PNG Haus Bung

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Samson Kua, has been arrested and charged by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).Kua was arrested and charged yesterday with one count of Abuse of Office and nine counts of Misappropriation, following an investigation into the alleged misuse of the Royal Papua New Guinea travel account funds.The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has arrested and charged Deputy Commissioner of Police, Samson Kua yesterday, with one count of Abuse of Office and nine counts of misappropriation, following an investigation into the alleged misuse of RPNGC account funds. It was alleged that between September 2024 and March 2025, Mr. Kua used RPNGC Travel accounts for his family’s personal domestic travel, amounting to approximately K14, 692.50.The matter was referred to ICAC by the Police Commissioner, as required under section 45 of the Organic Law on the Independent Commission Against Corruption (OLICAC).Mr. Kua was produced before the Waigani Magistrates Court on the afternoon of 3rd September 2026 and was released on a K3, 000 bail, with two sureties of K500 each. The matter has been adjourned for mention on the 11th of September 2026.ICAC acknowledges the cooperation of the Office of the Police Commissioner and the RPNGC throughout the investigation.

For the next five years, through to 2030, the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) will regulate its mandate according to its newly launched Cooperate Plan, which was officially launched by Minister for Rural and Economic Joseph Lelang, at the APEC Haus on August 28th.Alongside the launch was the unveiling of the refreshed logo identity and the upgraded website in setting out its strategic direction for strengthening consumer protection, promoting fair competition and supporting a more competitive, productive and efficient economy in the country.The cooperate plan explains clearly what the ICCC wants for the next five years with its mandate and vision.ICCC Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Roy Daggy said the Corporate Plan would guide the commission’s work over the next five years by setting out what it aims to achieve, how it will deliver its mandate and why its work matters to Papua New Guineans.The ICCC’s mandate includes protecting consumers, ensuring markets are fair and competitive, and regulating industries where necessary.Mr. Daggy said the commission’s responsibilities affect families, businesses and communities across the country, adding that the Corporate Plan would guide the ICCC in using its values of independence, expertise and integrity to deliver outcomes for consumers and the wider economy.The commission’s vision is to promote the welfare of Papua New Guineans by ensuring competitive markets, protecting consumers, and regulating industries fairly and efficiently.Its mission is linked to key national development priorities, including the Medium-Term Development Plan IV 2024-2027, the Development Strategic Plan 2020-2030, and PNG Vision 2050.The Corporate Plan is built around four main goals.The first is to protect consumers’ rights by expanding enforcement, improving complaint handling, and ensuring product safety.The second is to ensure markets remain competitive by reviewing mergers, tackling cartel behaviour and addressing the abuse of market power.The third is to regulate industries and prices where necessary to ensure essential goods and services remain affordable and reliable.The fourth is to strengthen the ICCC as an independent and expert regulator while maintaining high levels of integrity, transparency and accountability and building trust among stakeholders.Mr. Daggy said the four goals are supported by specific strategies and action plans intended to translate the commission’s priorities into practical activities.One of the strategies is to expand the ICCC’s presence across all provinces through partnerships with provincial governments.Mr. Daggy said the commission is also seeking to strengthen prosecutions against unfair traders and develop stronger competition law expertise.Furthermore, the commission will also modernize its systems, improve transparency and strengthen inclusivity, particularly for women, disadvantaged groups and rural communities.Mr. Daggy said the Corporate Plan was not simply a policy document, but a strategy focused on improving the welfare of consumers and supporting the wider economy.He added that the ICCC would make decisions based on evidence, research and data rather than pressure, while assuring that the commission would consider the views of stakeholders in its decision making and ensure consumers’ welfare remains a priority.The Corporate Plan is supported by technical assistance from the Private Sector Development Initiative through the Asian Development Bank, with backing from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the New Zealand Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The District Court dismissed all criminal charges against former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA), Dr. Steven Yennie, on August 31, 2026, bringing an end to proceedings that lasted approximately two years.Dr. Yennie had faced one count of Abuse of Public Office, one count of Official Corruption, two counts of Misappropriation, and one count of Money Laundering.In delivering its decision, the District Court ruled that the police file and witness statements contained insufficient evidence to commit Dr. Yennie to the National Court for trial.Addressing the two Misappropriation counts, the Magistrate observed that while one charge could have been brought on the allegations, laying two separate counts based on the exact same set of facts was unfair and constituted an abuse of process.Consequently, the Court dismissed all charges, lawfully discharged Dr. Yennie, and ordered an immediate refund of his bail money.The criminal proceedings trace back to August 2024, when Dr. Yennie was suspended and subsequently removed as CEO of NCDPHA before the allegations against him had been tested in court.Although he was later reinstated by the Public Services Commission and received official clearances from the Ombudsman Commission, the Office of the Public Prosecutor, and other relevant authorities, police investigations persisted, leading to formal charges.While the legal proceedings remained unresolved, a replacement CEO was appointed to the NCDPHA.Welcoming the court’s ruling, Dr. Yennie expressed relief over the resolution of the case.“I am relieved that after almost two years, the court has finally determined this matter.”“I have always maintained my confidence in the judicial process, and I am grateful that the allegations have now been properly tested before an independent court.”Reflecting on the impact of the multi-year ordeal, Dr. Yennie emphasized that his case underscores the critical need for due process and procedural fairness when dealing with allegations against public servants.“Accountability in public office is essential, but it must always be exercised fairly and in accordance with due process.”“An allegation is not a finding of guilt. People should not suffer irreversible professional and reputational consequences before allegations against them have been properly tested through the judicial process.”Following his discharge, Dr. Yennie expressed gratitude to his legal counsel, Mr. Edward Sasingian of Sasingian Lawyers, as well as his family and supporters for standing by him throughout the proceedings.With the legal matter now fully concluded, Dr. Yennie stated that his focus is on moving forward and continuing his service to the people of Papua New Guinea.

The National Capital District (NCD) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) is now promoting lifestyle medicine and stronger primary health care to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases in Port Moresby.NCDPHA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Robin Oge made the call during the Lifestyle Medicine Symposium hosted by Pacific Adventist University under the theme, “Habits That Heal: Transforming Health Through Lifestyle Medicine.”The symposium brought together health professionals and academics to highlight the role of nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and preventive care in reducing non-communicable diseases.“Lifestyle medicine is a powerful tool in our fight against preventable diseases.”He said promoting healthier habits and equipping communities with knowledge could improve health outcomes across Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea.“This symposium is a timely reminder that prevention is not only possible but essential.”Dr. Oge said NCDPHA was confronting what he described as a triple burden of disease in the Nation's Capital, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, trauma, and injuries.He said 830 tuberculosis cases were recorded in 2025, while diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders were also increasing.According to figures cited by Dr. Oge, about 8.5% of Papua New Guineans are living with diabetes, while nearly 30% of men and women had raised blood pressure, increasing their risk of stroke and heart disease.He also said more than 1, 600 women die annually from cervical cancer nationwide.To address cervical cancer, NCDPHA plans to launch an HPV vaccination program in September targeting girls aged 9 to 14.Dr. Oge also highlighted rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles as factors affecting health outcomes in the city.He said more than 50% of National Capital District residents live in settlements, where dietary changes from traditional and organic foods to processed foods which has contributed to poorer health outcomes.NCDPHA is also working to address infrastructure, workforce, financial and data challenges through partnerships with academic institutions.The authority has partnered with the University of New South Wales and the George Institute to strengthen health data and research.NCDPHA’s plans include developing Moresby South District Hospital as a center for prevention and lifestyle medicine and recruiting 500 Village Health Assistants across the three districts.In terms of recruitment, 30 Village Health Assistants have already been recruited and are serving communities.The authority also plans to expand community awareness on healthy eating, physical activity and mental well-being, while strengthening health workers’ capacity in early screening, counselling, and treatment.Furthermore, Dr. Oge emphasized that stronger partnerships with academic institutions and non-governmental organizations would also support research and new approaches to preventing and treating non-communicable diseases.NCDPHA stated that strengthening lifestyle medicine and primary health care would support healthier communities across Port Moresby and the Motu Koita communities.

The National St John Ambulance (NStJA) Service has welcomed 18 new volunteers after they completed its Batch 9 volunteer training program.The volunteers completed three days of Advanced First Aid training from July 1 to 3 alongside four existing full-time staff members, bringing the total number of participants to 22.The graduates received their Advanced First Aid certificates during a ceremony at the National St John Ambulance headquarters in Port Moresby on August 28.Since completing their training, the volunteers have begun supporting various areas of the organization, including administrative teams, the National Ambulance Operations Centre, and community and public events.Some volunteers are also completing the onboarding process to support the Fleet and Logistics team as drivers, while others have expressed interest in pursuing careers as ambulance officers.National St John Ambulance Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane congratulated the graduates and thanked them for choosing to serve their communities.“By choosing to volunteer, you have made a commitment to give your time, energy and skills to help others.”“Volunteering with an ambulance service requires compassion, discipline, courage and a willingness to learn. It means being prepared to step forward when help is needed and serving others with professionalism and respect.”Tane encouraged the volunteers to uphold the organization’s values of People, Learning, Unity and Service as they continue their journey with St John.“Every person within our organization, whether a full-time staff member or a volunteer, contributes to our mission to deliver trusted pre-hospital care and strengthen community health through partnership, training and culturally appropriate, evidence-based practice.”“Your contribution matters, and we are grateful that you have chosen to serve alongside us.”“To our new volunteers: welcome to the Green Angel family. Serve with compassion, remain humble, support your team and take pride in the positive difference you can make in the lives of others.”Meanwhile, Tane also acknowledged the Event Health Services team, instructors, mentors, and staff who supported the volunteers throughout their training and onboarding.The National St John Ambulance volunteer program provides Papua New Guineans with opportunities to develop practical skills, support ambulance service activities and contribute to their communities.

The PNG Chiefs are strengthening their foundation for the 2028 National Rugby League (NRL) debut by investing in local talent through a prestigious professional development initiative.Urith Toa, the club’s Community Officer, has been selected as a participant in the U.S. Government’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), focusing on Sports Management and Youth Leadership.During the trip to the United States, Toa will engage with American sports leaders to gain insights into best practices in youth athletics and safety, including athlete protection, injury prevention, and drug-free leadership.The program also focuses on inclusive development by examining models that center women and young people in sport, as well as organizational strategies for integrating sport into school curricula and community programs.Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PNG Chiefs Lorna McPherson emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to build long-term organizational capability.“This is about much more than one professional development opportunity – it is about building the long-term capability of our organization. We want Papua New Guineans to be at the heart of the PNG Chiefs well into the future,” McPherson stated.The club has outlined several key priorities to support this vision. These include local capacity building, which aims to create meaningful career pathways for Papua New Guineans across all departments, from football operations to commercial and communications roles.Additionally, the Chiefs are committed to women’s empowerment by actively supporting female staff to build careers in leadership and operational positions.The organization also plans to leverage the knowledge gained from this program to enhance player development pathways and expand the reach of sport within schools and local communities.Urith Toa noted that the program offers a unique platform to forge connections with U.S. sports leaders and bring back practical strategies to strengthen the club’s infrastructure before its historic entry into the NRL in 2028.This marks the first of several planned initiatives aimed at developing technical capacity and ensuring the sustainable growth of rugby league in Papua New Guinea.

The Australian Government will provide about K50 million (AUD15.6 million) over four years to support the next generation of Pacific athletes as they work towards competing at major international sporting events, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.The funding will support athletes and officials from 13 Pacific countries to access high-performance training, development and qualification opportunities.The program will be delivered in partnership with the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Commonwealth Games Australia and regional sporting organizations.Support will target Pacific participation in the Tahiti 2027 Pacific Games, Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Rarotonga 2029 Pacific Mini Games, as well as other international sporting events.Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Pacific is home to significant sporting talent, and the partnership would help develop the next generation of successful athletes.“The Pacific is home to incredible sporting talent. This new partnership will contribute to producing the next generation of successful athletes.”He said Australia looked forward to welcoming Pacific athletes to Brisbane for the 2032 Games.“As we move forward in planning for Brisbane 2032 Australia looks forward to welcoming the best of the best sporting talent from the Pacific and supporting them to go for gold.”Australian Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy said sport had an important role beyond competition, including bringing communities together and supporting healthy lifestyles, gender equity and youth leadership.“This is an investment in the development of athletes across the Pacific.”He said he looked forward to seeing Pacific athletes compete successfully at the upcoming Paralympic, Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

The Marape-Rosso Government says the 2026 Supplementary Budget is designed to provide greater support to Papua New Guineans facing increasing fuel prices, challenging weather conditions (El Nino), and rising living costs.Prime Minister James Marape welcomed Parliament's passage of the Supplementary Budget, describing the K1.33 billion net increase as a targeted response to the economic pressures affecting families and communities across the country.The Supplementary Budget, presented by Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey, increases forecast revenue and expenditure by approximately K1.33 billion, lifting total Government expenditure for 2026 to a record K32.245 billion while maintaining the forecast deficit at K1.608 billion, or one per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).Prime Minister Marape said the Government's priority is to ensure Papua New Guineans receive support during a period of high fuel costs, adverse weather impacts, and increased household expenses."We are very disciplined, trying our very best to tighten our belts," Mr. Marape told Parliament during debate on the Budget this week.He said the Government has redirected funding from areas where allocations have not been fully utilised to more urgent national priorities that directly impact citizens. The measures include reducing non-essential recurrent expenditure, travel and allowances, while deferring selected projects where necessary.According to the Prime Minister, the approach allows the Government to maintain fiscal discipline while ensuring resources are available to address the immediate needs of Papua New Guineans and support economic stability during difficult times.Members of both Government and Opposition contributed to the parliamentary debate before the Supplementary Budget and associated legislative amendments were passed.

The Commissioner of Police David Manning, has confirmed a major investigation is underway into the holdup and theft of a shipment of gold bullion and cash that was being transported by a private security company during the early hours of this morning in Port Moresby.Commissioner Manning confirmed that at around 4:30 AM this morning, two private security vehicles were intercepted by unknown vehicles in Port Moresby.“Ten-armed assailants held the security crews at gunpoint and proceeded to steal a quantity of gold and cash, as well as firearms.”He said that investigation is under the direction of Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) Deputy Commissioner of Specialist Operations, Donald Yamasombi.“The gold and cash were being carried by a private security firm, and police had not been alerted to the movement prior to it taking place.”Commissioner Manning clearly stated that police are not privy to the standard operating procedures of private security businesses that are contracted to carry commercial valuables.“There are a number of witnesses that are being interviewed, including the private security crews, as well as management and workers from the firm.”“This is a very serious incident. Early indications are that the movement of these valuables by the security company leaves a lot to be desired in terms of how the private operation was conducted.”The RPNGC and the clients of these security companies expect the highest professional conduct by their management and personnel.Meanwhile, Commissioner Manning said that investigations are well underway into all aspects of this incident, including the operating procedures of the security company.“The priority for investigators is the timely identification of those involved and recovery of stolen goods.”Further information will be provided at an appropriate time.

Prime Minister James Marape has declared that the suspension of 70 departmental and agency heads is a strict enforcement of long-standing accountability laws, dismissing claims that it stems from a new government policy.The Prime Minister clarified that the mass suspensions target public officials who failed to meet statutory duties requiring State entities to transparently report and account for public funds and resources.Prime Minister Marape made these remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, August 01st, 2026, in response to questions raised by Dei MP Desmond Kipa regarding the current status and legality of the administrative suspensions.The Prime Minister emphasized that the Constitution and various Acts of Parliament dictate clear, mandatory reporting timelines for public administrators.“These are not optional matters but requirements of the law,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “If you are responsible for public money, you must report.”To anchor the legality of the State’s intervention, the Prime Minister cited an extensive framework of existing legislation:The Constitution (including Section 187): Establishes explicit reporting obligations regarding public administration and judicial operations.The Organic Law on Provincial and Local-Level Governments: Mandates stringent, regular reporting from all provincial administrations.The Prime Minister’s Act: Outlines executive mechanisms to monitor government line departments through the Chief Secretary.The Public Finances (Management) Act & Public Services (Management) Act: Demands that comprehensive annual performance and financial statements be compiled and submitted on time.Prime Minister Marape expressed strong sentiments against successive governments for tolerating substandard reporting practices, noting that several suspended agency heads are repeat offenders who have neglected their reporting duties for multiple consecutive years.He questioned how agencies receiving millions of Kina in public funding could justify withholding performance data until the annual budget cycle.“As we mark our 50th year of Independence, it is time to break away from the bad habits of the past and get these fundamental principles right.”Issuing a stern ultimatum to senior bureaucrats, he warned that high academic qualifications and decades of experience mean nothing if basic compliance is ignored.“If you are not doing the job you are paid to do- particularly reporting on public finances and human resource matters- then please, do the country, your family, and yourself a favour and vacate the office.”Parliament was informed that the Office of the Chief Secretary and the Department of Personnel Management have formally initiated disciplinary and suspension proceedings against the 70 affected heads.Regarding the Right to Reply, affected officers have been formally served notices and must show cause to the Chief Secretary detailing why they failed their statutory duties.To maintain Interim Leadership, relevant line ministers have been instructed to immediately identify internal deputies to step up as acting heads, ensuring zero disruption to state services.For Further Updates, the Chief Secretary will release precise administrative details as the independent investigation progresses.Responding to further queries about why departmental heads are being penalized while ministers are not, Prime Minister Marape drew the line between elected leaders and career public servants.“Ministers are elected by the people. Public servants are appointed through established processes,” he explained.“Ministers can come and go, but administrative heads remain permanently, responsible for ensuring public funds are properly administered.”“I am paving the way for whoever becomes Prime Minister after 2027. We are taking the bull by the horn to ensure there is transparency and accountability.”The Prime Minister cautioned the suspended departmental heads to stop using politicians as political lobbyists to bypass the legal process or protect their positions.

Former gang boss Duane "Keffe D" Davis has been found guilty of orchestrating the murder of Tupac Shakur - the first conviction in a cold case that has intrigued hip-hop fans for nearly 30 years.The jury found him guilty of one count of murder with a deadly weapon for the rap superstar's death in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on 7 September 1996.Dressed in a black suit, the 63-year-old stood impassively in the Las Vegas court as the verdict was read, before saying he would appeal.During the trial, the court heard a recording of a police interview in 2008 in which Davis said he was in the car from which shots were fired but did not himself fire the bullets that killed Shakur.Prosecutors argued that although Davis, a former leader of the South Side Compton Crips street gang, did not himself fire the gun, he ordered the shooting and supplied the gun that his nephew Orlando Anderson used to open fire.Anderson died in an unrelated shooting in 1998, having denied involvement in the killing of Shakur.As the verdict was read out on Monday, Shakur's relatives held hands, some hugging and crying.Shakur was 25 when he was slain at the height of his career as one of rap's most influential voices. He has sold more than 75 million records worldwide.For 30 years, the case remained one of America's most famous cold cases, spurring countless conspiracies - but never a conviction, until now.Shakur's friends and family celebrated the verdict outside the court/ GETTY IMAGESDuring the trial, prosecutors said Davis had planned the shooting as retaliation after Anderson was involved in a fight with Shakur and his crew in Las Vegas just hours earlier.Shakur's murder happened at a time of intense rivalry between the East Coast and West Coast rap scene and amid gang feuds between the Bloods and Crips, which had deep roots within hip-hop at the time.His family appeared emotional in court, his sister embracing a prosecutor after the verdict was read while others sat crying nearby.Outside, devoted fans of Shakur were similarly crying and cheering.Duane Davis during closing arguments at court in Las Vegas/ STEVE MARCUS / POOL / AFP via Getty ImagesThe key evidence in the case were Davis' own words, in which he repeatedly and publicly acknowledged being inside the white Cadillac from where the deadly shots were fired.He had told authorities about his role in Shakur's death during a secret 2008 police interview related to the death of fellow rapper Notorious B.I.G., real name Christopher Wallace.Davis elaborated further on his role in his 2019 memoir, Compton Street Legend.But his book and media interviews voided a protective agreement he had established with authorities that had blocked any criminal charges being filed, with the court ruling his police interview could be used in the murder trial against him.Source: BBC News

Alpha Insurance Limited has launched its “Protect What Matters Most” Homeowners Competition, with a Suzuki Jimny GLX now on display at Rangeview Plaza in Port Moresby.The campaign was officially launched on Friday, August 28, bringing together representatives from Alpha Insurance, Rangeview Plaza, media organisations and members of the public.The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting homes and household belongings through appropriate insurance coverage.As part of the promotion, one eligible customer will win a Suzuki Jimny GLX at the end of the competition, subject to the campaign’s terms and conditions.The competition runs from June 9, 2026, to June 30, 2027, with the winner to be drawn on July 15, 2027.To enter, customers must be at least 18 years old and either purchase a new eligible Alpha Home Protection Insurance Policy or renew an existing policy during the competition period.The policy must meet Alpha Insurance’s eligibility and underwriting requirements and remain active, with all applicable premiums paid, at the time of the draw.The Suzuki Jimny is currently displayed in the Main Atrium of Rangeview Plaza, where members of the public can view the vehicle, scan the campaign QR code, make enquiries and find out more about Alpha’s Home Protection Insurance.Alpha Insurance says taking the campaign into a busy public space is part of its effort to make insurance more visible and accessible to customers.The company has acknowledged the support of Rangeview Plaza, its media partners, participating organisations, staff, and others involved in organising the launch.The Rangeview Plaza activation will continue over the coming months, with Alpha representatives available at scheduled times to assist customers and provide information about the competition and insurance products.Through the campaign, Alpha Insurance is encouraging Papua New Guineans to consider protecting their homes, belongings and financial interests against unexpected events.