CATHOLIC EDUCATION SECRETARY CALLS FOR TEACHER SECURITY FOLLOWING HELA ATTACK

BY JORDON VELA

CATHOLIC Education Agency Secretary for Diocese in Mendi Daniel Beli has called for a full police investigation and stronger security for teachers and their families following the knife attack on education officer Virgil Verave at St Paul Komo Secondary School in Hela Province.

Beli said the attack raised serious concerns about the safety of education personnel carrying out examination duties, particularly those serving away from their home provinces.

He said the Hela Provincial Government and its administration had agreed to meet Verave’s medical expenses following the incident during the Grade 12 national examinations on Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Beli urged police to investigate the alleged involvement of students and teaching staff from St. Paul Komo Secondary School in the incident. The allegations have not been independently verified.

He also called on the Hela Provincial Government, Provincial Education Board, examination officials, police, Defence Force and local leaders to help guarantee the safety of teachers and their families so staff can complete the 2026 academic year.

Beli said Catholic education agencies supported national examination supervision to discourage cheating and uphold the integrity of examination results.

He said the Church remained committed to working with the government to strengthen education and promote positive character development among students.

Beli added that education personnel had no grievances against students, staff or the wider community and urged people to respect their work.