are not brought to justice the problem will not be solved. ACP N’Dranou added that he is in close communication with East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari and SIP James Bugen regarding the incident and revealed that additional manpower from Mobile Squad Units will fly into the province today, Wednesday August 7th to assess the situation. The 189 suspects arrested are currently at Maprik Cell, and police are interviewing them to find out what really happened, and they were involved. Still waiting for the brief from the police and the crime report.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption or ICAC says it has reported a suspected corrupt conduct to the Prime Minister James Marape in his role as the Chairperson for the ICAC Appointments Committee on July 31st. In a statement, ICAC members said they were required by the Organic Law to made the report. The statement further reveals that the suspected corrupt conduct allegedly occurred across several months and involves a Senior Office Holder of the ICAC. The Commission said it relates to actions surrounding the passage of certain clauses within the Regulations of the ICAC, which have been in effect since July 1st, 2024. "So that the matter can be independently assessed and considered for investigation, a report has been made to the Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary," the Commission said in the statement. "The ICAC is entrusted by the people of Papua New Guinea to combat corruption and to hold those that commit corruption to account." "The ICAC takes that role seriously but acknowledges that the ICAC itself is not immune from corruption." "However, it is important that we act as we expect others to do so." "We wish to reassure you that the ICAC is an agency of integrity and transparency." "The staff of the ICAC have strong obligations to report suspected corrupt conduct." "The swift reporting and response should provide some comfort to the community of the ICAC’s commitment to combat corruption in PNG," the statement said

Opposition Leader, Douglas Tumoreisa has issued a direct challenge to Prime Minister James Marape following a Supreme Court decision regarding a motion of no confidence (VONC). “My message to the Prime Minister is this: If you are not afraid of a VONC like you say you are, then don’t meddle in the affairs of the PBC, let it be placed on the notice paper, and beat us fair and square with your numbers.” He emphasized that the country's current situation requires urgent action and change, implying that the government’s continued rule is detrimental to the people. He issued the challenge following the Supreme Court's ruling on Monday, August 6th dismissing the Opposition's legal attempt to have Parliament recalled immediately so that the Opposition could push through another VONC motion. However, the majority of the five-judge panel, 4-1, concluded that the standing orders of parliament concerning a motion of no confidence are non-justiciable, meaning that the court has no jurisdiction over matters not explicitly covered by the Constitution. "As the Leader of the Opposition, and the applicant of the section 18 Constitutional Reference, I express my gratitude to our judicial system for amicably resolving our case on behalf of the 33 leaders in the Opposition," Tomureisa said, acknowledging the 17-page decision, and expressing respect for the judicial system's judgment. "Per the ruling of the five-men bench yesterday, the Supreme Court have decided that the standing orders of parliament concerning a motion of no confidence in the Prime Minister are non-justiciable, meaning the court has no jurisdiction to deliberate on matters that are not prescribed for in the Constitution." He noted, however, that the Opposition remains critical of the Private Business Committee's (PBC) actions, accusing them of overstepping their authority by disqualifying VONC motions on trivial grounds. "Although the court did not dispute nor qualify the actions of the Private Business Committee (PBC), the PBC’s conduct is still questionable in our view." "As our previous attempts have demonstrated, the PBC overstepped their authority by continuously disqualifying our motions of no confidence for trivial reasons. We remind the PBC members that the games must not continue." "Our people and leaders are well aware of the delay tactics being employed to disrupt the VONC." Despite the setback, Tumoreisa affirmed the Opposition's commitment to pursuing a VONC against Prime Minister Marape. The next opportunity to bring this motion forward will be on September 3, when parliament reconvenes. Tumoreisa urged the government not to interfere with the PBC’s processes and to allow the VONC to proceed transparently. In his statement, Tumoreisa expressed gratitude to the judicial system and the people of Papua New Guinea for their support and patience throughout the proceedings, assuring the public that the Opposition is dedicated to bringing about much-needed change in the government, aiming to alleviate the nation's current challenges and hardships. "I thank the people of Papua New Guinea for following this case with anticipation and support." "The Opposition are heartened by the continuous support, and we envision to maintain the trust bestowed upon us to change this country for the better.

The Supreme Court in Waigani has upheld two of the seven grounds of the Attorney-General's objection to competency application on the merits of the Opposition's Vote of No Confidence (VONC) court matter, effectively dismissing the Opposition's attempt to have parliament recalled immediately to deal with a VONC motion to elect a new Prime Minister. The Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, along with three judges on the five-men Supreme Court bench, ruled in favour of the Attorney-General, Pila Ninigi's competency application which was argued last week. The four judges conceded that the Supreme Court had no jurisdiction to intervene on Parliamentary procedures, basically, that the Supreme Court could not make a constitutional ruling or interpretation on the process of the VONC motion. The four judges said this was because the Standing Orders used by the Parliamentary Business Committee (PBC) in relation to a VONC motion is purely procedural orders or rules and not constitutional laws. Only Justice Derek Hartshorne was of the view that the A-G's objection to competency should be dismissed as it was an abuse of court process. Justice Hartshorn ruled that a full Supreme Court bench had already granted a legality declaration for the Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa to bring about his VONC application in court. In essence, Justice Hartshorn reasoned that for this court now to entertain the competency application, meant the A-G was asking the full court to go back and revisit its decision on declaration. However, due to the bench majority upholding the two grounds in the competency application, the Opposition had its court matter dismissed. Outside the courthouse, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa thanked the media, and the public for their support, but said due to the 4-1 decision against them, they will wait until the Parliament September session to take another stab at moving a motion of no confidence against the current Prime Minister. Meantime, a happy Attorney General, Pila Niningi told media outside the court that it is time parliamentarians stop using the court to intervene in parliamentary processes and proceedings.

A five-men Supreme Court bench will hand its decision today at 1:30pm on the Attorney-General's objection to competency application to the Opposition's Vote of No Confidence (VONC) court application which has yet to be substantively heard. The five-men bench comprising of Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, Justice Les Gavera Nanu, Justice David Canning, Justice Panuel Mogish and Justice Derek Hartshorn will deliberate on the arguments and urgently inform the lawyers from both parties due to the importance of the matter. Last week, lawyers representing the Speaker and Attorney General objected to the competency of the substantive application. They raised numerous grounds but the applicant’s (Opposition) lawyers responded saying that the objection itself was not only incompetent in that it was filed out of time, but it was also an abuse of process because they are prevented, by the court, from raising competency issues after standing as it occurred. This is on the point that the grounds raised in the objection are similar to the grounds raised in the statement of response. The Chief Justice and his 5 men bench have made it very clear that due to the urgency of the case the Court will try its best to fast track the hearing and hand down a decision. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuresia last week after the court hearing at Waigaini appealed to the public to remain patient and respect the outcome of the court process.

Amid the violence in East Sepik Province, and ongoing police investigations into the mass killings in Angoram district, the police command post has been changed again. This morning, Monday, August 5th, the acting Provincial Police Commander Senior Inspector James Baugen officially handed over the PPC Responsibility for East Sepik Command to Superintendent Christopher Tamari at the provincial police command headquarters in Wewak. This follows a directive from the Commander of Boarder Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Perou N'Dranou to recall Supt. Tamari to immediately resume duties as head of police operations in the province. In a statement, ACP N'Dranou said, “The officers are senior officers in the constabulary, and I hope they do the right thing that will serve the interest of the people of East Sepik and the police officers working in the command." "The instruction is very clear, and I had directed the two senior officers to do the best thing for the interest of the Sepik people." Superintendent Tamari was recently posted to take up the post of Provincial Police Commander in Hela but was recalled as the Provincial commander for East Sepik. ACP N`Dranou said during his absence SIP James Baugen had been called in to look after the command which he did, but with the increasing law and order issues in all the six districts of the province and the recent massacre in Angoram, the police hierarchy in the command must organize to work as a team to fight crime in the province and the command as a whole. “I want to thank SIP James Baugen for his leadership role in looking after the provincial command when when he was directed to be the acting PPC to East Sepik command." "You had been serving in the province most of your policing career and you know the province inside out, so I want you to support PPC Tamari to maintain command and control and help fight crime in the province." Meantime, East Sepik Governor Allan Bird in a statement assured his provincial government and the Angoram District Development Authority's support for police operations as investigations continue into the mass killings, which has reportedly left 26 dead, homes destroyed, and many mothers and children displaced.

Finschaffen MP Rainbo Paita, the Opposition's nominee for Alternate Prime Minister, has praised Isi Henry Leonard for his leadership in Samarai-Murua District. Paita commended Leonard for his dedication and decision to leave his ministerial role in Tourism, Art, and Culture for the benefit of the country. "Your member has made a very patriotic national call, not a call for his own benefit," Paita stated. Paita’s visit to Misima Island and the broader district in 2016 was to support Leonard during the by-election. Paita acknowledging the unique challenges faced by maritime districts, including higher costs of living and transport issues, stated, "The struggle is two or three times harder because you get all the transport cost by boat." Paita emphasized that Leonard's departure from a high-profile ministerial position demonstrated his commitment to doing what is right, rather than pursuing personal gain. "He left his ministry, and being a minister in PNG is a very high and privileged position," he added. The MP also praised Leonard's ongoing efforts as Chairman of the Samarai-Murua District Development Authority (DDA). Leonard has introduced an economic stimulus package, including initiatives in mining, agriculture, and tourism. Paita thanked the local people for electing such a dedicated leader who remains focused on improving the district.

Acting Provincial Police Commander for East Sepik Province, Inspector James Baugen confirmed with PNG Haus Bung on Sunday, August 4th that police have arrested five more suspects in the mass killings that took place in the province. PPC Baugen said the five suspects from Angumara surrendered to police on Saturday, August 3rd, at 10am. He said they willingly surrendered and commended the local councilor for coordinating their surrender for police to apprehend. This brings the number of suspects arrested to 10. East Sepik Governor Allan Bird and the East Sepik leaders said the Angoram District Development Authority and the provincial government, ESPG, are satisfied with the police operations thus far, and will provide all the assistance required by police to perform any operations to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice. Governor Allan Bird also released a statement to reiterate his and his provincial leaders' strong condemnation of the "senseless and vicious murders" in the Kanda villages of Angoram. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and every effort is being made to support the victims," expressed Governor Bird. Addressing the investigation progress, Governor Bird said, "It has taken us some time to gather information due to the difficulties involved in obtaining accurate information. This does not mean work has not been on going by the authorities since the events took place." "The murders occurred in two villages, Tambari and Angrumara. These villages are several hours upriver by boat from Angoram station," he explained. "The gang members that committed these atrocious acts are also from these two villages. 14 Gang members are from Angrumara and 30 are from Tambari." "Some of the perpetrators could also be from neighbouring villages. We are treating this gang as a terrorist group. All the perpetrators are known to Police. And Police are working to pinpoint their current whereabouts." "The attack on Angrumara and Tambari has resulted in two other villages being evacuated, Yauruma and Moim. All four are sister villages. Most of the displaced people are currently seeking refuge in Angoram. The district and provincial authorities are doing all we can to provide for the displaced people and the victims." "The two gangs have been involved in crimes within the Kanda villages over the past 5 years. " "Efforts by Angoram police to apprehend them previously have been unsuccessful. The leader of both groups has complaints pending at Angoram Police station. It appears the two groups merged just before they began attacking their own people." "The issues leading up to the killings are many and complex. Key among them are land disputes, unresolved crimes including murder, arson and the killing of a previous gang leader some years back. These appear to be revenge killings, but other underlying causes have not been ruled out." "Police resources and assets are onsite and gathering intelligence. Police are responding appropriately." Governor Bird said Angoram District Development Authority (DDA) and the East Sepik Provincial Government (ESPG) will provide all the assistance that Police require to perform any operations to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice." "Angoram ESPG are satisfied with Police operations thus far," Governor Bird said. "There are many instances of unresolved justice around our province, and we are working closely with Police to ensure all of these outstanding cases are dealt with and the perpetrators brought to justice once the Kanda Operations are concluded." "This way we hope to restore confidence in the rule of law and prevent further organized acts of violence in our communities." his statement ended.

A forensic specialist from the PNG-APP is leading a critical three-week Scenes of Crime Course for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) in Port Moresby. Working closely with Detective Superintendent Jacob Ivaroa, the officer is delivering specialized training to enhance the skills of Scenes of Crime Officers (SOCOs) across the country. The course, hosted at Tuhava Town Resort, gathers participants from various regions, including Port Moresby, Kokopo, Madang, Mount Hagen, Wewak, and Popendetta. The official opening of the training session will take place at 10 AM on Monday, August 5th. This initiative aims to bolster forensic capabilities within the RPNGC, ensuring that officers are well-equipped to handle crime scenes with the highest standards of professionalism and accuracy.