Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary

25/09/2026

Tebi LLG in Tari Pori district surrender fi****ms as gun amnesty continues

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Friday 25th September 2026

THE Gun Amnesty and surrender program is progressing well in Hela province as Tebi Local Level Government (LLG) in Tari-Pori district surrendered fi****ms yesterday at Hangapo Primary School.

Hela Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector Arau Mairi confirmed that more than 15 factory-made fi****ms and hundreds of home-made guns including hand gr***de, and bow and arrows were voluntarily surrendered to the state.

PPC Mairi commended the leaders, youths and communities of Tebi LLG for taking a positive approach by surrendering their weapons, a positive step towards restoring peace.

He said the surrender of fi****ms demonstrates a significant shift in mindset and a desire by the youths and leaders to protect their people, and choose a better future.

“Hand your gun in. Protect your people. Choose Peace. Tebi LLG has shown the way. Nogat Gun, Nogat Traibal Fait,” PPC Mairi said.

The Hela Gun Amnesty program continues this week. The Tagali LLG surrender program is schedule this Saturday and Hayapuka LLG is set on Monday 28th September.

PPC Mairi also thanked the Governor for Hela, Hon. Philip Undialu for taking the lead in the amnesty program.

PPC confirmed that all weapons surrendered are recorded and kept safe with the Mobile Squad nine (MS09) providing security twenty-four (24) hours.

The program runs from 18th September to 25th December 2026. The weapons can be surrendered at all scheduled field events or on any day at Tari Police Station, Komo Police Station, Koroba Police Post, and Magarima Police Post. No arrest for weapons you hand in.

PPC Mairi said after 25th December, all protection ends and targeted enforcement operations will commence.
(Ends).

25/09/2026

OFFICIAL OPENING OF H90 HOUSE AND TWO DUPLEXES AT WARANGOI POLICE STATION

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Friday September 25th, 2026

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for New Guinea Islands Command, Mr. Naua Vanuawaru, officially opened a newly constructed High Set (HS) 90 house and two duplexes at Warangoi Police Station in East New Britain Province on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

The housing project was completed under the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), an initiative funded by the Marape-Rosso Government since 2023 to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary through infrastructure development, fleet replacement, uniforms, information and communication technology (ICT), and police training.

During the opening ceremony, ACP Vanuawaru urged police members to value and properly maintain the new houses.

"These buildings are very valuable assets that cost millions of kina. You should consider yourselves fortunate to have access to this accommodation," ACP Vanuawaru said.

"Given the financial challenges currently facing the country, it is not easy to obtain assets such as houses and vehicles. Therefore, I encourage you to take good care of them."

Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Logistics, Chris Smith, acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government for its continued support through SPAP.

"In 2023, the Marape-Rosso Government provided funding through SPAP not only for infrastructure but also for uniforms, fleet replacement, ICT improvements, and training support for recruits at Bomana Police College. This was the vision of the Government, and the program is being implemented throughout the country," ACP Smith said.

He said the program is being rolled out progressively across all 22 provinces.

"We cannot do everything at once. We are identifying areas that require assistance and addressing them one step at a time throughout the country," he said.

ACP Smith emphasized that providing proper accommodation for police personnel remains a top priority.

"Our aim is to provide decent homes for police officers and their families. When officers have a comfortable place to live and rest, it improves their wellbeing and enhances their work performance," he said.

East New Britain Governor, Hon. Michael Marum, thanked police executives on behalf of the people of the province.

"This is the type of support we need to help police carry out their duties effectively. When police are present, children can attend school safely and women can freely access health services," Governor Marum said.

He said that Warangoi had become a crime hotspot in recent years and said a permanent police presence, supported by adequate accommodation, would help improve law and order in the area.

"Through this assistance program, we have seen the completion of three new police buildings. I appeal to those who will occupy these houses to take good care of them," he said.

Governor Marum also highlighted the significance of Warangoi Police Station as Baining prepares to become a new district in 2027.

"With Baining becoming a new district next year, Warangoi Police Station will play an important role in serving and supporting the new district moving forward," he said.

During the ceremony, ACP Smith also announced the allocation of two new police vehicles to East New Britain Province.
He said more than 700 police vehicles have been deployed nationwide over the past three years under the re-fleeting program and reminded officers to use them responsibly.

"A large number of vehicle accidents involving police vehicles are linked to alcohol consumption and irresponsible driving. This must stop," he said.

"These are not private vehicles. They belong to the people of Papua New Guinea and are provided to help us serve the nation. They must not be used for personal purposes but for their intended operational role."

ACP Smith further reminded police members that the 2027 National General Election is approaching and stressed the importance of maintaining all assets provided through SPAP.

ACP Vanuawaru also challenged the East New Britain Provincial Government to continue working in partnership with police to support the province's growth and development.

The ceremony concluded with ACP Smith thanking the SPAP team for their dedication and hard work in ensuring the successful completion of the housing project.
(Ends).

25/09/2026

Hela Gun free: Fi****ms Amnesty begins -18 September to 25th December 2026

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Wednesday 23rd September 2026

THE Hela Provincial Police Command has commenced Operation Hela Gun free - Operation Order 03/2026, a province-wide fi****ms and weapons Amnesty program.

The program was officially launched on 18th September 2026 at Andaija oval, Tari by the Minister for Police, Hon. Sir John Pundari. The voluntarily gun surrender program will run until 25th December 2026 under the theme: “Hand Your Gun In. Protect Your People. Choose Peace.”

Hela Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector Arau Mairi wants all factory-made fi****ms, homemade guns, ammunition, magazines, and parts including bows, arrows, spears and wire catapults to be surrendered voluntarily.

“No arrests for the weapons you hand in. No search of persons attending. No cordon-and-search in your community on event day. You will be issued a numbered receipt to keep it.

“You will not be charged for having these guns because you have handed the guns voluntarily. The weapons can also be handed in through a church or community leader on your behalf with the same protection,” PPC Mairi said.

PPC Mairi urged the public to surrender their weapons in their respect districts or police stations as the gun surrender awareness program runs in following order;

 Tari-Pori district from 24th to 30th September, 2026.
 Koroba-Lake Kopiago district -01st to 12th October
 13-24th October - Parliament session/No field activities
 Komo-Hulia district - 25th to 06th November
 Magarima district - 08th - 11th November
 Final Provincial follow-up, surrender & reintegration - 12th November to 25th December 2026.

PPC Mairi said after 25th December is an enforcement period as the amnesty closes with a Final Close-Out at Andaija Oval, Tari on 25th December 2026. He said after this date, all protection ends.

He said the lists of persons still holding on to the fi****ms will be passed to the targeted operations. The Kumul 23 Special Operations will be deployed, and cordon-and-search will resume.

PPC said. “Nogat Gun, Nogat Traibal Fait. A borrowed or hired gun in your hands is still yours in law. Bring it in.

PPC Mairi urged everyone to work together with the police and make Hela safe again by choosing peace, education and their children.
(Ends).

24/09/2026

https://rpngc.gov.pg/career-with-rpngc/vacancies/

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24/09/2026

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Applications close at 4pm Friday, 09th October 2026. Incomplete and late applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

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23/09/2026

FOUR CHINESE NATIONALS DETAINED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING RAID – 39 INDONESIAN VICTIMS RESCUED BY POLICE

Approved for Release: 22 September 2026

Commissioner of Police David Manning has announced the disruption of an alleged international human trafficking operation in Port Moresby, with four Chinese nationals detained as police prepare a range of serious charges.
Acting on intelligence developed by the RPNGC Transnational Crime Directorate, police executed search warrants at a downtown Port Moresby residence this morning and located 39 Indonesian victims—five women and 34 men—confined inside a three-bedroom property.

It is alleged that the 39 individuals were approached through social media with false offers of employment, and subsequently held against their will as part of a complex people-smuggling enterprise.
Commissioner Manning condemned the criminal enterprise which sought to profit from the exploitation of vulnerable people

“There will be no leniency for those who traffic and exploit people. RPNGC Investigators are committed to ensuring that every offender identified through this investigation is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we will seek penalties that reflect the seriousness of these crimes,” Commissioner Manning said.

“Investigators are tracing the movements and connections of the alleged traffickers, including members of the network operating both within Papua New Guinea and overseas. We expect this work to lead to further arrests.”
Commissioner Manning said the safety, welfare and dignity of the victims remain the immediate priority, with the Papua New Guinea Government working closely with the Embassy of Indonesia.
“Consular support has been provided to all 39 victims. Papua New Guinea Government agencies, including health professionals and the Department of Foreign Affairs, are also providing the necessary assistance.

“It is deeply disturbing that such alleged crimes could occur in our country. At the same time, we commend the professional RPNGC investigators that located these victims and brought them to safety.
“Papua New Guinea is founded on Christian values, respect for the law and, above all, respect for the dignity of every person.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Special Operations, Donald Yamasombi, who led the operation, said the outcome marked an important success against the serious threat of transnational crime.
“Initial inquiries indicate that those detained may be connected to a wider transnational human trafficking syndicate operating between Southeast Asia and the Pacific,” DCP Yamasombi said.
“The RPNGC will work closely with international policing partners to support efforts to identify and dismantle any offshore components of this criminal network.”

“Human trafficking is a grave crime that police agencies around the world take seriously. The RPNGC will continue working with international partners to identify offenders, dismantle criminal networks and protect vulnerable people.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Further information will be released at an appropriate time.
….……………………………………………..
David Manning, MBE, DPS, O.St.J, QPM
Commissioner of Police

23/09/2026

OFFICIAL OPENING OF PPC NEW IRELAND RESIDENCE IN KAVIENG, NEW IRELAND PROVINCE

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Wednesday September 23rd, 2026

The Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration, Dr Philip Mitna, officially opened the newly built official residence for the New Ireland Provincial Police Commander (PPC) on Tuesday 22 September 2026 at Kavieng Police Station, New Ireland Province.

The residence is a project of the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), funded by the Marape-Rosso Government.

DCP Mitna said this is the first SPAP project delivered for New Ireland Province, but certainly not the last, with a new police station building currently under construction in Namatanai and more projects to follow.

“There is a lot to be done. We have 22 provinces and 93 districts across the country, and we cannot police alone. We need assistance from provincial governments as well as resource developers to partner with us and deliver the resources police need to adequately carry out their duties,” DCP Mitna said.

He explained that SPAP funding is spread across 22 provinces and 93 districts to support recruit training at Bomana, uniforms, vehicles and housing.

He said police alone cannot deliver policing services without support from Provincial and District Administrations and resource developers.

Dr Mitna added that SPAP is a three to four-year program and whether funding continues beyond that will be determined by the Government.

He acknowledged and thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for supporting police through the SPAP program over the last three years.

Dr Mitna said the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s priority to increase police numbers remains unchanged. For the first time in RPNGC history, more than 600 recruits were enlisted this year, with numbers expected to increase to 800 next year.

Acting Assistant Commissioner for Police Logistics, Mr Chris Smith said the United Nations standard for police-to-population ratio is 1:450, while Papua New Guinea’s current ratio is 1:1,870, which is quite challenging.

He said in 2023, the Marape-Rosso Government decided to fund SPAP to support infrastructure, re-fleeting and the training of new recruits to meet the UN policing ratio.

Mr Smith highlighted that under SPAP, 790 vehicles have been delivered across the country under the re-fleeting program over the last three years.

“Under infrastructure, we are here today for the new house for the PPC, but this is not the last for New Ireland. As mentioned, we have a current project in Namatanai and more to come, especially your police station and accommodation for officers,” Mr Smith said.

He announced that a new police boat will be allocated to New Ireland Province in the coming months ahead of the 2027 National General Election, and a new police vehicle will be delivered within two weeks.

ACP Smith said when police officers are properly accommodated and their families are looked after; they deliver expected outcomes.

He stressed that police officers play a vital role in serving the country and must be supported with proper accommodation and a conducive working environment to deliver exceptional outcomes.

He reminded officers that the blue uniform must be worn with pride.
(Ends).

23/09/2026

Seven suspects arrested & in police custody in relation to the wilful murder of Dr. Robert Waiye in Kundiawa

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Tuesday 22nd September 2026

POLICE in Simbu have arrested seven suspects and are in police custody in relation to the wilful murder of a Medical Doctor, Dr. Robert Waiye between Tuesday 15th from 10am-11pm to Wednesday 16th September 2026 at 8.30am at Gateway Fueler Premises, Prenorika/DPI in Kundiawa, Simbu Province.

Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Detective Superintendent, Mazuc Rubiang confirmed that the police investigation into the attempted murder remains active to track down and apprehend the remaining suspects, who are currently at large. He said formal charges would be laid against all the suspects including the security guard as well.

PPC Rubiang the security guard who was at the Gateway Fuel station also sustained injuries during the assault of Dr. Robert Waiye and he is still recovering at the Kundiawa General Hospital.

Police alleged that on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, Dr. Robert Waiye (deceased), and Dr. Ronald Conn, both medical doctors employed at Kundiawa General Hospital, were present at Gateway Fuelers (Pokies place), Kundiawa, Simbu Province. At approximately 5pm, Dr. Ronald Conn finished work at Kundiawa General Hospital and proceeded to the Gateway Fuelers/ pokies house, where he played pokies.

Police also alleged that between 10:00pm and 11:00pm, Dr. Conn was preparing to leave the area when he met late Dr. Robert Waiye. Dr. Conn informed late Dr. Waiye that he intended to return to the doctors' on-call house at Kundiawa General Hospital and late Dr. Waiye joined his colleague. They both remained at the Gateway Fuel Station while waiting for a vehicle to assist them with transportation to the hospital.

It was also alleged that after waiting for some time without transport, the two doctors decided to seek assistance from the owners of the Gateway Fuelers, named couple, whom they knew. Dr. Conn had previously treated the wife of the Gateway fuel station owner when she was a patient at the Kundiawa General Hospital, where both couple is familiar with the Doctor.

The two doctors approached a security guard at the fuel station and asked whether the couple were at their residence. The security guard informed them that they were at home, so the two doctors proceeded on foot towards the residential premises to seek assistance with the transportation. Upon reaching the first gate leading to a new building complex which was under construction, the doctors then called out for assistance.

There was considerable noise coming from a group of people who were drinking in the area. The doctors therefore proceeded further towards the residential premises and upon reaching the gate to the residential area, the doctors called for the security guard (name withheld) of Dom Grass Security Service.

The doctors introduced themselves to the security guard as medical doctors from Kundiawa General Hospital and informed him that they wished to speak with the couple (owner of Gateway Fuel Station). The guard refused to allow the doctors to enter the premises but after the doctors explained that they needed to speak with owner of Gateway Fuel station (couple), he opened the gate and allowed them to enter the premises.

As the two doctors entered the premises, the wife of Gateway Fuel Station owner saw them and instructed them to return to the fuel station area. She informed them that she would come down and speak with them. She then confronted the security guard and questioned him about why he had allowed the two doctors to enter the premises.

The security guard explained that the two men had identified themselves as doctors from Kundiawa General Hospital and had requested to speak with the couple (Gateway Fuel Station owner). He stated that this was the reason he had allowed them through the gate. He further explained that he had subsequently allowed the doctors to leave the premises after she (wife of the Gateway Fuel Station owner) instructed that they should not be allowed to remain inside.

While she was speaking with the security guard, a group of people who had been drinking at the new building complex approached him (security guard). The group questioned the security guard about why he had allowed the two doctors to enter the premises. The group then assaulted the security guard by punching and kicking him. The security guard fell to the ground, and the group continued to assault him.

The group subsequently began searching for the two doctors. They moved towards the main gate and went outside the premises in search of them. Dr. Ronald Conn managed to escape from the group however, Dr. Robert Waiye (deceased) was apprehended by the group and dragged back into the premises, where he was severely assaulted.

PPC Rubiang confirmed that following the assault, Dr. Waiye (deceased) and the security guard were stripped of their clothing and left lying on the ground inside the premises. He said subsequently, the owner of Gateway Fuel Station and the members of the group placed the severely injured Dr. Waiye and the security guard onto a dump truck.

PPC said the owner of the Gateway Fuel station, (name withheld) instructed a man in the group identified (name withheld) to transport the two injured men to the Kundiawa Police Station with his four accomplices. He said upon arrival at the police station, they approached the duty policeman and requested that the two injured men be locked inside the police cell.

“The duty policeman asked what the two men had done and they repeatedly responded, "OBT", meaning "Operation Brukim Tulait". The term is commonly used to describe persons suspected of engaging in night-time stealing or other criminal activity.

“The duty policeman observed that both men had sustained serious injuries and appeared to require urgent medical attention, he refused to place them in the police cell and instructed the group to take the injured men to the Kundiawa General Hospital for medical treatment.

“The two injured men were subsequently transported to the Kundiawa General Hospital, where they were admitted for treatment. Both men had sustained serious injuries, particularly to their heads and faces,” PPC said.

PPC Rubiang said Dr. Robert Waiye died at the Kundiawa General Hospital at approximately 8:30am on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 due to injuries he sustained on his head during the assault.

PPC said the security guard was admitted to the Surgical Ward at Kundiawa General Hospital for treatment. He still remained under medical care and is recovering from his injuries he sustained from his head and face.
(Ends)

23/09/2026

COMMANDER TURI COMMENDS AN NCD CITIZEN FOR WILLINGLY SURRENDERING HIS FIREARM

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

Monday, September 21, 2026

MEDIA STATEMENT

A good citizen in the National Capital District has been commended by Benjamin Turi, Commander for the National Capital District and Central Province, for willingly surrendering an unlicensed firearm.

Turi, who was present at his office to receive the weapon, a .38 calibre revolver, thanked Seven-Mile Police Station Commander Inspector Henry Map and his officers. He noted that their effective community policing initiatives built the trust necessary for the citizen to come forward. He added that, to date, two individuals in the NCD have voluntarily surrendered their fi****ms.

While acknowledging the work of the police station commanders and officers across the command, Turi challenged them to increase public awareness regarding the ongoing gun amnesty program in their respective operational areas.

“Before we look elsewhere, I want to call on my police officers to inspect themselves and their circles, and to bring forward any illegal fi****ms they or their acquaintances may possess.

"The gun amnesty period has been extended to December 25, 2026, as per a media statement from Police Minister Sir John Pundari, a directive we are all expected to support to ensure illegal weapons are turned in.

"These offensive weapons will only lead to trouble,” Turi said.

He noted that because two people have already surrendered their weapons, others will likely follow, emphasising that police officers are always available to assist. He encouraged members of the public to communicate directly with officers they trust, the Metropolitan Superintendent (Metsupt), the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central, or Turi himself.

Turi commended both individuals who have stepped forward so far, adding that the most recent individual requested anonymity for personal reasons, which the police respect.

The gun amnesty program was launched on February 27, 2026, by Police Minister Sir John Pundari. Minister Pundari, who has travelled throughout the country witnessing the surrender of illegal weapons, expressed satisfaction with the results and reiterated his public call for anyone still holding illegal fi****ms to turn them in.
(End)

20/09/2026

Five More Survivors Rescued in Capsized Boat Incident Near Pidgeon Island

ROYAL PAPUA NEW GUINEA CONSTABULARY

MEDIA STATEMENT

Sunday September 20th, 2026

Five additional survivors; three adults and two children have been rescued following yesterday’s capsized boat incident near Pidgeon Island in East New Britain Province, according to Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Amanda Kates.

She reported that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) deployed Police Patrol Vessel (PPV) Manning at 8:40 a.m. today to join the ongoing search and rescue operation. The ill-fated boat had departed from Kokopo Beach Front Boat Stop enroute to the Duke of York Islands.

At 10:16 a.m., PPV Manning discovered two women clinging to rocks at the base of a steep cliff near Tavui Number 3 and brought them safely aboard.

“As they were transporting the two survivors to Atharm Wharf in Rabaul to meet the Disaster Team, they encountered a banana boat at 11:16 a.m. that had rescued a male adult and two very young children,” Superintendent Kates explained.

MV Mira Spirit assisted in transferring the children to PPV Manning, as one was in a severely weakened state.

The two women and the children were rushed to Atharm Wharf aboard PPV Manning, while the banana boat transported the male survivor. Disaster staff immediately transferred all survivors to Nonga General Hospital for medical attention.

Superintendent Kates said she’s thankful to R & A Marine Services (RAMS) for their support in crewing and launching PPV Manning. She also acknowledged the combined efforts of the East New Britain Provincial Government, members of parliament, and the RPNGC in donating life jackets and enforcing their use which have contributed to saving nine lives.

Due to worsening sea conditions, PPV Manning suspended its search operations at approximately 1:40 p.m., while MV Mira Spirit ceased search efforts at 2:30 p.m.

The RPNGC is urging the public to heed warnings issued by provincial authorities and avoid travelling in unsafe weather and sea conditions.
(Ends).