CLASSES SUSPENDED, 11 STUDENTS ARRESTED FOLLOWING PALMALMAL SCHOOL RIOT

By Wasita Royal

Provincial authorities have suspended classes at Palmalmal Secondary School in East New Britain for three weeks following a violent student riot that destroyed the school library, administration block, truck, laptops, and rations.

The unrest on August 25 erupted after the school’s Board of Governors expelled several students for disciplinary breaches. The Provincial Education Board issued Circular No. 4/2026, mandating suspension from August 28 to September 18 to prioritise safety of staff, students, and property.

Pomio District Administration has mobilised resources to restore order, securing the campus and providing support such as rewiring and fuel drums.

Deputy District Administrator Hillary Songtava confirmed police have detained 11 students as suspects, with investigations ongoing.

Authorities are engaging communities through Parents and Citizens Cluster Meetings to review disciplinary processes and chart a way forward. Students have been sent home during the suspension, with monitoring visits planned to ensure compliance before classes resume in Term 4.