Police have arrested 20 people for murder and arson at the Mido Mine site in Kilolo, Wau Waria District, Morobe Province, according to the Police Commissioner. Commissioner David Manning said swift police action is crucial in detaining all those involved in the attacks. The attack on July 28th, resulted in the death of a Chinese national and injuries to four others, with two in critical condition. Commissioner Manning said dawn raids along Kilolo and Makoni areas by local police, based on community intelligence, led to the apprehension of the suspects. He said these arrests are due to the current improved relationship between local police and the communities in the district. He said more arrests will soon follow. Commissioner Manning has urged businesses to share information on criminal activities to aid in timely arrests and dismantling of gangs.

In an update from the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), City Manager Ravu Frank shared exciting plans for Port Moresby’s development at a recent breakfast event held at the Lamana Hotel. Mr Frank highlighted the city's challenges, including unplanned settlements, graffiti, theft, and waste management issues. He explained that NCDC is focusing on professionalizing its workforce and streamlining the planning approval process. This will make it easier for residents to get approvals for residential housing, provided they meet specific criteria such as land title zoning and existing utilities. One of the key projects discussed was the development of 1,700 hectares of land known as "Farea," located behind Bush Wara at 9 Mile. This new suburb will include 7,000 residential lots, 400 commercial lots, and several other types of lots. NCDC plans to partner with private developers to bring this project to life. Additionally, NCDC is working on a new bypass road to alleviate traffic congestion coming into the city and plans to improve roads connecting East Boroko to Saraga Market. For those interested in upcoming events, the next breakfast program on August 23rd at the Royal Papua Yacht Club will feature Francois Valerian, Global Chair of Transparency International, discussing corruption and its impact on business. Upcoming events also include the Business Advantage Investment Conference in Brisbane on August 12-13, and a presentation on building for the future on August 29th.

The Port Moresby Women’s Softball Association is calling for applications for key coaching and managerial positions in preparation for the upcoming 47th National Softball Championships. The event will take place in Kokopo from September 13th to 16th, 2024, coinciding with the Independence Weekend. President Ian Soweni, and the Association Secretary, Lucy Toil, said the association seeks qualified head coaches for its two teams: Team Gold and Team Black, including assistant coaches and manageresses for each team. The association says for the coach position, they seek an individual who has coached at the provincial and international levels, with potential assistant coaches to support the head coaches by running specific drills, enhancing players' fitness, and improving their skills. The manageress should have managerial experience in softball or other sports, and be responsible for administrative support, formulating team rules, and ensuring the welfare and conduct of the team. The association, emphasizing the importance of leadership and organization, encourages women to apply for these roles by Friday August 9th. For more information, email to pomwsainc@gmail.com or check their official Facebook page. “This is an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about softball to contribute to the growth and success of the sport in Papua New Guinea.”

The highly anticipated Poreporena Pool Competition is set to kick off on August 5, 2024, at Botai, Hekei, and Nese. With a target of 12 to 16 teams, the organizers are thrilled to have 11 teams confirmed for the 2024 pool season. This exciting news was confirmed during a meeting on July 29th at Hekei, chaired by John Podi, with Deputy Chairman Willie Vaieke and Executive Coordinator Marynne Accorin. The organizing team expressed delight at the enthusiasm shown by participating teams, including Kachoai, Ankit, Broggys, Aura Shooters, Chillies, Race On, Cousins, Left Overs, Taora, Aroat, Siumaka, and members from Sodihom & Mavara. “With everything pre-planned, our competition will officially start on Monday, August 5th,” announced Maryanne. She also revealed that the teams received complimentary uniforms, generously sponsored by young Ankit and his mother, Mrs. Idau J. Podi. A comprehensive handbook containing competition details, including rules, calendar, and awards, will be provided over the weekend. “This guide is essential for all members to ensure a smooth and informed start to the season,” Maryanne emphasized. “We aim for a competitive, fun, and fair season. Let's make the inaugural Poreporena pool competition a resounding success!” she added. Key topics discussed at the meeting included the introduction of the new executive board and an overview of the season's plans. Enthusiasm is high as participants prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating competition.

The Lae Rugby Football League's 2024 season continues this weekend with a thrilling lineup of matches in Round 2. The action kicks off today, Friday, August 2nd, with a full day of rugby showcasing the city's best teams in various divisions. The games start at 11:00 am with a U20 match between Raumai 18 Miles United and Brothers RFL Club, followed by Lae Bombers taking on BBR at 12:10 pm. The afternoon continues with more U20 action, including Laebo vs. Club 140 Rangers at 1:20 pm, and Kendo Royals facing Lae Biscuit Spiders at 2:30 pm. The day's events wrap up with EFM Kamkumung Crushers versus Palawa Security Services Magani at 3:40 pm. Saturday, August 3rd, sees the open divisions taking the field as Kendo Royals go head-to-head with Raumai 18 Miles United at 10:00 am. Brothers RFL Club faces Club 140 Rangers at 12:30 pm, and the Lae Bombers take on the Morobe Tigers at 2:30 pm. The day's final match features Niugini Pot Panthers against ESS Morobe Tigers at 4:00 pm. The Lae Rugby Football League has advised an affordable gate fee for adults is K2.00, while children under 12 can enter for K1.00 at the Lae Rugby Grounds. Meanwhile, this Sunday, August 4th, offers a curtain-raiser game at 3:00 pm with Lae Bombers taking on Niugini Pot Storm in the Round 16 match of the LRL R2 - G14. The main event, the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024, features PRK Mendi Muruks versus Gas Resources Central Dabaris.

Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa has urged the public to be patient as the Supreme Court deliberates on the Opposition's Vote of No Confidence (VONC) case. Today the Opposition had hoped to move straight onto the substantive arguments of its application, but the Attorney-General raised an amended objection to competency to the case. The Attorney General has questioned the court's jurisdiction over parliamentary procedures, while the Opposition argues that the case should move forward, as this objection is an abuse of court process. The five-men Supreme Court, led by the Chief Justice, has reserved its decision on the Attorney General's objection to the Opposition's Vote of No Confidence (VONC) case. Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika acknowledged the urgency of the situation and promised a swift ruling. Outside the courthouse, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa addressed the media and the public, urging patience. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of the judiciary, "We also know that the Chief Justice made it very clear that due to the urgency of the case, they tried their best to fast-track the decision." Tomuriesa acknowledged the delays but emphasized respect for the court's process. "We will respect the court's decision and wait patiently for them to make the decision." Tomuriesa stressed the importance of proceeding to the substantive matter, highlighting the anticipation of the media, public, and people of Papua New Guinea. "We are here to support the case. We are here to stand with our lawyers to make certain that we shift from the competency hearings and get to the substantive matter.” He called for patience from the public, expressing confidence in the judicial process. "We are confident that we will get there. And so, we are calling upon all the people of Papua New Guinea to be patient. Be patient. Allow the judiciary, allow the courts to make that decision.” He concluded by emphasizing the importance of respecting the law and the courts, asserting that proper decisions would ultimately satisfy all parties involved. "People must learn to respect the laws. And when we respect the courts, proper decisions will be made that will satisfy both the opposing team and our team.” A decision date for the court's ruling will be announced soon.

The 5 men Supreme Court bench has reserved its decision on whether to grant the Attorney General his objection to competency relating to the Opposition's Vote of No Confidence case. Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika says the court understands the urgency of this case and will make a determination soon. The Attorney General has objected to the substantive nature of the Opposition's case, arguing that this court does not have jurisdiction to intervene in parliamentary processes in particular the Speaker's role in the motion and the Parliamentary Business Committee's procedures relating to the motion. The Opposition's lawyers argue that this objection is an abuse of court process because legal standing has already been granted for the opposition Leader to bring this matter for hearing. Outside the court, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa says they have Confidence in the court to make the right decision so they can proceed with their substantive application. A date will be advised on a determination of today's arguments.

Deputy Opposition Leader and Chuave MP Hon. James Nomane spoke to the media after the Supreme Court session on Monday at the Waigani National Court House. Mr Nomane challenged the Prime Minister and the government to stop the delay tactics and deal with the vote on no confidence head-on. "On Monday, June 29th 2024, the opposition came to the Supreme Court, so it was a full court, five men bent, to basically have the application of the first intervener, the Attorney General, which sought to set aside the orders of Judge Derek Hartshorn of July 19th, which was to have the substantive matter heard on the 1st of August." "So after having listened to all arguments, the full court of the Supreme Court has reserved their decision for Wednesday the 31st to either set aside the decision of Judge Hartshorn to have the substantive matter heard on the 1st of August or allow it to proceed." Mr Nomane also explained why a small number of the small number of Opposition members in attendance on Monday, as compared to previous hearings in this VONC case. "Now what's important, what the country can observe now, is the Opposition has come to court with myself, the Deputy Opposition Leader, and just three members of the opposition." "The Honourable Amos Hakem, member for Laigap, the Honourable Kasimiru Aya, the member for Goelala, and the Honourable Masoho Abe, the member for Middle Fly." "So, where's the rest of the opposition?" "Well, they're all in their districts trying to provide service delivery and development to the people without having received any DSIP or PSIP funds." "So why have members of the opposition being punished and not received any budgetary allocation and that's preventing them from delivering service delivery to their respective wards and districts and provinces?" "So, this is why the opposition's in court, because there's an absolute breach of the Constitution and this current government under Prime Minister James Marape has failed to uphold the tenets of the Constitution." "And you can just see, now the fundamental argument here in court is not about like, you know, we've got two more years before the vote of no confidence period lapses, 12 months before the issue of Writs, but we're talking about the actions in Parliament where they have completely hijacked the process to allow the vote of no confidence to proceed." Addressing Prime Monostearate, Mr Nomane asked, "If you claim that you have the numbers, if you're confident that you're doing the right thing by the country, then why are we playing all these games?" "Why are we even in court?" "You should allow the vote of no confidence to take place on the floor of Parliament and test your numbers." "We expect that the full court will make the decision on Wednesday to allow the substantive matter to be heard on the 1st, so we can have Parliament recalled in August, so that we can allow the vote of no confidence to proceed and we can appoint a new Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea to get the country back on track." "That's the whole reason why we came to court on Monday morning, because our good friends on the other side are trying to play simple delay tactics." "We've had enough of delay tactics!" "The country's had enough!" "That's why we came to court." "We won't pre-empt any decision of the full court, and we'll allow them to make the decision and we'll be back on Wednesday to receive the outcome of the Supreme Court decision."

Minister for National Defence and Emergency Services, Dr. Billy Joseph has praised efforts of PNG Defence Force and Police personnel engaged in Operation Golden Valley in Porgera, Enga Province. “I am proud of the dedication and sacrifice by our PNGDF and RPNGC personnel deployed here and all other operations to achieve government intent." Minister Joseph emphasized the importance of disciplined forces' support in ensuring a safe and secure environment. "Whilst tribal fights are a serious constraint, the resilient leadership provided by Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter lpatas, MP, and the Engan Leadership is highly commendable." He also praised Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas and the Engan leadership, paying a courtesy visit on Sunday, July 28th. Minister Joseph also visited the Mulitaka landslide disaster site on Monday, July 29th to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation efforts by the PNGDF and the disaster management teams. The visit to Mulitaka is the minister's fourth since the unfortunate events of May 24th, 2024. One of the major works carried out as part of the rehabilitation exercise is the construction of a bypass road and the securing of the main supply route to Porgera Gold Mine. Key projects include the construction of a 5.5 km bypass road to the Porgera Gold Mine, managed by the Department of Works and Highways with PNGDF engineers' support. Full access is expected by the end of August, aiding displaced people’s resettlement.

The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service has issued a strong wind warning effective from 5 PM today, Monday, July 29, 2024. A trough extending from the Bismarck Sea to the Solomon Sea, along with a lee trough stretching from the PNG/Indonesia border to various provinces, is contributing to these conditions. Residents and maritime operators in coastal areas from the Southern PNG/Indonesia border to Daru, and from Yule Island to Hood Point, including Western Milne Bay Islands to Cape Vogel, and from Finschhafen to Vitiaz Strait, are advised to be cautious. Strong southeast winds of 25 to 33 knots are expected to persist for the next 24 hours, leading to rough seas. The warning also includes the western tip of West New Britain, extending to Kimbe and St. George Channel. Small craft and boats are urged to take necessary precautions before heading out to sea to avoid potential hazards. The weather service will review the situation at 11 PM tonight. Residents in affected areas should stay informed of any updates and ensure safety measures are in place to mitigate the impacts of the severe weather.

A five men Supreme Court Bench is expected to decide on an application by Attorney-General Pila Niningi to set aside orders for the Opposition’s substantive hearing set for August 1, 2024. In the meantime, Deputy Opposition Leader James Nomane has issued a challenge to Prime Minister James Marape and the Pangu-led coalition government to stop using delay tactics and face the vote of no confidence head-on. "If you claim to have the numbers, if you are confident that you're doing the right thing by the country, then why are we playing all these games, and why are we even in court? Test your numbers.” Nomane said this today, Monday, July 29, following the Supreme Court reserving its decision on Wednesday, July 31, whether to set aside orders for the Opposition’s substantive matter scheduled for Thursday, August 1. The Opposition on July 19 had secured directional orders from Justice Derek Hartshorn, sitting as a single Supreme Court judge, that the full hearing on the substantive arguments of the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) application take place on August 1. This follows an application by Attorney-General Pila Niningi, who seeks to overturn the July 19 ruling by Justice Derek Hartshorn. The application by Niningi, also the Justice Minister, and the first intervener in the Opposition’s VONC matter, was heard today, July 29, by a five-man Supreme Court Bench. Both sides presented their arguments, with the Opposition’s lawyer objecting to the application, stating that there are no valid reasons to delay the hearing. Outside the courthouse in Waigani, Nomane, accompanied by several Opposition MPS including Lagaip MP Aimos Akem, Goilala MP Casmiro Aia, Middle Fly MP Maso Hewabi, and Karimui-Nomane MP Francis Alua, reiterated the Opposition's commitment to the case and urged the government to confront the vote of no confidence directly. The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision will determine if the hearing proceeds as scheduled or not.

At the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), that ended on Saturday July27th, Foreign Minister, Justin Tkatchenko, reiterated PNG's commitment to regional security and cooperation. Tkatchenko stressed the importance of the ARF in fostering dialogue and addressing common security challenges. "Papua New Guinea views the ARF as an important platform for discussing regional security and cooperation." "We would like to emphasize the importance of enhancing dialogue, building trust, and promoting collaborative efforts among member states to address security challenges.” Tkatchenko highlighted PNG's geographical and strategic significance, emphasizing the country's commitment to the ARF's goals and objectives. He underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling transnational threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime. "On Security Cooperation, PNG advocates for collaborative efforts to tackle transnational threats such as terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, IUU fishing, and cybercrime." In this context, IUU fishing stands for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing. It refers to fishing activities that violate national or international laws, are not reported or misreported to relevant authorities, or are conducted by vessels without nationality or not following established regulations. He also added the need for effective disaster response mechanisms and regional preparedness, advocating for respect for national sovereignty and inclusive dialogue. The 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings, including the 31st ASEAN Regional Forum was completed on Saturday afternoon.