The Registrar of Political Parties in Papua New Guinea, Emmanuel Pok, and today (Tuesday, June 4th) clarified the legitimacy of Finschaffen MP Rainbo Paita's recent political movements, asserting that his nomination as Alternate Prime Minister is in accordance with the constitution. “Honorable Rainbo Paita and the twelve members who have defected Pangu Pati to formally resign is fake news,” Registrar Pok stated. "Our constitution allows that because Section 50 of the Constitution gives the right to any Member of Parliament to occupy a public office, and the office of the Prime Minister is for anybody, any Papua New Guinean.” He emphasized that the matter now rests with the Pangu Pati Council to determine any disciplinary actions according to the party's constitution. The clarification comes as the Vote of No Confidence (VONC) is anticipated to be heard tomorrow (Wednesday, June 5th), challenging the Prime Minister leadership of Pangu leader and Hela MP James Marape. When refuting the circulating fake news about recent political shifts in Parliament in a short press conference today at the Registry’s office in Port Moresby, the Registrar stated clearly that such movements are a matter for elected leaders, not the Registry of Political Parties. “The Registry of Political Parties, which is the constitutional office responsible for administering political parties in Papua New Guinea, would like to put the perception straight for what's currently happening in Parliament.” Despite recent defections from Pangu Pati, he affirmed that these are internal party matters, to be resolved by the Pangu Pati Council without interference from the Registry. Highlighting Pangu Pati’s parliamentary dominance with 39 seats won in the 2022 elections, Pok reiterated that the party’s constitution will address the defections, but confirmed that Pangu numbers are now 56, making it the biggest political part still. He also explained that the Supreme Court's 2010 nullification of key sections of the Organic Law on the Integrity of Political Parties and Candidates (OLIPPAC) has shifted the regulatory landscape, leaving party constitutions to govern internal matters. This means that the defections align with these constitutional changes and are therefore legitimate, with the Registry respecting the internal decision-making processes of political parties. “Twelve important operational sections of the Organic Law were nullified by the Supreme Court - a Supreme Court reference taken out by the Western Provincial Government in 2010 - and so, important sections of the law that administers political parties are unconstitutional now.” “And so, in the situations that happened in the recent past in Parliament, the Organic Law does not apply - important sections like sections 57, 58, 59, section 60, and section 70 do not apply in this situation - so, the issues are now reverted to the political party constitution.” “And so, the social media, the fake news that has gone around referencing me and the Registry of Political Parties, telling the Honorable Rainbo Paita and the twelve members who have defected Pangu Pati to formally resign is fake.” “The elected leaders have exercised their right as elected leaders of members of Parliament to defect or move, and the constitution has upheld that, and the Supreme Court has made decisions according to that line of thinking, and so, the Organic Law does not apply in this situation, so, the move from the government to the opposition or the movement of floor was in order.” “So now, the Organic Law cannot do anything about that, as the Pangu Pati Council, according to the Pangu Pati Constitution, will make a ruling on that.” “I want to make that clear that Honorable Rainbo Paita's nomination as alternate PM is in order.”

Spokesperson for the defected Pangu Party members in Opposition, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, said they support the upcoming Parliament processes and they are prepared for the week's sitting. He confirmed that Private Business Committee will review a corrected motion of no confidence against Prime Minister James Marape, initially filed on May 29. He explained that the original motion was missing one of the required 12 signatories, which has since been rectified and resubmitted last Wednesday by Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa. Governor Muthuvel said Speaker Job Pomat and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan have confirmed receipt of the corrected motion, and the committee will verify the final requirement on Wednesday this week. "As noted by Speaker Pomat last Wednesday, the committee was satisfied that we met four out of five requirements in the previous motion, however the only issue was the omission of one of the 12 signatories." "Upon submitting the fresh motion which rectified the omission, Deputy Speaker Hon. Koni Iguan, who presided over the rest of the Wednesday afternoon sitting, also informed Parliament that the Speaker had received a new notice of motion of no confidence from the Opposition." Muthuvel said the alternative government has praised Speaker Pomat for his transparency and fairness throughout the sittings so far, ensuring due diligence in the no-confidence motion process. "Credit must be given to Speaker Pomat who has given this process the respect and fairness that it deserves." "His efforts to publicly explain to both the house and the people of Papua New Guinea about the VONC, its processes and the requirements prescribed by law, standing orders and standing case authorities on point is highly commended." "It was on the first sitting last Tuesday (May 28th) where Mr Pomat informed the house that Parliament will be sitting for at least two weeks, giving the Opposition a chance to file its motion within this period." "We now look forward to the outcome of the PBC and contributing meaningfully to normal Parliament business this week."

The Opposition Leader, Douglas Tomuriesa has slammed the deployment of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force in Port Moresby for operations relating to the vote of no confidence, recommending the acting Chief of Defence Force to have them recalled immediately. However, the Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph has responded by defending the call out, clarifying that the PNGDF is neutral, providing necessary support to ensure the Capital City’s security. The PNGDF, are part of a joint force unit, put together to assist the NCD/Central command police since the resumption of Parliament on May 28th, as the much-anticipated Vote of No Confidence (VoNC) continues to be an agenda. In a statement on Sunday, June 2nd, Mr Tomuriesa described the PNGDF call-out as highly unnecessary and said that “it intimidates a democratically prescribed process that needs to be respected by members of the security forces”. Minister Joseph responded by labelling the Opposition Leader’s views as ‘misrepresentative’. Mr Tomuriesa, however, maintains that ‘the approval to deploy the PNGDF and our special forces namely the Long-Range Reconnaissance Unit (LRRU) is a misuse of state resources, and further intimidates the general public, members of parliament and international population.’ “We can understand this period can raise a lot of tension and provoke political disputes, however as we have seen from experiences in 2019, 2020 and in the last week, our police force has done well to manage all security aspects” “There have been no major security issues relating to the government and opposition, and I believe all parties involved in the current political impasse have been very calm and sensible in their activities.” “I question if this support by our esteemed LRRU has been sanctioned by cabinet, and if so, what criteria has warranted this call out.” Responding to this, Minister Joseph said, “(the) PNGDF units, let alone the Long-Range Reconnaissance Unit, are not patrolling the streets nor stationed at the Loloata Camp or the Crown Plaza Camp.” “PNGDF engagement is a continuation of the callout made by the National Executive Council in its NEC Decision No. 4/2024 following the unprecedented events of January 10, 2024, to assist police restore and maintain order in the capital city.” “As experienced on the Black Wednesday, Port Moresby, like the rest of our country, has a highly volatile security environment where relatively stable situations can turn very hostile in a matter of minutes.” However, Mr Tomuriesa, said that “January 10 was a major breakdown of our police apparatus due to internal inefficiencies.” “We cannot simply assume that the VONC will cause a large uprising like we saw on January 10.” “In this case, our police force is visibly present and in control of our city’s law and order situation – I simply disagree that one of our top military units is being used for simple patrols when they have much better operations they can be worrying about.” The Opposition Leader recommended that the acting Chief of Defence Force immediately recall and suspend the deployment of PNGDF soldiers until and when necessary, further stating that, “We cannot be misusing our soldiers for simple parliamentary processes.” “The RPNGC is adequate and has shown their capabilities to maintain peace and good order in the city.” To clarify, Minister Joseph reiterated that the PNGDF is neutral, providing necessary support to ensure NCD’s security. “Soldiers are assisting Police with information gathering and are on standby should situation warrant intervention.” “Only 120 soldiers are engaged in this operation, and they are not out policing the streets as purported by the Opposition Leader.” “As such, PNGDF preparation is to ensure situations do not escalate and all citizens continue their business in a safe and secure environment during the VONC period.” Parliament sitting are expected to resume tomorrow, Tuesday June 4th, with the Opposition’s motion of no confidence already before Parliament’s Private Business Committee, headed by the Speaker of Parliament, Job Pomat.

Prime Minister James Marape visited the landslide-affected Maip-Mulitaka area of Porgera-Paiela District in Enga on Friday May 31st, offering K20 million in immediate disaster relief to the Enga Provincial Government. “Although I may be late, the government, through relevant departments and agencies like National Disaster Centre and PNG Defence Force, acted promptly in attending to the disaster,” he said when he met and talked those affected by the May 24 disaster. Accompanied by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, Defence Minister Billy Joseph, and Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Marape met and talked with people affected by the devastating landslide, which claimed an estimated 670 lives and displaced over 7, 800 people. The Prime Minister extended heartfelt condolences and assured continued government support, emphasizing the importance of relief, restoration, and reconstruction. “I express my heartfelt sorrow to the people of Maip-Mulitaka who lost loved ones in the disaster.” Contributions from the Hela and Southern Highlands provincial governments and ICTSI South Pacific further boosted the relief efforts. Prime Minister Marape expressed gratitude to the international terminal operator ICTSI South Pacific for its K1 million support. He also praised the swift response of local and international partners, assuring the affected communities that they are not alone in this difficult time. “I thank the Enga Provincial Government of Governor Sir Peter and Provincial Administration of Sandis Tsaka, who, even if the landslide had occurred at 3am on Friday, responded immediately and by 8am, disaster work was already in progress.” “I also thank, on behalf of the affected people and the country, all the global friends of Papua New Guinea for their kind words and support.” “I thank our partner countries including Australia, New Zealand, USA, Japan, China, United Kingdom, Indonesia, France, Israel, South Korea, Phillipines, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Czech Republic and many others, United Nations, International Organisation for Migration and Pacific Islands Forum for responding very quickly to the disaster.” “I assure the people of Maip-Mulitaka, Porgera-Paiela, Enga, and Papua New Guinea that you are not alone in this difficult time.” Prime Minister Marape assured the people of Maip-Mulitaka that the national government would work with the Enga Provincial Government in continuing relief and restoration work. “Our focus should now be on relief, restoration, and reconstruction into the future.” “We will respect and follow whatever long-term plans of the Enga Provincial Government.”

The European Union has allocated K621,000 Emergency Aid to landslide victims in Enga Province. European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Mr. Janez Lenarčič announced on Wednesday May 29th, an initial Euro 150,000 (PGK 621,000) for immediate emergency assistance to the people and communities affected by the devastating landslide in Mulitaka, Pogera District in the Enga Province. A statement issued, reveals that this funding, to be channelled through the humanitarian agencies already present on site, will prioritize the provision of basic and essential items for the people displaced by the landslide. The statement further said that this emergency funding is to be made available through the ' Emergency Toolbox', one of the instruments that European Union uses to assist in unforeseen, sudden-onset crises. Meantime, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships Ms. Jutta Urpilainen has also expressed her condolences and assurance of support to the affected families and communities.

The United Kingdom has also given humanitarian assistance to PNG for the landslide disaster in Enga Province that has claimed over 2, 000 lives. The supplies contain shelter, sanitation and kitchen equipment. On Wednesday, Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph, witnessed by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, received the humanitarian aid disaster relief (HADR) supplies from British High Commissioner to PNG, Her Excellency Anne Macro. Minister Joseph thanked the Government and people of UK for the assistance. Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas also expressed his heartfelt gratitude on behalf of his people. Minster Joseph received the donation after he and Sir Peter returned from an overwhelming emotional day, meeting families of those who perish in the May 24th massive and tragic landslide at Mulitaka in the Pogera District at around 7pm last night (Wednesday, May 29). "I'm happy with the work the Enga Provincial Disaster Committee is doing and this support from the U.K, as well as support coming from other bilateral partners and the Government will greatly assist relief efforts," Dr. Joseph said. While handing over the relief aid, H.E Ms. Macro conveyed British Foreign Minister David Cameron's condolence to the families in Mulitaka who have lost loved ones.

Prime Minister James Marape announced this week in Parliament a review of the national budget to manage the rising costs of natural disasters, which have reached K500 million. This decision follows the recent devastating landslide in Mulitaka, Enga Province, which has claimed over 2000 lives. Speaking in Parliament, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the urgent need for a budget adjustment to cover the financial burden of multiple disasters this year. "Before the Enga landslide, disaster costs were already at K500 million." These expenses include relief efforts and the reconstruction of essential infrastructure affected by events such as the Simbu landslide, flooding in East Sepik, Gulf, West New Britain, and Bougainville, and drought in Milne Bay. The government has already dispatched K250,000 for immediate relief through the Department of Defence. However, Marape noted that more funds are being mobilized for comprehensive restoration. "Relief funds have been released, and greater restoration funding is being organized." The Minister of Defence and the Governor of Enga are currently assessing the full extent of the damage and the costs required for restoration and reconstruction. Prime Minister Marape highlighted the need for a robust response to the extraordinary weather patterns affecting the country. "We are experiencing severe weather changes, from droughts to heavy rains, flooding, sea level rise, and landslides." He said the situation demands a more adaptable and comprehensive disaster management strategy. Critics have pointed out that the government's response has been slow and underfunded, adding to the hardships faced by affected communities. The initial delay and limited immediate funding have raised concerns by various MPs on both sides as to the government's ability to handle widespread disasters effectively. The nation now awaits the detailed report from the Enga Provincial Government to see how the promised budget adjustments will be implemented. Prime Minister Marape's pledge for a "holistic review" of the national budget is a crucial step in addressing these disasters' financial and humanitarian impacts. The effectiveness of this response will be measured by the speed and adequacy of the forthcoming relief and reconstruction efforts. The public will closely monitor how well the government mobilizes and allocates resources to meet the growing climate challenges.

The Opposition side, the country's Alternate Government is ready again to challenge the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape. This morning before parliament resumed a little after 10am, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomouriesa presented the motion in the Speaker's chambers, who received it and it was noted down by Leader of Government Business Peter Tsiamalili Junior, the Minister for Internal Security and Regional Member for Bougainville. They did not waste time, arriving in full force in Parliament Chambers almost 10 minutes before Government members arrived. Parliament spent the next few hours until 12pm expressing their condolences for victims, survivors and families of over 2, 000 who were buried alive from a massive landslide in Mulitaka in Porgera District of Enga Province, offering suggestions to financially aid rescue and emergency efforts, criticizing the government for responding late, and being too complacent in always having to rely on external aid assistance. When parliament resumed after 2pm, the Speaker, Job Pomat advised that he had received the VONC motion that morning and during lunch the government business committee deliberated on what was presented. Citing relevant laws and Supreme Court case precedence, he advised that a numerical disadvantage had resulted the motion null and void. It was a signature short of the required 12 signatures. The Speaker said that meant a one-third requirement was needed of the 118 seats in Parliament. Following this third failed attempt, Sine-Sine Yongamul MP Kerenga Kua advised Parliament that they were refilling and hopefully it would be raised before parliament session ended for the day. The resubmitted new VONC motion has now been filed and Speaker said he has received it, however next Wednesday the government business committee will sit to deliberate on this matter.

Foreign Affairs Minister and Member for Moresby South, Justin Tkatchenko, announced recently that new homes for the Kaugere Academy staff will be ready by September. During his visit to the construction site on Friday, May 17th, Minister Tkatchenko said he is confident the 12 self-contained units will be finished and approved by the NCDC, Building Board, and Education Department by then. The new homes are being built to provide better living conditions for the academy's teachers. Each unit will have two bedrooms, a kitchen, a lounge, and a bathroom. "We want our children to get the best education, and that means taking good care of our teachers too.” Minister Tkatchenko believes that good housing will boost the morale of the staff and help them do their best work. Safety is also a key focus. "We plan to have everything ready by September, and I am excited to open this new part of the school," Tkatchenko added, stressing the importance of a safe environment for the staff. Minister Tkatchenko also checked on road repairs on Komuta Crescent and Forster Street, which are next to the school. These repairs will make it easier for parents and children to get to and from the school. "Fixing these roads is part of our effort to connect communities to main roads and support our new school buildings.” The improved roads will help the community and support other infrastructure projects in Moresby South. "We continue to rehabilitate roads in our Moresby South suburbs for ease of access to complement our ongoing work on our school and health infrastructure around this area." "While we have installed water around some parts of these communities previously, supply continues to be a challenge, but this rehabilitation works on the roads will assist guide the improvement of water supply." Minister Tkatchenko thanked NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the National Capital District Commission for their help in making these projects possible. "Their support is vital for bringing essential services and ongoing development to our community.” When these projects are completed, Kaugere Academy will be a shining example of quality education and community development in Moresby South.

Over the next few weeks, police command divisions across the country will start receiving officers from among the 217 newly passed out cadets from the National Centre of Excellence, formerly the Bomana Police Training College inside the National Capital District. The imminent deployment was announced by Internal Security (Police) Minister Peter Tsiamalili Junior at the pass out parade when the 26 female and 193 male officers graduated on Friday, May 24th. When highlighting the importance of their role in maintaining law and order, Minister Tsiamalili stressed the significance of proper supervision and mentoring as they integrate into their respective command divisions across the country, as the new cadet officers undergo further training for another 15 months before they can achieve a Constable rank. “Out in the provinces is where the actual nurturing will take place as supervisors, mentors, and respective commanders play a pivotal role in ensuring that anything that has been taught in training is applied and put into practice.” “Thus, the divisions who will be receiving the graduates over the next few weeks must ensure that they are properly supervised and monitored.” “To our graduates, as young officers going out into the field, it is essential to maintain focus and to put into action what you have learned during these nine long months of rigorous training.” “The temptation to be part of a group or to conform to what in the past was generally accepted is not the way to go.” “It is also encouraging to note that there are 26 women who are part of this graduating cohort.” “This is the first intake since Bomana Police College was restructured and renamed the National Center of Excellence.” “Furthermore, the graduating recruits will go on to another 15 months of competency-based program which requires them to successfully complete before they can become constables.” “This is a work within the communities around the country at the divisional command, and it is very important in the shaping of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.” “The code of ethics is the place within which all police officers must carry out their duties diligently and it is imperative that you uphold it at all costs, so take the time to revisit and apply this to your daily work and make it a habit to measure yourself against this oath.” “This is my encouragement to you graduates.”

Over 60 newly graduated cadet police officers from Bomana will begin job training this week in Australia. This announcement was made by Minister for Internal Security, Peter Tsiamalili Junior, at the pass-out parade for the 217 first intake of police recruits of 2023 at the National Center of Excellence, formerly Bomana Police College. The Minister urged these cadets to serve as good ambassadors for the PNG police force and the country while undergoing training with the Australian Federal Police. "This initiative under the PNG-AFP partnership is an opportunity for our officers to gain exposure to different facets of policing and leadership, and I thank the Australian Government for this support.” "I encourage our officer cadets to make the most of this chance, gain valuable knowledge and insights, and be true ambassadors of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and our beautiful country." “Learn as smart as possible and be open to information and initiatives to apply to our own policing jurisdiction.” The 63 cadets will be sent to Australia for a three-week attachment, a first in the history of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary's cadet training program.

Police Commissioner David Manning has issued a stern warning to criminals that police are on high alert since Parliament resumed. He said extra police officers and intelligence units are actively watching for crimes, including the misuse of social media, and that police are working hard to keep communities safe from misinformation and criminal activities, urging the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour. "Police presence is higher than normal right now so this is a warning to not try to break the law because you will be caught, arrested and face the law.” “We have an increased number of police on the ground, the number of investigators has been increased and intelligence units continue to actively track criminal activities.” "This also includes the monitoring of the misuse of social media and communications platforms to identify and interdict those who commit technology-enabled crimes, sow discord or incite acts of violence.” "Our communities deserve to be able to go about their daily business without unscrupulous individuals seeking to spread misinformation, sow discord, or take unfair advantage of the public.” With the resumption of Parliament, Manning has placed criminals on notice not to make misguided assumptions and break the law. The Commissioner’s comments follow a recent surge in attempted break-ins and robberies in Port Moresby, and an intensified police operation. "Police presence in NCD, Central Province, and key provincial commands has been stepped up," he said. Enhanced police operations aim to ensure the smooth conduct of parliamentary activities and to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the situation. "There are a number of elements to these enhanced police operational tempo, and one of these is to ensure that Leaders can attend Parliament without hindrance and the democratic process is facilitated with any potential disruptions being prevented.” "Another intention of this increased police presence is to make sure that criminals do not think they can take advantage of the resumption of Parliament to commit crimes. Manning emphasized that the police force is focused on maintaining a safe and secure environment for all citizens. "There have been a small number of cases involving attempting break-and-enters and robberies in recent days, where criminals have assumed the attention of police is elsewhere.” “These criminals could not be more wrong.” "Operational Plans are in place for the …. Parliamentary session, and the Police Force is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our communities to go about their daily lives and our political leaders to go about their business."