Fredrick JEJERI

Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, has commended law enforcement personnel in the Markham District, specifically those at the Mutzing Police Station, for their highly effective and strategic operations.PPC Siguyaru noted that officers under the command of Station Commander Inspector Dominic Liva have performed exceptionally well, executing numerous arrests and detentions since last year. He emphasized that the Markham team is performing admirably despite operating out of a single police station to service four vast Local Level Government (LLG) areas.Geographically, Markham is situated along the crucial Okuk National Highway, with its LLGs spread across rugged, difficult-to-access terrains—particularly within the Onga-Waffa, Umi-Atzera, and Leron-Wantoat regions."Even though your LLGs are located in difficult terrains—including the Onga-Waffa mountain range, the Umi mountain area, and the Leron-Wantoat valley—you have consistently practiced smart policing," PPC Siguyaru said. "You have made a significant number of arrests and successfully maintained law and order."The Provincial Police Commander delivered his commendation during the official handover ceremony of two new 10-seater Land Cruisers to the Mutzing Police Station on Wednesday. The vehicles were acquired through the Japan Grant Aid Program and the Marape-Rosso Government-funded Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), which targets police infrastructure, re-fleeting, training, ICT, and uniform upgrades nationwide.PPC Siguyaru clarified that one of the new vehicles will be assigned to highway patrol operations covering the expanse from Markham to the borders of Madang and Eastern Highlands provinces. The second vehicle will be utilized to boost the capabilities of the public safety unit.While praising the station's track record, the PPC issued a stern warning against the misuse of the new state's assets."Do not use police vehicles for personal family errands," he warned. "Do not consume alcohol while on duty or while driving. You must utilize these vehicles strictly for their intended policing purposes."The PPC also praised the turnout, presentation, and conduct of the local police reservists during the ceremony. He noted that official briefs indicate that reservists in Mutzing have been immensely supportive of regular police operations, a factor that has elevated Mutzing to one of the top-performing stations in Morobe Province."I am highly impressed by the presentation and behavior of your reservists," PPC Siguyaru remarked. "Reports show that the reservists here provide vital support across all facets of police work, which is why Mutzing stands out as one of the best-performing stations in Morobe."Markham District CEO, Mr. Willie Pilailo, echoed these sentiments, stating that excellent results are always the product of strong collaboration and strategic partnerships.Mr. Pilailo affirmed that the District Development Authority (DDA), under the chairmanship of local MP Hon. Koni Iguan, remains fully committed to ensuring that the logistical needs of the police are met. He pledged that the district administration will continue to work hand-in-hand with law enforcement now that the new fleet has been deployed.Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Logistics, Chief Superintendent Chris Smith, was also present for the handover. Station Commander Inspector Liva concluded the ceremony by expressing his gratitude to the PPC, Police Commissioner David Manning, and the National Government for their continued institutional support.

Police operations in the Markham District of Morobe Province are expected to step up ahead of their usual routines following the donation of two new 10-seater Land Cruisers to the Mutzing Police Station.The two vehicles were handed over yesterday morning under the Japan Grant Aid Program and the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), a Marape-Rosso Government-funded initiative.The SPAP covers police infrastructure, re-fleeting, training, ICT, and uniforms. The program is aimed at strengthening policing capabilities nationwide ahead of the 2027 National General Election.Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Logistics, Chief Superintendent Chris Smith, and Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, handed over the vehicles and keys to Mutzing Station Commander, Inspector Dominic Liva.The hand-over ceremony took place at the District Administration car park on Wednesday morning. It was witnessed by District CEO Mr. Willie Pilailo, local police personnel, and community leaders.PPC Siguyaru stated that the additional fleet will significantly boost operational capacity, noting that the Mutzing Police Station has managed to run its operations effectively despite previously limited resources.The station serves a population of more than 93,000 people across four Local Level Governments (LLGs)—Leron-Wantoat, Onga-Waffa, and Umi-Atzera—as well as the busy Okuk Highway."Previously, we had only one vehicle to cover the entire district," PPC Siguyaru said. "With these two new vehicles, we now have three. This means we can execute three operations simultaneously: highway patrols, patrols to remote LLGs, and community policing within Mutzing town."He added that one vehicle will support highway patrol's extending from Markham to the borders of Madang and Eastern Highlands provinces, while the other will boost public safety unit operations.ACP Smith emphasized that the re-fleeting exercise is part of the Police Commissioner's nationwide plan to ensure all districts are mobile and highly responsive.Inspector Liva thanked the National Government, Police Commissioner David Manning, the Government of Japan, and the SPAP team for their ongoing support, reassuring them that the vehicles will be put to good use for the community.

"Stop the politics. Stop the jealousy. Work together," that was the blunt message from veteran local football coach Shadrach Tai during the official launching of the new mini stadium at Mutzing Station.Coach Tai, who leads the Yarus FC side from Umi Five, stated that sports in Markham did not die due to a lack of talent. Instead, he blamed a toxic culture of community members constantly fighting the government of the day rather than collaborating with it.Tai emphasized that years of zero support have crippled Markham football and called for an immediate halt to destructive political divisions.Tai pointed out that negative Facebook commentary and personal attacks on elected leaders do not create progress, and he calls for unity over jealousy ,urging the community to back the current administration to attract meaningful local development, as he warmly welcomed the opening of the Luther Wenge Oval Mini-Stadium, calling it a massive win for the district, provided players and organizers remain honest.Markham MP and Chairman of the District Development Authority (DDA), Hon. Koni Iguan openly acknowledged the failures of past administrations. He revealed how sports programs were historically hijacked by corrupt officials for personal and political gain."When funding was allocated, officials would simply misuse the money," MP Iguan admitted.Iguan noted a damaging cycle where raw talents were falsely promised pathways to national teams. When players returned home from national duties, they found no active local competitions to sustain their careers—a trend that ultimately killed athlete development.To break this cycle, MP Iguan announced that the Markham DDA is completely changing its strategy. The district will no longer distribute cash handouts to individuals. Instead, funding is being redirected into permanent sports infrastructure.The newly launched facility features:A standardized playing fieldSecure perimeter fencing and team benchesPlanned construction for a double-story grandstand equipped with toilets, showers, and a gym."These facilities are permanent. They are here to stay whether I remain the Member for Markham or if someone else takes over from me in the future," Iguan stated.With the infrastructure underway, the DDA's next phase is to establish structured, official sports committees across all four Local Level Governments (LLGs):Leron WantoatOnga-WaffaUmiAtzeraThese committees will be tasked with running structured local competitions. The top talents will feed into an annual district tournament, creating direct, legitimate pathways into national football and rugby league competitions.

Markham District celebrated PNG's 51st Independence Anniversary in style - with the launching of its new Mini Stadium as hundreds gathered at Luther Wenge Field at Mutzing Station on Wednesday to witness the double celebration - the country's birthday and a new chapter for sports in Markham.Markham MP and Acting Speaker Hon. Koni Iguan, who officiated at the event, said the new stadium is an Independence gift to the people of Markham.He said, after 51 years, Markham is moving from playing on bush fields to having a proper sporting facility."Usually, locals initiate and host games using local fields. The building and it's launching now set the foundation to organize and run sports in a proper playing ground," Iguan said.The new Mini Stadium has a proper playing field, fencing, and sitting benches for spectators.The MP said this is just the beginning. Plans are already in place to upgrade the facility further with a double-storey building that will include toilets, shower rooms, and a gym.He said after the upgrade, the District will set up sports committees in Leron Wantoat, Onga-Wafa and Umi LLGs and Artzera to revive competitions. And teams from the LLGs will then compete in an annual district tournament.The launching was marked with revival games involving local clubs. Mr.Shadrachi Tai, Coach for Umi Five-Yarus Football Club, said his team was happy to be part of the historic celebration.Mr. Tai thanked the DDA for bringing sports back to the district, "We are happy to participate in the revival of the district games as part of the Independence Anniversary and the launching of the stadium. Soccer had died out because of lack of support," Tai said.MP Iguan also added that sports officials who had killed sports in the past will not be allowed to participate again, however only honest officials will be engaged to run sports professionally going forward.He said as PNG celebrates 51 years, Markham must use infrastructure like the new stadium to empower its youths.

Markham MP and Acting Speaker of Parliament Koni Iguan welcomed Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation yesterday with a traditional Markham greeting, saying it is disrespectful in local custom to just pass a chief without recognition.The PM, Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr, senior Department of Works and Highways officials and security personnel made a brief stop at the Markham District Administration Headquarters during the PM’s maiden drive along the transnational highway.They arrived in Markham at 1:46pm after attending several official launchings of key projects in Lae and Erap. Mr. Iguan explained the custom known as Waba Ani, which means "welcoming with open arms"."In the Markham way here in Morobe, a local clan or village leader must at least welcome visitors or leaders from other places into their homes for refreshments before they continue their journey," he said."Local leaders and members of the community would be ashamed if they did not recognize and take care of you when you simply walk past them," Mr. Iguan said."As the political leader of Markham, an electorate that sits along the national highway, I felt it was right to invite you in for a short rest, to cool down and share fresh coconuts before you continue your journey."He described the visit as a "historic moment" for Markham, given the district’s role as a trade corridor along the Highlands Highway.In his remarks, PM Marape said many remote areas were still cut off from basic services."Places like Usino Bundi, Simbai, Marawaka, Kendrian Gloster and other areas still do not have road access to reach key services," Marape said."It would be unfair for us to raise the flag and celebrate the 51st anniversary of the country in towns already connected by roads, while others are still left behind."The Prime Minister also defended the government’s national road program amid public criticism."Despite all the criticism about the road linking Port Moresby, Kerema, Lae, Madang and the Highlands provinces, we have now done a maiden drive to Kerema and through to Lae. This road will be an economically viable link for the country," he said.District staff, local community leaders and residents served the delegation with fresh coconuts and light refreshments in keeping with Waba Ani before the convoy headed toward the Highlands.Following the stop, the PM, the Works Minister and the Works Secretary were airlifted by helicopter to continue their program.

After eleven (11) years of struggles to secure legal recognition over their 1,500 hectares of customary land, the people of Antir Village , Ward 9 in Onga -Wafia LLG in Markham, Morobe Province are all smiles after successfully obtaining their ILG Certificate.Guaniang Incorporated Land Group - ILG finally launched its ILG Certificate and secured legal recognition over their 1,500 hectares of customary land in Onga-Wafa LLG.The certificate, issued in October 2025 by the Department of Lands and Physical Planning, was presented to clan leaders before hundreds of villagers, government officials, and neighboring clans during the launching of the ILG Certificate. For Guaniang clan, the launch was more than paperwork. It was a victory won through loss and sacrifice."The process began in 2014 with boundary clearance mediated by Matthew Selani, former Onga-Wafa LLG executive officer. and despite losing three chiefs during the 11-year process — Kising Wamamp in 2021, Sibron Nampint in 2022, and Oseah Nampint in 2025 — members and extended families raised K57,000 to complete the registration,” said ILG Chairman Kidabing Nayut.The ILG represents two main villages in Onga-Wafa LLG. It is one of four clans in Ward 9, with two already holding certificates and one yet to launch. With legal status now secured, the clan announced its first business venture with forestry in down streaming and timber processing. Onga-Wafa LLG Council President and Markham DDA Deputy Chairman Hon. Willie Simbisi led the launching and called on other clans to copy Guaniang’s discipline.“My office stands ready to work with your ILG and any other clans who wish to get an ILG to also follow the example set by the Guaniang Clan,” Mr. Simbisi said.  He urged the clan to respect boundaries set by mediation, avoid disputes, and work with ward councilors, the LLG and district to secure a Land Title to attract investors, and assured the clan of the district’s full backing.Markham District Officer In Charge Mr. Lazarus Noah said the launch proves that when you follow the process, it often pays off.“The district will never entertain groups that skip steps. Most times, clans skip necessary rightful processes and get kicked out by the National Lands Office,” Mr. Noah warned. "Public servants at all levels are ready to assist."With certificate in hand, Guaniang leaders said the next fight is for a Land Title, the final document needed to do business and partner with investors on their land.

Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC) has dismissed what he says are "baseless" claims on social media that the notorious Operation Brukim Tulait (OBT) gang will start targeting the remote areas. Chief Superintendent Samson Siguyaru said the rumors falsely claimed that OBT gang members are planning to operate around Markham Valley Secondary School, causing fear among parents and guardians.“The rumors and claims are only creating fear and concerns for parents and guardians to withdraw their kids from school,” Siguyaru said.  “There has been no change of route for Operation Brukim Tulait into remote parts of Markham District.”He warned that anyone continuing to post and share such information will be held responsible and dealt with by police for creating and promoting false information and creating fear in the communities.Markham Valley Secondary School Principal Mr. Billy Kayo expressed similar sentiments.“There were claims and rumors going around but that didn't stop the school's operations. Teaching and learning is going smoothly,” Mr. Kayo said.The rumors have also prompted security to be tightened in the area. The Morobe Rural Police Command is working closely with Mutzing Police Station command in Markham, putting people on high alert.Mutzing Station Ward Councilor, Graham Gurub, said cooperation between local community leaders, police and state institutions is key to addressing this.“Whoever intending to destroy or attempt to steal will face his or her own consequences,” Mr. Gurub said.Siguyaru appealed to the public to verify information with police before sharing on social media and urged parents to send their children to school as normal.

The Clerk of National Parliament Mr. Kala Aufa has delivered on his promise a K40,000 to Nariawang Primary School in Leron Wantoat LLG, Markham District of Morobe Province.Mr. Aufa presented the funding on Friday morning, July 31st , 2026, just a week after accompanying Acting Speaker of Parliament and Markham MP Hon. Koni Iguan to open two new teachers’ houses and a double classroom at the school.The announcement caught the school community by surprise. Board members, teachers, parents, and students stood startled and speechless as the cheque was handed over.Mr. Aufa highlighted that the funding offered was part of his commitment to support infrastructure development in the area, and he is happy to fulfil his promise to the school. He added that the support was made possible because of the school’s good track record. “Because of the good administration and accountability shown in delivering previous projects, I made this commitment. Public funds must be used properly, and Nariawang has proven that.”Headmaster Mr. Robert John thanked the Parliament Clerk and assured parents and the community the money would be used well.“This funding will go toward building another double classroom,” Mr. John announced. “We will complete the building by November and do the official opening in December, and in honor of this support, the new classroom will be named after the Parliament Clerk.”Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr. Joel Gidisa said it was a proud moment for Leron.“It is an honor to receive funding directly from the Parliament Clerk,” Mr. Gidisa said. “We assure you this money will be used to change the face of this school.""When our school improves, more parents will take education seriously, and when more of our children are educated, they will contribute meaningfully to our society.”The K40,000 came through the Parliament Clerk’s Assistance Grant.For the level six primary school, the support comes at the right time as enrollment grows, and classroom space remains tight.

Communities in Ward 20 of Leron Wantaoat LLG in Markham District were praised for showing how public funds can be used effectively to deliver important services.Parliament Clerk Kala Aufa who was present at the opening of two teachers' houses and one double classroom at Nariawang Primary School on Friday 26th July 2026,praised the locals for putting their public allocated funds into very good use by investing in their children's education.Mr. Aufa said the achievement showed what communities could deliver when they take ownership of development.He said many communities across the country continued to seek more funding, but Nariawang had shown that proper management of available resources could bring real change.Mr. Aufa praised the community for transparency, honesty, and accountability in using the funds, stating that the project was an example other communities could follow.The funding was provided through the Markham District Development Authority under the leadership of Markham MP and Deputy Speaker Hon. Koni Iguan.Hon. Iguan thanked the Nariawang community for responsibly managing the funds: "If every community throughout Markham was honest and transparent like what you have demonstrated, by now we should have more and better accessible services right at our people's doorsteps,” he said.He encouraged communities across the district to work together and ensure development funds were used for their intended purposes.The delegation also witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for a two-man aid post, which will improve access to healthcare services, the construction of the facilities will commence next month.Mr. Aufa said the Nariawang example showed that development was not only about the amount of funding available, but how communities managed their resources.The new school facilities and upcoming health facility marks an important milestone for the community.

Leaders and partners who played a role in bringing peace to Central Wantoat in Morobe province have been acknowledged for their commitment towards restoring hope and rebuilding communities after years of fear, division and displacement.The appreciation was highlighted during a peace and reconciliation ceremony where community representatives, church leaders, government officials and development partners, recognised the efforts of individuals and organisations that helped bring rival groups together.Community mediator Omin Erinu was acknowledged for stepping forward during the crisis period between 2022 and 2024 to help reconnect communities when communication had broken down.Mr. Erinu said he accepted the challenge because he saw families becoming divided and people losing trust in each other.“When the problem became serious, people stopped communicating. I decided to become a bridge so both sides could sit down, talk and find a peaceful solution,” he said.He thanked community members who supported the peace process and encouraged them to continue working together to protect the peace that had been restored.ELCPNG Deputy Bishop Pastor Lucas Kidabing was also recognised for the church’s role in supporting reconciliation and bringing spiritual guidance to affected communities.Pastor Kidabing said the church’s involvement was based on its responsibility to promote forgiveness, healing and unity.“The church must stand with people during difficult times. Peace requires forgiveness, understanding and a willingness to rebuild relationships,” he said.Representing the Markham District Development Authority, District Officer-in-Charge Lazarus Noah acknowledged the commitment of all partners who contributed towards restoring stability in Wantoat.Mr. Noah said peace could only be achieved through cooperation between communities, government institutions, churches, and supporting organisations.He said the MDDA appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders and was committed to working with them to bring lasting stability and transformation to the area.Meanwhile, the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation representative, Elijah Tuping, thanked the Wantoat peace committee for approaching the Foundation and allowing it to be part of the reconciliation journey.Mr. Tuping said the Foundation, established by Papua New Guinean musician and businessman Honlly Isaac, believed in supporting disadvantaged communities and creating opportunities through agriculture and social development programs.He said the Foundation had supported vulnerable groups, including juveniles, inmates and hospital patients, over the past five years and was ready to work with partners in Wantoat.“The vision is not only to respond to problems but to help communities rebuild and become productive,” Mr. Tuping said.The partnership between ELCPNG, the Department of Law and Justice Sector, Markham DDA and the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation, is expected to support programs focused on changing mindsets, empowering young people and creating sustainable development opportunities in Wantoat.The ceremony marked a new beginning for communities once affected by conflict, with leaders calling for continued unity and cooperation to protect lasting peace.

A community once gripped by fear, suspicion and violence in Morobe is beginning a new chapter after a peace and reconciliation ceremony held on Friday.The event brought together divided communities determined to rebuild their future.Hundreds of people from Wantoat in the Leron Wantoat Local Level Government (LLG) area of Markham District gathered on Friday to witness what church leaders described as the beginning of a new era for the area.The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) led the ceremony at the Wantoat Evangelical Lutheran Church Circuit, where five parish congregations surrendered weapons and renounced alleged criminal activities associated with years of conflict sparked by sorcery accusations.The violence began in 2022 as allegations of sorcery spread through villages, causing neighbours to turn against one another.The conflict intensified in 2023 and reached its peak in 2024, resulting in killings, destruction of property and widespread fear that displaced families and disrupted government services.Residents avoided travelling freely while schools, health services and normal economic activities were affected.One of the people credited with helping restore calm is local young leader Omin Erinu, who returned to his village after completing his Advanced Bachelor of Management at the University of Goroka.Working alongside village elders, he helped establish a Peace and Reconciliation Team that encouraged dialogue, disarmament and mediation between rival communities.The initiative later received strong backing from ELCPNG Deputy Bishop Pastor Lucas Kidabing, whose leadership helped unite church and community leaders in pursuing reconciliation.Pastor Kidabing said Friday's ceremony symbolised more than the surrender of weapons; it represented the restoration of hope."We can now see a peaceful environment returning to Wantoat.People can once again live, work and move freely without fear," he said.He acknowledged the support of the Markham District Development Authority, the Honlly Isaac Jokema Foundation, the Law and Justice Sector and other partners who contributed to the peace process.During the height of the crisis, the Markham District Development Authority, under the leadership of Markham MP and Deputy Speaker Koni Iguan, provided K100,000 to support police operations.The funding enabled members of the Special Services Division (SSD) to conduct a week-long operation aimed at restoring normalcy and also assisted the Peace and Reconciliation Committee in staging its first reconciliation ceremony last year.However, lasting peace only began to emerge through sustained dialogue led by church and community leaders.District Officer-in-Charge Lazarus Noah was at the occasion delivered a speech and described the reconciliation as a powerful reminder that forgiveness and unity remain the strongest foundations for rebuilding communities.The church's next focus will be youth empowerment through agriculture, sports, community development and mindset transformation programmes to ensure peace is sustained across Wantoat.

While schools are primarily recognised for preparing students academically, a secondary school in the Morobe Province is taking an extra step by equipping young people with practical musical skills before they complete their formal education.Over the past nine years, the Markham Valley Secondary School in the Markham District has been offering students the opportunity to learn music apart from academic activities. Students are taught on playing electric instruments, stage presentations and sound system setups through a volunteer led program coordinated by self-taught musician, Jed Kayo.Although this is not part of the formal curriculum, the program has become an avenue for students to develop practical skills that could benefit them long after they leave the classroom.Kayo, who is also a former grade 12 student from the school, has been providing his services since establishing the program in 2017. His vision is to ensure students leave formal school with more than just academic qualifications."I want students to have another skill they can use after completing school," he said. "Not everyone will find formal employment or continue to university, but music and sound system skills can help them become useful in their respective local communities."Beginning with just ten students, the program has grown to 24 participants who meet outside normal schooling hours to learn keyboard, guitar, live singing, stage performance and the operation of electronic sound equipment.Students are also introduced to setting up public address systems, connecting amplifiers, mixers, speakers and microphones, giving them hands-on experience with equipment commonly used at church gatherings, cultural events, community functions and public ceremonies.Kayo, who learned these skills through years of self-study and practical experience, continues to volunteer his time and wants to see local communities filled with productive youths. He believes the greatest reward is seeing former students use what they have learned after leaving school.Several graduates have continued developing their musical talents while pursuing further studies, while others are involved in church worship teams, live sound engineering, studio recording and performances with established bands.Beyond music itself, the program encourages discipline, teamwork, commitment and self-confidence, which Kayo believes are equally important as students prepare for life beyond secondary school.He also acknowledged the support of the school administration for embracing a program that complements academic learning because without the school's encouragement, many students would never have had the opportunity to discover and develop their musical abilities.As schools across Papua New Guinea continue exploring ways to better prepare students for life after graduation, Markham Valley Secondary School's music program demonstrates that practical life skills can successfully complement classroom education.For the school, the goal is not simply to produce musicians. It is to help produce capable young men and women who would leave school equipped with confidence, practical skills and a willingness to contribute positively to the society.