PICTURE CAPTION: Madang Acting PPC, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim.
BY LETHISA KOLOKOL
AN identified body of a young man was found washed up on the shores of Madang club in Madang in the early morning Last Friday.
After the peaceful celebrations of the 50th independence anniversary in the province, Madang Acting PPC, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed to this newsroom that the naked body of young man believed to be between 20-30 years was found behind the reefs Madang Club last Friday.
Baim said the body was retrieved on Friday and is now in the morgue of Modilon General Hospital.
He explained that there has not been any report filed for a missing person and so far, no one has come forward to claim the body, therefore the case is still open.
The Madang Police boss is appealing to the residents of Madang to come forward with any information about a missing relative.
POLICE Minister, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jr, MP, has expressed heartfelt appreciation to every member of the force—the “blue angels” – for the outstanding work they carried out in safeguarding peace, order, and security in Port Moresby, and throughout the 21 provinces, and in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville during this historic Golden Jubilee.
The week-long 50th Independence Anniversary celebration across the country, concluded peacefully, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
“From the first flag-raising at Independence Hill to the final concert at Sir John Guise Stadium, our police officers demonstrated professionalism, discipline, and selfless sacrifice at the highest standard,” Minister Tsiamalili said.
“You stood watch day and night, away from your families, so that our people could celebrate in unity and dignity. I want each and every one of you to know – your country, your government, and I as your Minister are deeply proud of you.”
The Minister emphasized that the success of the RPNGC reflects not only the dedication of officers but also the growing strength of the force under the Marape – Rosso Government’s reforms and investments.
Through the National Budget, the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with Australia, and support from other development partners, the Government is building a stronger and more capable Constabulary for the future.
“The BSA is not just an agreement – it is a commitment to strengthening policing, cyber security, border protection, defence, and disaster response, while firmly protecting PNG’s sovereignty,” Minister Tsiamalili said.
“Together with the Government’s Budget Support and bilateral contributions, we are positioning the Constabulary to meet the challenges of the next 50 years.”
The Minister also pointed to the Police Housing Scheme Policy as a major reform aimed at improving the welfare of officers and their families. “Our officers are human beings first – mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. When their living conditions improve, their service to our nation becomes even stronger.
This Government is committed to supporting their wellbeing as much as their policing work.”
In closing, Minister Tsiamalili reaffirmed his gratitude and confidence in the force:
“The Golden Jubilee celebrations have shown us what we can achieve when we stand together in discipline, unity, and service. To every officer – from the most senior commander to the newest recruit – I say thank you. You are the guardians of our peace today, and the builders of a stronger, safer Papua New Guinea for the next generation.”
RAICOAST district in Madang is set to get a major boost in public services with the construction of a new K2.7 million District Community Development Centre (DCDC). The project is seen as a transformative step for the region.
The two-storey building, now under construction, will bring government services directly to local communities, ending more than a decade of limited access and scattered offices. The project is funded with K1 million from the Raicoast District Development Authority (RDDA), K500,000 from the Department of Community Development, and K1.2 million from other government and partner contributions.
The centre will feature over 50 workstations on the upper floor, with conference rooms and offices on the ground floor for community development officers, government departments, and partner organisations. A transit lodge will also provide safe shelter for survivors of gender-based and sorcery-related violence, with fencing, a standby generator, and water storage.
Department Secretary Jerry Ubase said the building represents more than just infrastructure. “This centre will bring services closer to the people and create a safe space for vulnerable groups,” he said.
Minister Jason Peter described the project as part of the government’s “Going Rural Initiative,” aiming to strengthen rural services and support communities. Rai Coast MP Kessy Sawang said the district has lacked a proper office for over ten years. “This building will bridge that gap and establish a stronger government presence,” she said.
The K2.7 million DCDC is expected to be completed by mid-next year, promising improved service delivery and stronger support for women, youth, churches, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
PICTURE CAPTION: District Development Authority boss Philip Talpa hand over the keys to the Assistant District Administrator of Lower-Kaguel, Alex Misi.
AFTER Years of waiting, the people of Lower-Kaguel constituency in the Tambul-Nebilyer district of Western Highlands has received a brand-new trooper as an Independence Gift from their local MP and Minister of Commerce Win Daki to properly manage the sub-districts administrative affairs.
The vehicle was delivered by District Development Authority boss Philip Talpa on Wednesday, last week, while the nation celebrated and witnessed the country’s 50th Golden Jubilee Independence Anniversary.
District Administrator Talpa while handing over the keys of a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser to the Assistant District Administrator of Lower-Kaguel, Alex Misi, also highlighted important and significant services and plans his office has for the people, moving into the future.
Mr Talpa further added that Tambul-Nebilyer is a huge district in the entire province, and with the challenges presented by the land mass and topography, it is quite difficult to manage the district in terms of service delivery.
He said that was the reason behind his administration did a break to have sub-districts in Lower-Kaguel LLG, Mt. Giluwe LLGand Lower-Nebilyer LLG to decentralise proper service delivery and management.
Mr. Talpa urged his assistant to use the vehicle strictly for administrative purposes.
“This vehicle must be used at the right time for the right reasons,” Mr Talpa stated while handing over the keys to his assistant.
“It is not for personal use and every councillor and public servants in the Lower-Kaguel area must benefit from it.
“It is here to support you in delivering effective public service.”
Talpa also announced that the other two sub-districts to receive theirs once orders arrive in country.
Assistant Misi expressed gratitude to Talpa and minister Daki for their continued support and leadership.
“This is the first time a Kiap from Lower-Kaguel has received a brand-new vehicle for administrative use.
“It is a big milestone and will be put to good use for the benefit of our people,” Misi added.
PICTURE CAPTION: Correctional Services Acting Commissioner Benard Nepo during his visit to Bihute Correction Facility in Goroka.
BY VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroka.
INMATES at the Bihute Correctional services in Goroka and CS officers received the Correctional Services Acting Commissioner Benard Nepo recently as part of his pre independence visit to all CS facilities in the country.
This was the 3rd visit to the Bihute Prison by the Commissioner after his visit to the Beon Prison in Madang in an initiative to see on the ground challenges and shaping the institution’s planning in the next 50 years going forward.
A colourful parade was hostsd by the Bihute CS officers to welcome the Commissioner.
Commissioner Benard Nepo when addressing the CS officers commended CS officers for upholding discipline among two other disciplinary forces in the country so far as the country reached its 50th Independence Anniversary.
He said currently there is more than 30 police officers currently detained at Bomana and 4 DF soldiers.
He pointed out that the CS has received an increase in budget compared to the past years by the current government because of its commitment to upholding discipline among officers and commitment to service as the last form of justice.
Mr Nepo said security containment and rehabilitation at CS facilities was among one of the co functions of the CS that has been overlooked for many years and with the current support from the government, institutions and stakeholders the CS is looking at building 4 regional rehabilitation centres throughout the country.
Meanwhile, he commended CS officers at Bihute for upholding the standard of discipline and their commitment to service despite administrative shortfalls and encouraged officers to continue to uphold the integrity of the disciplined force in the next 50years going forward.
The visit ended with the presentation of food staff to both male and female inmates at the Prison who were also part of the 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations nationwide.
PICTURE CAPTION: United Finance Limited’s Team Leader Marketing, Janet Thomas officially announced the winners during their draw at their office location in Front of Garden City in Port Moresby.
BY RAYLEEN WINJAMIN TWELVE lucky public servants out of a total of 1,300 public servants who took out loans of K3,000 were selected winners of the United Finance Independence Draw which was done last week.
United Finance is a PNG-owned financial institution that provides loans to public servants working in government departments.
United Finance Limited’s Team Leader Marketing, Janet Thomas officially announced the winners during their draw at their office location in Front of Garden City in Port Moresby
From the four regions — Highlands, NGI, Momose and Southern — only twelve lucky winners were selected. The prizes included, an Android phone a laptop, and a portable printer for the 1st Prize, 2nd Prize: A laptop and for the thirde 3rd Prize an Android phone.
United Finance Limited’s Team Leader Marketing, Janet Tomas officially announced the winners during their draw at their office location in Front of Garden City in Port Moresby and was also announce on FM100 Community Corner Show.
The Southern Region winners were Eva Daisy and Regi Jon from Port Moresby, and Tony Nawal from Kiunga, Highland’s winners included Juvo Bai from Banz, Kora Grai from Simbu, and Delma Wat from Mt Hagen, NGI winners were Gabriella Lukwama, Joseph Kanusi, and Redieth Ilari, all from Kimbe, Momase winners included Michael Kari from Vanimo, Wendy Kings from Madang, and Angela Jonti also from Vanimo.
Ms. Tomas encouraged winners to contact United Finance to claim their prizes, adding that the draw was part of the company’s way of giving back to its valued clients and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
PICTURE CAPTION: Deputy Prime Minister and Immigration Minister John Rosso
BY MARTHA LOUIS
PAPUA New Guinea has deported 180 foreign nationals in the past year for abusing visa conditions, Deputy Prime Minister and Immigration Minister John Rosso confirmed.
Rosso said the action shows the government’s commitment to protecting PNG’s borders and enforcing the law. “We welcome foreigners to Papua New Guinea, but I ask all to follow the law,” he said.
He noted that some Papua New Guineans have asked him to slow down his tough enforcement. “All I ask is that people follow the law. If you are here legally, you have nothing to worry about. But anyone breaking visa rules will be deported,” Rosso said.
Two weeks ago, another 101 foreign nationals were sent home for similar violations. Rosso stressed that immigration laws will continue to be enforced firmly and fairly.
“Ples blo you mipla go mipla too bai behanim law,” he said, underlining that law and order are vital for the country’s safety and development.
A major security alert from Kerevat where police have confirmed a jailbreak at 8pm last night (22092025) with six inmates escaping during a period of severe weather.
The escape occurred earlier last night during a heavy downpour. Authorities have identified the men as; Ezekiel Robin Western, Mathew Pidile, Stanley Gamaria, Francis Paul, Steven Palang, and Bale Patrick.
In a brief statement, police said the escape happened at the Kerevat Correctional Institution, police are now urging the public to remain vigilant but caution against approaching any men, who should be considered dangerous.
Anyone with information is asked to contact local authorities immediately.
A senior police source has told this newsroom that this group are the very individuals responsible for the majority of recent armed bus holdups in the province.
The source stated that while these men were in prison, the province saw a drop in such crimes, and that a surge in armed robberies and bus holdups is now feared in the coming months.
This incident raises serious questions about facility security. This is reportedly the fifth breakout this year alone from the Kerevat Correctional Institution, with sources indicating that most of the escapees in these incidents have been high-risk prisoners.
PICTURE CAPTION:Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Iwaya Takeshi and counterpart Minister, Justin Tkatchenko met on the margins of the celebrations to discuss and solidify PNG-Japanese relations and to further the defence partnership.
BY NIGEL MADO
IN the spirit of friendship and a renewal of traditional bilateral ties, the Governments of both Japan and Papua New Guinea have announced that both will be working closely to strengthen defence cooperation.
In the special visit by the Japanese Envoy to PNG for the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Iwaya Takeshi and counterpart Minister, Justin Tkatchenko met on the margins of the celebrations to discuss and solidify PNG-Japanese relations and to further the defence partnership.
During this meeting, both ministers signed and exchanged notes for 400-million-yen [K11mil] for Japan’s Official Security Assistance [OSA].
According to Minister Iwaya, the OSA will look to strengthening capacities for disaster relief and infrastructure development of Papua New Guinea through the provision of heavy machinery for disaster relief and road construction to the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
Both Ministers stated that they appreciated the development in defence cooperation between Japan Self-Défense Force (JSDF) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), as this demonstrates commitment to peace, stability and security in the region.
Minister Iwaya stated that they are looking forward to seeing the PNGDF demonstrate their capabilities for national and regional security in the Pacific, and Japan will work shoulder to shoulder to support their effort, including through the provision of Official Security Assistance (OSA).
FORMER Madang Governor Peter Yama is mourning the passing of Morobe Governor Late Luther Asikawa Wenge, who died just before PNG’s 50th Independence celebrations.
“I am shocked and heartbroken. Late Luther Wenge was a great leader who loved and served his people,” Yama said.
Yama recalled their friendship since 1997 and praised Wenge’s dedication to the People’s Labour Party. “He led the party with humility and devotion. PLP is grateful for his leadership,” he said.
Governor Wenge was known for standing up for provincial rights and fair governance.
“On behalf of my family and PLP, we send condolences to his family and the people of Morobe. Long live Kwila blo Morobe. May his soul rest with the Creator,” Yama added.
