Police in Morobe Province conducted a raid in West Taraka targeting a wanted suspect allegedly linked to a series of serious criminal offences, including armed robbery, manslaughter, and drug-related activities. The operation was carried out by officers from the Morobe Rural Criminal Investigation Division and the Lae-based Sector Response Unit on May 26. Morobe Provincial Police Commander, Samson Siguyaru, said the suspect, who is from Menyamya, allegedly attempted to evade arrest by jumping over a fence and fleeing into nearby bushes during the operation. Police alleged that relatives and members of the community pursued the suspect and assaulted him with bush knives, causing injuries to his body. Authorities stated that officers secured the suspect and transported him to Angau General Hospital, where he remains under police guard while receiving medical treatment. Chief Superintendent Siguyaru said the suspect is expected to be formally charged for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs. Police officers from Menyamya Police Station are also expected to continue investigations into allegations of manslaughter and other outstanding criminal offences. Police also confirmed that two alleged accomplices were arrested during the operation and remain in custody pending formal drug-related charges. “I commend the police officers from the Morobe Rural Criminal Investigation Division and Lae Based Sector Response Unit for their professionalism, commitment, and coordinated efforts in successfully apprehending the suspect and his accomplices,” Siguyaru said. He also acknowledged the assistance provided by relatives and community members during the operation. Siguyaru warned youths and individuals involved in criminal activities to refrain from unlawful behaviour, stating that ongoing violence and lawlessness were causing growing frustration within communities. He urged the public to respect the rule of law and avoid taking matters into their own hands.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Western Province for allegedly posting threatening messages on social media calling for disruptions to operations linked to OK Tedi Mining Limited. The suspect was charged under Section 23(4) of the Cybercrime Act 2016 following a complaint lodged by the mining company. North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander, Anjap Minata, said police alleged the man used a mobile phone or electronic device to publish statements online encouraging people to block the Kiunga–Tabubil Highway and shut down Pump Station KM59. Police further alleged the comments were posted on the “Fly River Forum” Facebook page, where the message later circulated widely on social media. Authorities stated that executives from OK Tedi Mining Limited, including the company’s Community Relations Manager, reported the matter to police after allegedly finding the post threatening. According to police, officers identified and apprehended the suspect before taking him into custody at the Kiunga Police Station. Inspector Minata urged the public to exercise caution when posting content online, warning that misuse of social media platforms could result in criminal charges. “Do not abuse your rights. It is time these young generations need to fully understand this. If you have issues, then there are avenues available to sort those issues out amicably,” he said. He also warned individuals against attempting to disrupt mining operations, stating that such actions are illegal and would result in arrests and prosecutions. “I do not think people of Western Province have issues with the Ok Tedi Mining, so we all need to protect our mine, our future and our pride,” Minata added. Police investigations into the matter have concluded with charges laid against the suspect, who is expected to appear in court at a later date.

Community leaders in Southern Highlands Province have voluntarily surrendered factory-made firearms under the government’s illegal firearms amnesty program, in what police say is the second such handover since the initiative began. According to a media statement released on Thursday, Commander of the Upper Highlands Special Operations, Anthony Wagambie Jr. officiated the handover in Lower Mendi on Wednesday, May 27. The firearms were surrendered by Robert Peandi of Buiyebi one and Dornald Warea of Tutam Village, accompanied by ward councillors Effo Wami and Pisa Jack. Southern Highlands police officers and members of the public witnessed the event. Commander Wagambie said the surrender was a community-led initiative and followed a similar voluntary handover last month by local businessman Lowa Magola in Wabag shortly after the amnesty was launched. Speaking on behalf of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Wagambie said his attendance at the event was a one-off awareness engagement aimed at supporting local community efforts. “The Upper Highlands Special Operations team was deployed by the Commissioner of Police in response to escalating lawlessness in the region,” Wagambie stated. He said the unit’s mandate is to enforce the recently enacted Counter-Terrorism Act and support divisional and provincial police commanders, including Divisional Commander Joseph Tondop, rather than replace local policing operations. According to Wagambie, the legislation allows police to target not only individuals allegedly possessing illegal firearms, but also those accused of sponsoring or encouraging criminal acts such as attacks on vital infrastructure, roadblocks, and power lines. “Our deployment is not intended to harm people. We are here to assist local police to restore law and order and to support the community,” he said. Wagambie also warned that police would continue compiling intelligence on suspected illegal firearm holders using information supplied by the public. He urged individuals and groups to surrender weapons voluntarily before enforcement operations begin. Police have also released a public hotline for information relating to illegal factory-made firearms in Southern Highlands Province. Authorities stated that calls and WhatsApp messages can be sent confidentially to 71388399. He said the Southern Highlands Provincial Executive Council recently endorsed an illegal firearms amnesty awareness campaign, with future awareness and surrender activities to be led by the provincial administration and local police. Wagambie confirmed his involvement in the initiative would be limited to the current awareness engagement.

Papua New Guinea rugby league star Rhyse Martin has been appointed as the PNG Chiefs’ Football Operations Manager from 2027, in another major step towards the club’s planned entry into the NRL. The announcement marks a significant addition to the PNG Chiefs’ football leadership team as the club continues preparations for its inaugural NRL campaign in 2028. Martin, who has strong family ties to Hula in Central Province through his father, returns to Papua New Guinea after building an outstanding professional rugby league career across the NRL and Super League competitions. The former Kumuls captain made his international debut for Papua New Guinea in 2014 and went on to become one of the nation’s most capped representatives, making 18 Test appearances. He remains the Kumuls’ all-time leading point scorer and is widely regarded as one of PNG’s most recognisable rugby league figures. Martin made his NRL debut with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in 2018 before enjoying a successful Super League career with Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR, making more than 160 appearances in the English competition. During his time with Leeds Rhinos, Martin also set a world record for the most consecutive goals kicked, landing 41 straight conversions. Over the past two seasons, Martin worked under future PNG Chiefs head coach Willie Peters at Hull KR, where he earned a reputation as one of the competition’s most reliable and respected players. Away from the field, Martin has focused on leadership and education, completing a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sports Studies while building a strong reputation for professionalism and player leadership. In his new role as Football Operations Manager, Martin will oversee football operations, player welfare and integration programs, while supporting players and families transitioning to Papua New Guinea ahead of the club’s launch. PNG Chiefs General Manager for Football Michael Chammas said Martin’s appointment would strengthen the club’s football department. “Rhyse has had an incredible career as a player but he still has so much to offer the sport,” Chammas said. “He has the trust of our coach Willie Peters from their time together at Hull KR and they will continue to work closely as Rhyse steps into a new role at the Chiefs. “Anyone who has ever met Rhyse will talk about the quality of person he is and how passionate he is about Papua New Guinea. The combination of those two things makes him such an important off-field signing for the club and we are proud to have him joining our football staff.” PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson said Martin’s appointment highlighted the organisation’s long-term vision. “Every appointment we make is about building the right culture, the right leadership and the right foundations for long-term success,” McPherson said. “Rhyse represents everything we want this club to stand for — professionalism, humility, leadership and deep pride in Papua New Guinea. “We are incredibly proud to welcome him and his family home as part of this journey towards 2028.” Martin is expected to relocate to Port Moresby with his wife Vanessa and their two children ahead of the club’s full operational launch in October 2027.

After decades of stalled plans and missed opportunities, the long-awaited vision of developing Bautama into the future capital city of Central Province is finally gaining momentum. Originally proposed in 1995, with earlier ground-breaking events held in 1998 and 2007, the Bautama Central City project faced years of delays due to funding issues, administrative setbacks and accountability challenges. Now, under the leadership of Central Governor Rufina Peter, the Central Provincial Government has revived the project with several key developments already underway. In February this year, Governor Peter launched major infrastructure projects including the refit of a new provincial market, a commercial complex, a residential estate and the opening of the Bautama boom-toll gate. The latest step in the development process was the Bautama Urban Planning and Infrastructure Coordination Workshop facilitated by Atlas Urban, bringing together planners, utility providers, developers and government agencies to coordinate future urban planning. Governor Peter described Bautama as a blueprint project that will guide future metropolitan developments in Central Province, particularly in areas surrounding the National Capital District within Hiri-Koiari. She said the province must prepare for increasing migration pressures expected from national road infrastructure developments and growing urban movement between Port Moresby and Central Province. “One of the critical importance of this workshop is to ensure that we as a province are ready for urban-rural migration (Port Moresby-Central) and rural-urban migration, the influx of people into the city.” Acting Central Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the workshop created an opportunity for technical experts, planners and investors to align development plans for the benefit of future generations. Atlas Urban Director of Design and Strategy Paul Walter said the workshop focused on integrated planning, to ensure future developments connect effectively. “We have been tasked to work with Central Province to organise the space.” “Today we’re focusing on Bautama in particular, and we’re thinking about how each of these projects can connect together, how power and water can come in, what sort of circulation and access needs to come in, and we’re working together with Water PNG and various utility authorities to bring these things together.” Participants attending the workshop included Water PNG, Central Provincial Police, the Central Province Health Authority, developers and investment representatives. The Bautama initiative is expected to create new economic opportunities, attract private investment, improve access to services and provide greater participation for customary landowners in future development. After more than 30 years of planning discussions, Bautama now stands at a critical turning point as Central Province pushes to transform the long-held vision into reality.

The Prime Minister has said that his government is serious about the internal investigation into the allegations in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) as it nears completion. Prime Minister James Marape assured Parliament and the people of Papua New Guinea that the Government is taking seriously the recent issues affecting the PNGDF, with comprehensive Investigations now nearing completion into allegations surrounding Recruitment and related incidents at Murray Barracks. Responding during Parliament Question Time this week to questions raised by Opposition Leader James Nomane, Prime Minister Marape stressed that the integrity, credibility, and sovereignty of the PNG Defence Force remained of paramount importance to the Government and the country. Prime Minister Marape confirmed that he has temporarily assumed oversight of the Defence Portfolio while Investigations are undertaken, following the Decision by Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph to step aside from Defence-related responsibilities pending the outcome of the Inquiry. “At any time, a Prime Minister can assume the role by determination. A Prime Minister, whether myself or the seven Prime Ministers who came before me, are Ministers of Ministers,” Prime Minister Marape explained. The Prime Minister commended Dr Joseph for voluntarily stepping aside in the interest of transparency and accountability while investigations proceed.

The newly upgraded Accident and Emergency (A&E) and outpatient area at Vunapope St Mary’s Hospital was officially opened on May 21, 2026, by the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong.Addressing the hospital staff and management, the minister acknowledged their resilience and compassion toward patient care despite the numerous issues and challenges they face. He noted that while the old Catholic mission-run health facility continues to serve an ever-growing population, it has long been overlooked for government funding despite its status as an elevated Level 4 District Hospital. “A lot of people here today to witness the opening of this important section of the hospital were born here,” Minister Wong said. “I am so excited that the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Board Chairman and Managing Director used this initiative in their community-based project to put something here at the hospital.” “This is the most underfunded hospital in the country, but it has served well for many years, with people seeking treatment from Pomio, Baining, and as far as East Coast Namatanai.” “So, it is only right we put something back that touches the lives of people.” The funding assistance from the NFA for the much-needed renovation, equipment necessities, and the newly established oxygen manifold system cost close to K300, 000. The funding also covered color-coded critical beds (red, yellow, and green) to indicate patient conditions, twenty new vital signs of monitors, and upgraded emergency standards required for A&E teaching practices. Where the upgrading fell short in building materials and furniture, local business house Tropicana Limited, under the leadership of Dame Sandra Lau, stepped in to ensure the works could be completed. Meanwhile, St Mary’s Hospital continues to work closely with the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to maintain health standards as a Level 4 facility. Representing the PHA, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Director of Curative Services Dr. Patrick Kiromat stated that the improvements made by the NFA have truly set a new benchmark. “This type of gesture from NFA to improve the A&E and the manifold system certainly shows standards have been lifted,” Dr. Kiromat said. “For that, we are very grateful. Another area to take note of for boosting is manpower, which the PHA and St Mary’s Hospital administration are in the process of sorting out to meet the manpower requirements for a Level 4 facility.” However, Dr. Kiromat also expressed disgust over the ongoing attacks on staff and occurrences of vandalism at the facility. He issued a firm warning regarding community accountability, stating, “The PHA will not condone such acts.” “The hospital is here to stay, and I appeal to the nearby community and outsiders to respect this vital service.”

The Papua New Guinea National Olympic Committee (PNGOC) has been named the winner of the inaugural International Olympic Academy (IOA) Award in the “Community Engagement and Social Impact Educational Programmes” category, announced at a ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece, on May 21st, 2026.The award was presented during the 19th International Session for National Olympic Academies and National Olympic Committees, which was attended by delegates from more than 100 countries. PNGOC was one of five national organizations recognized across various categories covering Olympic education, athlete development, cultural legacy, and sustainability. According to Secretary General Desmond Kaviagu, this recognition belongs to every Papua New Guinean who has participated in the programs and supported the mission to bring Olympic values to life in communities across the country. “A huge acknowledgement is accorded to our Team PNG HERO Athletes and Programs team who deliver the programs annually throughout the country.” “It confirms that what we are building- a movement powered by purpose- and this is being noticed on the world stage.” The IOA Awards were inaugurated in 2026 as a new institution to highlight successful Olympic education projects, reward quality, and share good practices across the global National Olympic Academies (NOA) and National Olympic Committee (NOC) networks. The entries were judged by a nine-member international committee chaired by Alexandra Karaiskou, Head of NOC/NOA Relations at the IOA. As a result of this win, the recognized initiative will be featured in the IOA Journal and the Academy’s international communication platforms, providing global visibility for Papua New Guinea’s work in Olympic education. Furthermore, the award closely aligns with “PNGOC's 2032- Powered by Purpose!” strategic plan, in particular pillar two on delivery, which identifies community engagement and social impact as core pillars of the Committee's mission leading into the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

The Koiri Local Level Government Special Purpose Authority (KLLGSPA) in Central province has rolled out its church assistance program just recently.A total funding worth K20,000 was given to four main line churches in the Koiari constituency and the Rigo Koiari proclamation areas. KLLGSPA Chairman Mr. Paul Noel, said the funds were derived from the K100, 000 set aside as tithes to assist churches in the area. "We (KLLGSPA) receive K10 million from the Department of National Planning annually. Through this funding, we set aside K100,000 as tithes that is allocated under our church assistance program to assist churches. "We delivered last year from this fund and continuing this year," he said. He said KLLGSPA as the implementing arm of Koiari LLG, the KSP is responsible to deliver service to the people of Koiari, including villages in Rigo Koiari who are captured under their development package. Four Seventh Day Adventist Churches each received K5,000. The churches include Dabunari, Iove, Avitana and Kwikila. Additional funding of K3,000 was given to Senior Pastor Simon Vetali to purchase a grass cutter for the upkeep of lawns for Kwikila town church and other churches in the Rigo Koiari areas. He assured that the SPA will continue to roll out the church assistance program to other churches in the remaining part of the year.

Twelve (12) women researchers from Lae are travelling to Melbourne, Australia, to undertake advanced research training and mentorship under a program aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in research across Papua New Guinea.The initiative is supported by the Australian Government through the PNG–Australia Partnership’s “Strongim Risets Kapasiti Bilong Ol Meri” project and will see the participants attend a four-week placement at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University.The women were selected after completing intensive capacity-building workshops in Lae city, where they received training in research methodology, data analysis, academic and grant writing, leadership and evidence-based policy engagement.During their placement in Australia, the researchers will work alongside Australian academics and mentors while building professional connections with leading research institutions.Papua New Guinea University of Technology researcher Dr Wilma Langa said the training would create opportunities for collaboration between female researchers in PNG and Australia while promoting inclusive policies.Dr Langa said her research focuses on urban design and the informal sector and she hopes the experience will help her contribute towards greater empowerment and inclusion for informal vendors in urban areas.The Lae participants represent the second regional cohort under the program following earlier workshops conducted for women researchers in Port Moresby.Australia says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting women researchers, strengthening higher education partnerships, and improving research capacity in PNG in areas including agriculture, education, economics and community development.

The Australian High Commission has announced 23 successful recipients of its inaugural Pilai Long Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund, aimed at strengthening community development and youth empowerment through sport across Papua New Guinea.Representing 13 provinces and a range of community sports programs, the recipients will receive funding to promote inclusive participation, gender equality, disability inclusion, peacebuilding and youth leadership. More than 100 applications were received from registered and unregistered sports organizations, community groups and individuals nationwide, with the winners selected by an independent committee. Australian High Commissioner Ewen McDonald said the Stap Wantaim (Play for Unity) Fund reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting positive social change through sport. “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, and Australia is proud to invest in sport in Papua New Guinea at all levels and further strengthen the Aus-PNG Partnership.” Manager for Sports, Youth and Civic Engagement at the National Capital District Commission, Christopher Topa, who served on the independent selection advisory panel, congratulated the recipients and acknowledged the impact of community-led sporting programs across the country. Meanwhile, Sophia Soli from Center For Future Nau thanked the Australian Government for the support, saying the organization plans to use table tennis as a safe and inclusive platform for women, girls and out-of-school youth to discuss gender-based violence. The Pilai Long Stap Wantaim Fund adds to existing PNG-Australia sporting partnerships including Team Up, PacificAus Sports, Play for Equity, the PNG Chiefs and the upcoming Pacific Rugby League Partnership.

Communities across Central Province are expected to benefit from improved transport and service delivery following the presentation of eight new vehicles by Central Governor Rufina Peter just recently.Funded under the 2025 Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP), the vehicles were distributed to schools, health services, farmers and small business groups across the province’s five districts. Recipients included Ianu High School and Amazon Bay in Abau District, Lower Sogeri SME, Owens Corner Farmers, Siraka farmers and Mekeo LLG in Kairuku District. Gaire SME received a coaster bus, while Goilala District Health Service was presented with a Land Cruiser to support health operations in remote areas. Other recipients received six-wheel Isuzu trucks to assist with transport and service delivery. Amazon Bay President Gideon Dauge said the vehicle would ease the burden on mothers who walk long distances daily to sell produce. “These are our mothers who have been doing this for so long, waking up early and walking for almost an hour to Magarida just to sell their produce.” Governor Peter said the initiative was about ensuring public resources directly benefited communities and encouraged recipients to properly manage the vehicles to keep them operational for years to come. Acting Provincial Administrator Magini Raga said the project aligns with the Central Province Integrated Development Plan 2023–2027, aimed at improving connectivity and access to services in rural communities. Deputy Provincial Administrator Corporate Services Bala Kapa described the vehicles as an investment in people and community empowerment. The vehicles are expected to improve access to clinics, schools and markets, particularly for isolated coastal and mountainous communities across Central Province.