The Catholic Professionals Society of PNG has unequivocally condemned the horrific killing of Lina Numbalihi, a young mother of two, at the hands of a soldier within the military barracks. Catholic Professionals Society of PNG President, Paul Harricknen, stated that this act is completely unacceptable and unethical for our women and girls, regardless of time or place. He emphasized that this is a serious concern for the people. "If it’s not safe in the military barracks, where else can we expect to be secure?" “We join the Law Society of PNG, Churches, civil society, and law-abiding citizens of this country to demand the national government to seriously take heed of the issue at the military barracks.” “The commander of PNGDF must not wait but to take immediate action to apprehend the culprit and hand him promptly to the police to be charged and dealt with accordingly." "The accused soldier has no respect for the life of a very close friend, a partner whom he had 2 kids with, shows no respect for life at all, he should be treated the same way under the law. It is always wrong to take other people’s lives.” Harricknen said, there is a total breakdown in the rule of law in this country. "If killings can happen within a discipline force barracks and by so-called disciplinary personnel, what message are we sending to the public?" “The recent case in Madang, where a senior policeman pointed a gun at a doctor and publicly declared himself a murderer. How can we the common folk be told to behave well in petty crimes when they are supposed to lead by example?” Government presence seems absent and wanting. Leadership at all levels seems helpless and do not seem to care anymore or do not seem to know what to do. “It is not safe to live in this country anymore. How can we deny this reality? Our institutions and towns are not safe. Our communities both urban and rural are not free and safe, especially for women and children.” Harricknen stated, “PNG celebrates 50th Jubilee anniversary this year. Are we ready to celebrate while we still have the memories of the Black Wednesday of 10 January 2024. The tribal fight killings in Enga, Southern Highlands, and Hela, violence and killings in Alotau, Rabaul, Madang, East Sepik, and recent savage killings in Goilala, Port Moresby, West Coast of Wewak.” In addition, the president stated that due to the lack of essential government services, a young female teacher, seven months pregnant, tragically passed away upon arrival while traveling on foot along a deteriorating 2.5km road from the remote Josephstal Primary School in Madang Province to seek medical attention. There is growing concern that the government must seriously address these issues—the lack of basic service delivery and the escalating law and order situation in the country. "It is crucial to restore the people’s confidence before we can truly unite as one nation to celebrate PNG’s 50th independence anniversary." When the holy Father, Pope Francis, visited PNG in September 2024, he prayed for PNG to end tribal fights, violence and killings and respect for human dignity and human lives. His central message was for the love of God and for each other to replace violence, hatred, indifference and killings. In his meeting with the civil authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps at the APEC Haus on Saturday 7th September 2024, the holy Father prayed with hope that tribal killings and violence in general will end for peace and development. He appealed to all citizens and authorities to stop the spiral of violence and to allow for fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all, for improved infrastructure, health and education needs for the population and increase in opportunities for dignified work. The Holy Father prayed that the love of Jesus Christ, close to the heart of the church, can permeate and nourish every culture and make the kingdom of God grow in the world. It is now for us leaders and people to take to heart the message and make these work for us.

Prime Minister James Marape has praised the National Superannuation Fund (Nasfund) for achieving a record 34,450 new members in 2023, highlighting the growth in job opportunities and the expansion of Papua New Guinea’s private sector economy. Prime Minister Marape emphasised that the surge in superannuation membership is a clear indication of more Papua New Guineans securing formal employment. He attributed this milestone to the government’s efforts in fostering economic expansion and creating job opportunities across various industries. "The addition of 34,450 new members in 2023 is evidence of real jobs being created in the private sector. This demonstrates the strength of our economy and the opportunities opening up for our people." He underscored that while savings are vital, the core message of this achievement is the increasing employment rate, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, small businesses, manufacturing, and services. "Our priority as a government is job creation. These figures confirm that more Papua New Guineans are gaining employment and securing their financial future." Prime Minister Marape also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting job growth across both formal and informal sectors. He highlighted ongoing policy efforts to encourage more Papua New Guineans to transition into formal employment and participate in superannuation schemes. "The expansion in Nasfund membership directly correlates with our economic policies aimed at job creation. We will continue to strengthen initiatives that drive employment and financial security for all our people." He further emphasised that economic reforms, particularly in the superannuation sector and financial policies, play a crucial role in sustaining long-term employment growth. "As we create more jobs, we also want our superannuation funds to be key players in national development, ensuring that employees not only earn today but also secure their future." With 34, 450 new employees joining the workforce and enrolling in superannuation in 2023, Nasfund’s milestone underscores the government's success in fostering employment opportunities and economic stability in Papua New Guinea.

The Provincial Member for Madang, Ramsey Pariwa, has urged the older generation of men in the Trans-Gogol Local Level Government area to abandon the practices of cultism and black magic. He emphasized that Papua New Guinea has transitioned into the modern era, and such outdated and harmful traditions should be completely left behind. Mr. Pariwa said the cult practices is influencing youths to carry around bush knives in gangs referred to as ‘cuttings’ and causing barbaric killings and is causing fear amongst many rural communities in Trans-Gogol areas in Madang district. Consequently, the evil practices of “cuttings’ has also disrupted the flow of basic government services such as health and education into many places in Trans-Gogol LLG. Mr. Pariwa was at Bemal village in ward four of Trans-Gogol local level government last Friday to discuss a way forward for a new Trans Gogol TRP Landowners Association. However, during the gathering he cautioned the village elders from Bemal, Baisarik, Jobto, Yal, Tebesarik and their neighbors to stop the bad practices of cult activities which is influencing village youths to carry around bush knives and doing barbaric killings. Governor Pariwa said the influence of cult practices has triggered barbaric killings in Trans-Gogol and has spread to Rai Coast, Madang, Sumkar and also influenced the infamous ‘Hetwara Gang’ in Nayudo LLG of Rai Coast district. He said when the ‘cuttings’ is stopped in Trans-Gogol then other places in Madang would stop the bad practices. Mr. Pariwa said since he took office as governor he has already officiated in a number of reconciliation and peace ceremonies associated with ‘cuttings’. These included reconciliation at Suwao in South Ambenob, Bau and Trans-Gogol secondary school. The Madang Rural Police Commander, Senior Inspector, Peter Gorek who accompanied Governor Pariwa to Bemal village last Friday also called on the old people who possess traditional spells in their possessions to throw them away in the rivers. Senior Inspector Gorek said he has developed a special police operation which would soon penetrate into the hot spot areas where ‘cuttings’ is crack down on their activities. Governor Pariwa said the fear and effects of the so-called ‘cuttings’ is deterring basic government services such as infrastructure development, health and education to reaching the rural people in Trans-Gogol LLG.

The 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season will kick off with a blockbuster Grand Final replay set Sunday 13th of April in Port Moresby. Fans will get to see if the Kroton Hela Wigmen can avenge their Grand Final loss to the 2024 reigning Premiers Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles. This year's draw will also see Round 1 matches in Lae showcasing the remaining four finalists from 2024, going up against each other to complete a Super Sunday across the country. PRK Mendi Muruks will play KMHL Enga Mioks, and Lae Snax Tigers will take on ENB Agmark Gurias. The WNBPG Kimbe Cutters host PRK Gulf Isou whilst Asila Wagni Tumbe will have their first match home against the Bintangor Goroka Lahanis in Minj. To complete the round in the local derby will be the match between the Moni Plus Vipers and the Gas Resource Central Dabaris. Chairman of the PNGNRLC Adrian Chow expressed excitement when releasing the 2025 Dicigel ExxonMobil Cup draw. “This competition is critical in providing the opportunity for our players to play at the national level. Each week we will see the talent, skills and excitement this competition brings. I thank our wonderful sponsors, our clubs, the players and coaches and our incredible fans. I am confident 2025 will be a great season.’ Meanwhile, General Manager of Pathways and Performance Tony Archer added, “Following the success of our Conference and with the release of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup season draw today it allows our clubs continue to prepare and plan for the season ahead.” “A feature of last season was the closeness of the competition. We all remember the Kroton Hela Wigmen’s road to the finals went down to the last play in the last second of the regular season, it was amazing. It shows the emotions and excitement the game brings to our fans. I expect the 2025 season to be even better and look forward to kicking off.” Bouncing off the success of the 2024 season, the teams will battle it out over 18 regular rounds played across the country. The season will culminate with the Grand Final to be played on Sunday 14th of September. In a huge week, that will see the winner be crowned on the Sunday prior to the country celebrating its 50th Anniversary of Independence.

The passion and excitement for rugby league is on with the JT Super 9’s Rugby League Tournament and currently on is the Under 20 (U20) Men’s Division matches at the Moresby South Stadium. In one of the matches today, the Kaugere Bulldogs were just too good for the Elcom Dustees with a thrilling victory of 26 to 5 this afternoon. With only three minutes into the first half, Kaugere Bulldogs wasted no time by scoring their first two tries of the match with one successful conversion. The brothers from Elcom Dustees tried their best to level up but only managed to score one try in the first five minutes of the game with a successful conversion. As both teams battled it out under the scorching sun, the energy from the fans and supporters gave both teams the stamina to endure the remaining minutes of the first half before they switched sides to continue to the second half of the match. The boys from Kaugere managed their first touchdown of the second half in just four minutes, taking the crowed off their seats. Another two consecutive tries came after but had most of their conversions unsuccessful. Despite the loss, the Elcom Dustees showed determination throughout the game to maintain their position and tried their best to hold off their defence.

The excitement of the JT Super 9’s rugby tournament is off the hook with players, fans and supporters all geared to support their teams whether they lose or win in the matches today. Tournament Manager Mr. Moses Kumbi told PNG HAUSBUNG that for this weekend, the men’s Under 20 (U20) division are playing their round robin matches while the Senior Men’s Division will kick off their round robin matches next weekend. He said, they have a total of 147 teams taking part in this year’s tournament with 19 women’s team, 60 teams in the U20s Division & 68 Senior Men’s teams. He said, unlike previous years, for this year they have an increase of teams due to the prize money up for grabs which is a total of K50, 000 to commemorate the countries’ 50th Independence celebrations. Kumbi said, they have not only attracted the interest of teams from the nation’s capital but also from the Central province villages. “We have 16 affiliate teams from the Moresby South competition, with teams from the Moresby Northeast and Northwest areas and teams from the Motu Koita area, Rigo and Aroma as well.” Meanwhile, the women’s division played their last round robin matches on Friday and are waiting for the U20’s and Senior Men’s divisions to complete their round robin matches before they enter the finals phase. He said, so far, the competition has seen a good turnout of team participation, and the interest of rugby league played at Kone is just as exciting as it was when they launched the tournament. He further stated that they are anticipating ending the competition on a high note.

The residents and the New Ireland community in the nation’s capital Port Moresby city bid their final farewells to the ‘Last Man Standing’, the Late Governor Rt Hon. Chief Sir Julius Chan, as the casket containing his body arrived at the APEC Terminal at 11:17am after the Lay in State at parliament. Upon arrival at the APEC Terminal, his casket was taken straight to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-27J aircraft, where some members of his family and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) who will provide a ceremonial detail during Sir Julius’s final journey boarded the flight. The family, dignitaries and relatives all boarded the two first charter flights that took off at the same time along with the Royal Australian Air Force plane. The Royal Australian Air Force was given the last farewell water salute wash down before the plane took off at 12:34pm, bound for New Ireland Province where he will be laid to rest. Earlier during the day, fellow colleagues of the Late Sir Julius Chan paid respect to him at the National Parliament Grand hall, a solemn moment for the leaders who have just lost a very senior politician. PM James Marape in his tribute speech acknowledged the massive contribution Late Sir Julius made to the country 50 years ago, saying he served the country with loyalty and distinction.

Hekari United (Southern) and the ladies from raining Lae, the Lae City Dwellers (Northern), the winners of two conferences, have now advanced to the Women's Conference Soccer League (WCSL) semifinals, which will take place in Port Moresby on Wednesday, February 5th. Both teams won their respective quarter final matches in Port Moresby and Lae cities respectively. In Port Moresby, Hekari proved that they are the team to beat in the WCSL with a 9-0 victory against Allies FC. Leading 6-0 at half time, Hekari had difficult time against Allies FC in the second half and managed three goals only. Ramona Padio came back from the break, scored a hattrick of goals to help her team beat the Allies FC. Other goal scorers were Assaiso Gossi (2), Marie Kaipu (2) while Phylis Pala and Mavis Singara scored a goal each. Allies FC had couple of chances to score goals but failed to secure them. Merolyn Sali, Calista Maneo, Zakaina Kiasaka, Carwin Hakaria played strong for their team while whole Hekari United team played well. Meantime at the Lae Football Association grounds, the Lae City Dwellers proved too strong achieving a 4-0 victory over FC Morobe Wawens.

Two important devices to support the kidney transplant program are about to be put into service at the Port Moresby General Hospital, marking a significant accomplishment for both Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Pacific. The two key machines, the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and the Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Device (TDM) were commissioned in a small but significant ceremony at PMGH on 31st January 2025. The HLA Machine is used for compatibility testing between the donor and recipient while the TDM machine monitors the immunosuppressive drug levels post-transplant.  The commissioning of the machines will eliminate the need to send blood samples overseas. Present to witness this momentous occasion was Dr Nora Dai, Acting Executive Manager, Medical Standards and Chief Anaesthetist, National Department of Health and Dr Paki Molumi, CEO of PMGH together with the Director Medical Service. Dr Dai congratulated PMGH for driving the National Health Service Standards for the Level 6 National Tertiary Referral, Research and Teaching Hospital to achieve the Key Result Areas (KRAs) in the National Health Plan 2021-2030. “We are on the eve of the first kidney transplantation in the Pacific region. This is a real momentous occasion not just for Papua New Guinea but for the rest of the Pacific, and we are sending shock waves in places where they thought that we could never do this,” she said. “These two machines will also help to reduce the cost of the travel, sending tests overseas, and the laboratory costs.” Meanwhile, Dr Molumi, thanked National Fisheries Authority (NFA) for the funding of K10.0 million towards the kidney transplant program, without which the project would not have made it this far. He further congratulated the Kidney Transplant Project Steering Committee Chairman, Dr. Otki Poki, and the committee members for the tireless effort to ensure all requirements are met for a successful first kidney transplant. “By introducing a kidney transplant program, we can free up patients from the dialysis machine so that they can live a free economical life rather than been hooked to the dialysis machines.” “The kidney transplant service will be extended to the neighbouring pacific countries so that their patients, who are currently being sent to New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, or other countries for kidney transplant services, can have the procedure done in our country,” he said. He acknowledged the remaining challenge of finalizing the kidney transplant policy and legal framework but aims to conduct the first transplant as a Golden Jubilee gift to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Representing his father, the Late Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare & his family and the people of East Sepik, Arthur Somare expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the family of Late Sir Juluis Chan, one whom they’ve looked up to and respected. “Em bigpla blo mi na mi come. Because it is our duty and we are obligated, lo come na tok condolences blo mipla igo lon ol pikinini, you Venassa na man blo you, Toea na meri na pikinini blo youpla na ol tumbuna blo Sir Juluis Chan.” (I am here because he is my elder too. Because it is our duty and we are obligated to pay our condolences to the family, you Venessa and your husband, Toea and your wife and the children, the grand children of Sir Julius.) Mr. Somare also acknowledged the presence of Late Sir Julius’ brother Michael Chan who is the only surviving brother out of five siblings and will be joined by his sister later. Joined by his elder brother Sana Somare, Arthur Somare said, “Mi na brata blo mi com lo showim face tasol lo makim leg mark blo papa blo mipla.” (My brother and I are here representing our father.) He recounted the story of when his Late father and the Late Sir Julius held hands to build this great country, which we now call home. He said, Sir Julius left a brilliant constitution. He then urged the next generation to make sure to continue to uphold those values that Sir Julius, Sir Michael, Dr. John Momis together with Sir Albert Maori Kiki had when they pushed for independence, 50 years ago. Arthur also announced that the Somare family will pay their respects through a “custom wok” or a traditional way of respect, at a later time due to the short time given. He said once the Late Sir Julius is buried, Sana and himself will appoint a relevant date and time to show their appreciation and say thank you to the Late Sir Julius’ family in accordance with Sepik traditions.

In honor and memory of the Late Sir Julius Chan, the New Ireland community in Port Moresby on Saturday gathered as early as 2pm at the Kopkop College in Gerehu to pay their respects to their Late Governor. In attendance to mark the momentous occasion was the Late Sir Julius' only brother, Michael Chan, who was with his two kids Kori and Vanessa Chan, along with Arthur Somare and other invited special guest and family members witnessed the gathering. With a heavy heart speaking on behalf of her family, Vanessa Chan thanked the New Ireland Community for their thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow. "I know everyone that he has touched a lot of lives, and I always have to remind my brothers that his not only our father but the father of this great nation." "He worked very hard for the future of our country, our future. He worked till the day he passed on." Vanessa Chan said, New Ireland is a "Bilas Peles" and asked for the people to attend the state funeral today at the St Mary's Catholic Church 2pm in town, not be sad, but to celebrate his life and remember the life and his journey for this country. "I'd like you to remember that we come from the proud province of bilas and I'd like that if you attend the state funeral not to be saddened but to celebrate his life."

The Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in progressing work towards the draw down of the investment promotion and business registration powers for the ABG. Managing Director of the Investment Promotion Authority Mr. Clarence Hoot signed the MoU with the ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei in a momentous ceremony witnessed by key stakeholders and members of the private sector in Bougainville. The MoU serves as a work plan for IPA and ABG to share knowledge and skills to build capacity within the ABG Department of Commerce Trade and Industry and Economic Development; as well as develop appropriate policies and legislations to establish an entity fitting for Bougainville once relevant powers have been drawn. The MoU also allows for IPA to provide support to the ABG towards establishing a Bougainville entity registration facility and to transition entity registration powers from the IPA to ABG. The MoU includes work on intellectual property rights which will also be transferred to the ABG. IPA Managing Director Mr. Clarence Hoot said, “A key consideration in the process is the need to explore a corporate structure for ABG to adopt for the region in terms of business entity-types and how it can work best for the private sector on the ground.” Mr. Hoot told the ABG government representatives and the AROB private sector to discuss whether it is necessary to create a new agency to perform the IPA and business registry functions or to capacitate the existing Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau and give them the powers to deliver the IPA and business registry powers. He also said that the agency that will perform these functions must contain the four principles of: good governance, transparency, accountability and responsiveness firstly to private sector and the Bougainville government. Mr. Hoot gave statistics from the IPA business registry which showed that currently there are 569 limited Bougainville companies registered; 2,319 Business Names, 98 Business Groups, 53 Associations and 18 Foreign Companies. Mr. Hoot also said that some of the things included in the MoU were already under implementation, for instance, collaboration under the Inward Investment Bureau since 2013 and now the strategies towards the drawdown of business registry powers. The IPA also assisted the ABG back then in the establishment of the Bougainville Inward Investment Bureau to perform investment promotions function for the Bougainville region. ABG Chief Secretary Mr. Kearnneth Nanei was appreciative of IPA through the Managing Director for progressing the MoU which he says will assist towards the revenue generation of the Region. “We would like to develop a system and entity that is friendly and addresses the Ease of Doing Business agenda in AROB,” he said The signing the MoU was made possible because of the Sharp Agreement 2019, which allows ABG to progress the process of transfer of functions and powers irrespective of whether a specific request was made by ABG or not. The Sharp Agreement demonstrates both Government’s understanding of the need to remove other forms of economic and financial controls which hinder the ability of the ABG to effectively perform its functions as well as manage its own revenue collection. Meanwhile, Mr. Hoot has refuted a misleading media report published in The National Newspaper on January 27th that the IPA has handed over its powers to ABG to run its business and company registrations and other IPA functions. He said the media was invited to the MoU signing and workshop so they could understand the discussions right from the start and be part of the process. The report by the newspaper however, shows the inability of relevant stakeholders in following and understanding the process.