Kerebi DAVID

The National Capital District (NCD) and Central Police Sexual Violence and Homicide units are currently two of the busiest divisions in the force, managing severe cases on a daily basis.Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Turi revealed that murder and sexual abuse are the most frequently reported crimes handled by police each day. ACP Turi stated that these crimes ultimately stem from individual attitudes and mindsets, underscoring an urgent need for broader awareness surrounding anger management and mutual respect.“When we talk about murder, most cases occur as a result of minor arguments, stealing, alcohol abuse, and the wantok system—whereby people support a relative or friend in a fight based on tribal ties without reasoning out the actual issue,” ACP Turi explained.He also added that a lack of self-respect and respect for others directly drives the high rates of sexual abuse.To combat this, he emphasized the critical role that Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), the government, and the media must play in amplifying public education campaigns.“When these crimes recur at high rates, the statistics paint a very damaging picture of both our capital city and our country,” Turi said.Recognizing the need for proactive prevention, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is now partnering with Dr. Glen Mola to produce short awareness videos on sexual abuse to educate the public.ACP Turi also voiced strong concern over the misuse of social media. He noted that many users post unverified videos and reports of violence, killings, and threats simply to go viral, without considering the impact of spreading misinformation.“Social media came to the wrong country; people do not know how to use it properly and often don't care if it is fake news,” he stated. “Fake news about crime drives fear into our citizens and deters foreign investors who begin to question their safety. This must stop before we head into the next election.”He concluded by urging the public to check and balance facts before posting online, encouraging citizens to use their digital platforms for education rather than sensationalism. He called for a collective effort among police, individuals, communities, tribal leaders, and political figures to build a safer, more peaceful nation.

A fatal ethnic clash in the National Capital District (NCD), sparked by the alleged theft of a mobile phone at 14mile on the 6th of September, has resulted in a Simbu man been slashed and a Hela man being killed.In retaliation the family of the deceased killed an innocent young man from Kagua, Southern Highlands Province in 8mile.NCD/Central Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi confirmed these killings and added also that there was another killing at 12mile, next to the water-melon market during the early hours of 17th September.ACP Turi added that the deceased was believed to be from Morobe and it is still not clear if this killing is related to the ethnic clash or is a separate killing.“Central CID and the NCD Homocide unit are currently working on this case to identify the cause and who was behind the killing”.ACP Turi praised leaders from the Kagua community for taking immediate accountability.Representatives from the Kagua tribe have already cooperated with authorities at the Boroko Police Station, voluntarily surrendering two primary suspects.Turi issued an urgent appeal to the Porane tribe of Koroba, Hela Province, demanding they show the same cooperation."I commend the leaders from the Kagua side for bringing their people to the police and surrendering two suspects. If the Kaguans can do it, then why can't the Hela people come forward as well? There is no reason to be reluctant," Turi stated.“All statements are already with the Homicide departments, and police are fully aware of who is involved in the ethnic clash, but we are asking for volunteer surrender by you”.He warned that the Homicide Department already holds witness statements and has identified the key players involved. Authorities are strictly urging a voluntary surrender before police move in to make forced arrests.Commander called heavily upon political and community leaders to step up and keep their people in line, warning that local violence severely damages Papua New Guinea's global reputation.“Killing, robberies, petty crimes and social problems have increased law and order in the country, painting a very bad image to investors and visitors”.Turi revealed that apart from this recent ethnic clash, a grim statistic, of at least one murder has been committed every single day since the start of September, with most stemming from minor arguments and CID has attended to all these cases every day.  In response to the surge in lawlessness, ACP Turi appeals to the residents of NCD to report any suspicious individual or vehicle in possession of weapons to your nearby police station.“Police will also do roadblock, and vehicle checks and whoever is in possession of weapons in their vehicles will be arrested and put behind bars”.

Following ethnic clashes happening in Moresby Northeast District in the month of September which resulted in three (3) deaths so far, member for Moresby North East and Minister for Environment and Conservation John Kaupa has now condemned these violent acts.In a press conference Minister Kaupa said he condemned these killings happening between the Hela and the Kagua people and is calling on them to stop such action immediately.“Moresby North East District is a district in the metropolitan city, and such activity is uncalled for, you cannot go around taking law into your own hands”, Minister Kaupa reiterated.The incident reportedly stemmed from a confrontation following an alleged theft of a mobile phone at 14-Mile round about, where a man from Purane in Koroba, Hela Province was killed, in retaliation an innocent young man from Imbongu , in Southern Highlands Province was killed in 8mile by relatives of the deceased Koroba man.Kaupa said the killings must stop and call on political and community leaders from the two provinces to work together with their people to find a peaceful solution.With the current Settlement to Surburb program underway in the district, the member Kaupa is asking for peace and corporation, and such behavior will raise questions and affect livelihoods of other innocent people.Kaupa further thanked NCD/Central Police Commander Assistant Commissioner Benjamin Turi for his swift actions which brought in the people of Kagua to surrender to Police at Boroko Police station during the week.He is now calling on the Leaders of the Hela tribe to also surrender peacefully to Boroko Police station. “We cannot let this continue on, therefore I appeal to the Hela Community leaders and those involved to come forward, you must not be reluctant”.“MNE office will provide logistical support to the police and the leaders from Hela to move around and talk peacefully with those involved and bring them in”.This needs to end as soon as possible because it is installing fear into the lives of the innocent people living in MNE District.

Member for Moresby Northeast and Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, John Kaupa, has announced a K1 million allocation for a major string band competition to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season with his constituents.Minister Kaupa revealed the initiative during the 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations at the 6Mile SME Centre on September 16, 2026.The event aims to promote traditional culture and music, showcase local talent, and foster unity and harmony across Moresby Northeast during the festive period.To participate, interested community members must form a string band group and supply their own acoustic equipment, as electronic instruments will not be permitted.“Don’t come and ask me to buy you guitar or ukulele, you must provide your own instrument,” Kaupa stated, adding that groups must bring sufficient instrumentation to ensure proper sound projection.“You must have ten to twenty guitars and ukuleles so you can produce enough sound, no power instrument will be used.”In addition to instrument requirements, participating groups must adhere to a strict cultural dress code to qualify for the event.“All band members must be in their traditional attire during the time of the string band show because this is a requirement if you want to participate.”The competition offers substantial cash rewards to ensure broad participation.“The best string band will be rewarded money, the 1st place prize money will be about K50,000 and then 2nd, 3rd price including consolation prize money, so all participants leave the competition happy.”To enter, each band must pay a registration fee of K1, 000.The contest will take place at either the Sir John Guise Stadium or Unagi Park, with the confirmed venue to be announced shortly.Minister Kaupa urged local youth to begin practicing immediately and prepare their groups to take full advantage of the upcoming competition.

16 major locations in Moresby Northeast district came alive yesterday, with vibrant colors of red, black, Gold and yellow, with the echoing sounds of the Kundu drums and live bands.Moresby Northeast member and Minister for Climate change and Environment conservation John Kaupa allocated K1.5million for the 51st Independence celebrations in his district in 16 different locations.As a success from the 1st trial last year for mini independence shows, this year was another successful celebration in the district as well.Celebrations were held at YWCA, APEX Park, 6mile Incubation Centre, Saraga, 8 mile, ATS, 9mile, Bomana and all the way up to 14mile.Most event included, traditional dance groups, creative dance group, dwarf dancing, brass band, comedy, flag drawing competition, live bands and the famous greasy pole with a K1000 price money on the greasy pole including other items.Speaking at the 6mile Incubation Centre Mini Independence celebration site on 16th September yesterday, Minister Kaupa thanked everyone who attended and emphasized the importance of Independence celebration as the celebration of identity and freedom.Furthermore, Kaupa’s first Secretary Mr. Jack Ninkama added that every Independence Day is a time to show off your cultural identity in traditional attires.“I thank the Moresby Northeast District development authority under the leadership of Minister Kaupa for organising Mini shows and for putting money to these celebrations so that everyone can participate”.“This shows are home shows, inclusive for all communities to participate, as well as you can celebrate amongst those you know, your security is guaranteed”.Previous years people travel to Ela Beach, Unagi and UPNG and then after celebrations, they are stranded or they become victims of petty thefts and violence but shows done within the communities guarantees their security.“Previous years you were spectators but this time you also participated”, Ninkama added.With the funds allocated for the independence celebrations, all groups and individuals who took part in the celebration across the 16 mini show sites will be paid, adding monetary value to the celebrations, acknowledging time and efforts put in by the participants.

A new bore water project has been launched in Porebada village on Saturday 12th September 2026, by the Hiri LLG vice president and Porebada West councillor Maba Morea. Mr. Maba on behalf of the Hiri Koiari district Development Authority and Hiri local level government, did the official groundbreaking ceremony at Bitogor area, which is within the main Porebada village, for the initial start of the project to start this month.Mr. Morea said water is an essential need for survival which has been lacking in the community for many years.Since being elected as the new councilor he has pledge his support to the Hiri LLG, the Hiri Koiari District Development Authority and the Central Provincial Government to ensure the bore water project is prioritised and pursued for construction to begin with the required funding.The Bitogo landowners’ group from Gunina one clan have given the ultimate support to ensure the bore water project addressed the crucial need of the Porebada community. This project is expected to cost half a million Kina funded by the Hiri-Koiari district Development Authority.Speaking on behalf of the local member Keith Iduhu, Hiri Koiari DDA member Arua Soge said it will be the single biggest project undertaken by the district in the community that will immensely benefit the village for a reliable clean, safe drinking water. With the ELNINO drought taking a toll on the nation, the MotuKoitabu village like Porebada, Roku, Kouderika, Boera, Papa and Lealea are facing severe water crisis. The project once into fruition will relief and improve the community health, reliability, economic savings, promote farming and safe water source that will enhance quality of life. The Motuan villages along the Central coastline have struggled to get safe drinking water since independence in 1975. Water PNG only provides water to the metropolitan city of Port Moresby and has not made its extension to Central province yet. The communities in Central have relied on natural source of water from creeks, rivers, rainfall and bore water for survival.The chairman of the water project committee Doura Morea has thanked the Hiri Koiari district DDA and the Hiri LLG for supporting the community with this life changing project. He said Porebada bore water project is important because it will give the community accessibility to safe, clean, reliable and consistent water supply every day of the year. It protects the children’s health, saves families time, money, and provides the foundation for the school and community to grow. He said water is life, and the bore water ensures life and development can continue even in dry season. The bore water project is expected to be the biggest water source that will supply water supplied to the entire Porebada community with a population of more than ten thousand people. The community has faced chronic water problem although it is a few kilometers away from the nation’s capital. The village was once connected to water by the then Eda Ranu now Water PNG in the 1990s, however the water completely ceased around 2004. Now for more than two decades, the community has been struggling to get clean drinking water.The community currently relies on water supplied by water tanks from Port Moresby. The lack of a reliable water source has affected government institution like Porebada Primary school, Redscar High school, the health center and the community at large, however with this new bore water project launched, it will greatly benefit the people of Porebada. In the meantime, the councilor for Porebada East Mr. Gau Parko has thanked the Member for Hiri Koiari Keith Iduhu and the DDA for the allocation of the fund that will greatly help the Porebada community having access to clean safe water. He also commanded the Gunina one clan members for releasing their land for this vital infrastructure development in the village. 

Porebada community in Hiri Local Level Government, Central province all came together and celebrated 70 years anniversary of education journey and success, from 08th-10th September 2026, Commemorating Porebada primary school's 70th platinum Jubilee anniversary.For those who have passed through, it was moment to reflect on their journey, that they pronounced their first English word in class, collecting shells and folding their fingers to do math, learning environment, culture, positive ethics, Christian faith and adapting to a new education standard that has shaped their dreams and future years on.The school was formally administered by the Australian colonial administration in 1956, after it was previously under the London Missionary society. Over the years it has transitioned through several reforms. 1947- 1956, it was a London Missionary Society school. 1957-1978 it became an area school. From 1979- 1995 was a community school. From 1996- 2026 it became a Primary school.Porebada Primary school has travelled through time and has now reached 70 years of providing preparatory and primary education to the community. It is indeed one of the few schools that was established after World War II, during its infant stages by the London Missionary Society, now the United Church of Papua New Guinea, then the Australian colonial administration. It was later taken over by the Education department after PNG got its independence in 1975. Few of the indigenous inhabitant of the area through their wisdom and a generous heart gave this prime land away to the Church then the Australian Government for a school to be established. That was the decision that has transformed the Porebada community to embrace school and learning, in parallel with their culture and Christian Faith.The teaching of love, hope, forgiveness and faith has shaped the Motuan way of life and believe. Education was later introduced as a catalyst of change in behavior, attitude, respect, dedication, and sacrifice. It became a bridge to learning that leverage civilization, interaction and connectivity with the outside world.The 70th Anniversary event attracted the entire Porebada Community, the nearby motu communities, parents' guardians, former teachers and students as well as other dignitaries.Dignitaries who attended the event include Keith Iduhu, Deputy Opposition leader, and Member for Hiri Koiari, Mr Haoda Rogea, Hiri LLG President. Councillors from Hiri LLG. Gau Parko, Porebada East, Maba Morea, Porebada West. Guba Kevau, Boera Ward 13, Gunia Ova, Papa Ward 14, Tai Doko, Bogi Kampa Ward 15. Billy Tai, Rearea Ward 16. Kaia Podi, Kido Ward 17, Tau Dair, Gaire ward, Rocky Ulato Douveri, Barakau. Hiri SPA Chairman, Porebada Hiri SPA representative Kauna Kin Gau, PNG GAS Resource Ltd Porebada representative Peter Vagi, Pastors of the Porebada 5 Congregation of the United Church, The Church of Christ Pastor, PNG Exxon Mobil delegates, Mr. Gau Eguta, Archie Iviaba, Allan Kealaua, Joanne Tokunai, Gari Morea, and Executive Chairman of the State Negotiation Team, Mr. Dairi Morea Vele.Former students who have passed through the school in the last seven decades made the occasion more electrifying by presenting items with their previous classmates. The groups then presented several gifts to the school administration received by the headmaster Jack Mario.Member for Hiri – Koiari and Deputy Opposition leader Keith Iduhu officiated the ceremony and urged the community to believe in the future of education as the foundation of student progress and prosperity in life. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and Porebada Primary school is the definition of that truth.” “For 70 years, the strength of the school has not just been its classroom, but the unwavering community built around it."Mr. Iduhu highlighted that the generation of parents and dedicated teachers who poured their love and support into the institution as brought this school this far.“For 70 years Porebada Primary School has played an integral part of our community fabric, continuity, nurturing, shaping and guiding future generation.”  “At this milestone, I want to reflect on the importance of a strong foundation in education. The vital work of our primary school in early childhood learning and literacy outcomes cannot be overstated." Mr. Iduhu said during these early years the bedrock of lifelong learning was established, and this was a priority that the Hiri-Koiari District Development Authority takes very seriously.  Various cultural performances were done by both the elementary and primary students, and the celebration was filled with emotions, laughter and euphorbia as the young students and teachers of Porebada Primary school rewrite their names into the school history.Meanwhile, the school headmaster Mr. Jack Mario, Board Chairman Mr. Taumaku Baru and events chairman Mr. Busina Pune has expressed their gratitude of appreciation to all the participants, sponsors, parents, students, teachers and the organising committees for a successful hosting of the Porebada primary school 70th platinum Jubilee Anniversary. 

The prolong El-Nino has very much dried up all water sources, especially creeks and wells that are used for drinking and cooking.The hardest hit are people from the small outer islands of West New Britain.Families on Lolobau, Bali Vitu and Small Vitu are the worst hit, prompting families to travel out of their islands to look for water supplies in other parts of West New Britain.Hoskins is also facing the same disaster as all 9 wards have no water at all; thus, people are calling on authorities to come in to aid and supply clean water to families affected.West New Britain Provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Herman Volele highlighted also that all schools in West New Britain have been advised to run half a day, from 8am to 12pm only and students are dismissed home as all schools do not have any running or clean water supply.“With no running water, all tanks empty, and nowhere to get water, that is a serious sanitation and hygiene problem because this can also lead to other health issues for kids”.Mr. Volele also added that schools located on the islands are strictly advised to finish at 12pm, not only because of the water issue but also due to strong south to southeasterly winds that arises after midday and during the afternoons posing danger for kids travelling by canoes and boats between islands to go to school.  “There is no water plus, strong winds after midday, so as much as possible the safety of our children is paramount at this time of El-Nino disaster”.Full assessment of wildfires caused by heat waves, destruction caused by strong winds including no access to water has been noted by the WNB Disaster office and the full assessment report was presented to the National Disaster Centre in Port Moresby by the WNB Disaster Director Mt Clement Bailey, Volele says.“We are hopeful that with the full report from all assessment being presented, we should get some assistance as soon as possible”.However, in the meantime people of West New Britain are urged to use whatever water they can find wisely and assist one another during this El-Nino disaster until help arrives.

Strong South Easterly winds and drought caused by prolong El-Nino has caused widespread wildfires in West New Britain Province in recent times.People in KandrianGlosta, Talasia and Nakanai Districts have been very badly affected by this El-Nino, as most gardens and creeks run and every vegetable dries up and becomes fire hazard.  Oil Palms in Bialla, Hoskins and other different Local Level Government areas have been destroyed by wildfires.West New Britain Provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Herman Volele described the impact of the fire destruction on the oil palms blocks as very devastatedMr. Volele added that due to the strong winds, fire flakes from other burnt-out palms are being carried by wind to another oil palm block, triggering fire in just seconds and in minutes, it spreads to almost all oil palms.“Oil Palms are the livelihood of every family in West New Britain and to lose most oil palm blocks to fire is a very sad situation for those families and block owners.”“Because of the strong wind surges, containing fire is hard, when fire flakes or heat or ashes are blown by the strong winds, it automatically ignites anything flammable in its way”.Mr. Volele said the Provincial Disaster office has carried out awareness and has instructed everyone to remember to pour water on the fire after cooking, and when visiting their gardens, or if any fire is made anywhere, must be properly put out with water, this is to stop any possible fire destructions.“Everyone is also reminded to not make fire unnecessarily because with the current heat wave and the strong winds, fire is our major concern because it can cause the biggest disaster especially in this current weather condition.”Mr. Volele also highlighted that seven (7) family houses were also burnt down to ashes last month, August 21st, 2026, including almost 50 Oil palms and gardens leaving almost 40 families homeless in a village in Hoskins.“We have done full assessment of the fire disaster, and the Provincial Disaster Office gave about K10,000 worth of food rations and water supplies to the affected, including 14 big canvases to use for makeshift shelter.”Mr. Volele further highlighted that the month of July, August, and September are the hottest months, causing so many risks on the lives of people living on the islands, including mainland Kimbe.“Wildfire is very dangerous and all are reminded to stop making unnecessary fire, unless it is intended for cooking food but it must be put out completely after cooking, and during the night all fire must be put out completely with water as we want to avoid loss of lives, properties, homes, gardens and oil palms.”

The water level at the Sirinumu Dam in the Central province is visibly very low with soil now appearing in places once covered by water. This is now a major concern for the surrounding community and also for the city residents of Port Moresby and Central province which the dam supplies water and power to.Mr. Geno Varuna Deputy President for Koiari Local Level Government and Ward Councillor for Sirinumu, stated that this El-Nino is the worst ever felt.He said the dam walls are visible, the earth near the sides of the dam and trees in the middle of the dam are all visible, and this will get worse if this El-Nino persists.“Every morning when we come out of our homes, we can see the differences at the water level and its shrinking daily by centimeters.”He also added that most streams and creeks have dried up already and only about 4 or 5 creeks are still running but very low with so many algae.“All water sources have dried up; the remaining ones are filled with algae and it's not conducive for consumption”, Mr. Varuna said. “We are in dire need of clean drinking water.”“Because most water sources have dried up, we are now using the dam lake for bath, cooking, laundry and drinking, but it is not clean and we will get bacterial infection or typhoid.”Mr. Varuna further added that the Sirinumu Primary school is also facing water shortage. All its tanks are empty, prompting teachers to send kids home around 12pm middays because.“Students do not have clean drinking water even at home and at their schools too, and it is a serious health concern as well and a serious sanitation issue for them”.The people of Sirunumu and the entire Koiari LLG need food security and clean drinking water at this time.Since the Sirinumu dam operation in 1963 to 2026, the people of Sirinumu have shared their water with the entire population of this country that resides in Central Province as well as in Port Moresby, and this very water supply is slowly drying up because of this severe El-Nino.“About 4000 people including children, need food and clean water supply, and we are calling on the relevant authorities to come to our aid at this time when we cannot make food gardens nor get clean water from our creeks and streams.”Mr. Varuna is urging authorities such as PNG Power and Water PNG to come to their aid as it is the Sirinumu peoples’ water that is bringing money and employment for these authorities, and the least PNG Power and Water PNG could do is provide relief assistance to the people of Sirinumu and the Koiari LLG.“We are also calling on the National Disaster Office here in Port Moresby, Hiri Koiari District Development Authority, Central Provincial Government and the provincial disaster office to provide relief assistance to the people of Koiari LLG.”It is understood that currently Koiari LLG officers are carrying out survey and scoping arears and families severely affected by the El-Nino, and hopefully the report reaches the authorities and help is given as soon as possible.

Iobuna Kouba Primary School in the Hiri-Koiari electorate on Central Province on Friday, August 7, opened a teacher's duplex accommodation and a modern ablution block for its students.School board chairman Mr. Moses Koran announced during the opening that the two projects were fully funded by the school's allocated TFF subsidy over a few years. He stated that the teachers' accommodation cost about K180,000 whilst the ablution block cost about K135,000. A combined total of about K315,000.Koran stated that the ablution block commenced construction in October 2022 and was completed in November 2023."We could not open the ablution block earlier because we did not have a proper water connection."But we overcame this major challenge, hired the best bricklayers, plumbers and electricians and have now opened a proper WaSH facility for you (students)," he said.Koran called on the parents to work alongside the school in bringing to fruition such projects. "I challenge the P&C who have the numbers to step up and help the school management with funding to build similar projects going forward," Koran said.School principal Joseph Buka revealed that land space was limited and so any project like teachers' houses would be built as a duplex.He commended the contractors who had built great infrastructure at a reasonable cost to the school. "The teachers' accommodation has two bedrooms and a spacious living room and has been fully fitted and connected to electricity," he stated. "The ablution blocks have 10 flush toilets in total, five for the girls and five for the boys."He encouraged the teachers and students to take care of the facilities when using them. 

Preparations are well underway for Porebada Primary School in the Hiri Koiari district in Central Province for the celebration of their 70th Platinum Jubilee Anniversary.The 70th Platinum Jubilee Anniversary will be celebrated from September 08th -10th of 2026. A celebration events Committee was formed with Deacon Busina Pune as the Chairman, and the events Committee has a budget of K120,000 for the three-day event that will fully engage the community with the school for various programs, including cultural performance, prophets' songs, string band, live band and others.Former students, leaders and the Department of Education officials are expected to attend the event to commemorating 70 years of successful education along the Western Motuan coastline.The school board chairman Taumaku Baru said the school, the Church and the community are working together through the events Committee to ensure the necessary itineraries and funds are secured for the program, which is a month away.The first fund raising was done within the school premises last month and a corporate dinner is scheduled for 15th August 2026 at Kone Hanua lodge Resort."We are hosting our second fund raising through a corporate dinner at Koke Hanua Resort," he said.Mr. Baru said invitation letters were already sent out to several high- profile individuals and their political leaders including Provincial Member for Central Province Rufina Peter, Hiri-Koiari Member Keith Iduhu,Hiri LLG President Haoda Rogea and local councilors.Porebada Primary School Head Teacher Mr. Jack Mario said the school has existed in the community during the pre-colonial era in 1956 till now, indeed it is an asset to the community that produced human resource in the last 70 years of its existence He said the school has grown through its transition over the years run by the Australian colonial administration till Independence in 1975."Education today played a critical role in our community and nation. Porebada Primary School is a beacon of hope and a valuable resource of this Motuan community over the years." "The school 70th Platinum Jubilee Anniversary truly reflects the enduring rich history of the school, it's resilience, impacts and how education has embedded well into the community and transformed the livelihood of the people since 1956."Mr. Mario said despite the current challenges, the school has transformed in time with new infrastructure and teachers from all over the country who reside in the school to educate the children.The three-day celebration will importantly unite the community and set a new trajectory for infrastructure development and academic excellence of the school into the future.