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Marape Calls for Calm as PNGTUC Demands Protection for Whistleblower Soldiers

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The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) recruitment scandal has escalated into a standoff between the government’s call for military discipline and the labor union’s demand for whistleblower protection.

Prime Minister and Defence Minister James Marape has called for immediate calm, discipline, and a return to duty following what he described as an illegal roadblock involving a small number of personnel at Murray Barracks.

While the Prime Minister stressed that the protest was limited to a small group, the PNG Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) argued that the soldiers involved are not criminals; but whistleblowers acting with integrity to expose a recruitment rort.

Opposition Leader, James Nomane also countered the government’s narrative, stating that what was witnessed at Murray Barracks is the foreseeable outcome of sustained political interference and institutional decay within the Defence Force over the last seven years.

He warned that an unstable defence force is a national security crisis.

The roadblock began lastnight when a few members of the Defence Force gathered outside Murray Barracks in Port Moresby to protest an Internal Disciplinary Proceeding for four soldiers who revealed recruitment irregularities in a video shared widely on social media.

The Internal Disciplinary Proceeding did not eventuate this morning, according to one active-duty member of the force who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Since the road block began, several members of the public who are tired of seeing corruption in the country have taken to social media, especially Facebook, to show their support toward the actions taken by PNGDF personnel recently.

Government Orders Independent Review

Prime Minister Marape confirmed he has directed the Defence Force Commander to suspend all ongoing internal investigative processes regarding recent recruitment concerns. Instead, a broader independent review sanctioned by Cabinet will take over.

The investigation will be led by the Chief Secretary, supported by the State Solicitor and an external high-level team, to ensure a fair and transparent assessment. Marape stated the decision to pause internal discipline is intended to uphold natural justice.

“All officers are to be considered innocent until the full investigation is completed. Those who have raised concerns through proper channels will be protected,” Marape said.

However, the Prime Minister issued a firm warning against continued acts of indiscipline.

“Those who continue to engage in unlawful or disorderly conduct risk being identified and subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal,” he said.

Union Calls for Whistleblower Protection

The PNG Trade Union Congress has taken a sharp stance against any punitive action, stating that the soldiers acted in the national interest.

PNGTUC General Secretary Clemence Kanau in a statement shared on Facebook said that punishing whistleblowers sends a dangerous message; that truth is a liability and corruption is protected. Kanau said the PNGDF hierarchy must not bow to political pressure, as these officers took an oath to defend the nation, not political interests.

The union expressed serious concerns over any premature action against the four soldiers implicated before the findings of a transparent investigation are made public. Kanau stated the absence of publicly disclosed Terms of Reference for the government’s investigation only deepens uncertainty and invites speculation.

National Stability at Stake

The unrest comes at a time when PNG is managing multiple challenges, including natural disasters and economic pressures. Prime Minister Marape emphasized that the country cannot afford instability within its disciplined forces.

“This is not the standard expected of our Defence Force. We are building a modern, disciplined, and professional force that Papua New Guinea can be proud of,” Marape said.

The Prime Minister further confirmed that the substantive Defence Minister has stepped aside to allow the review process to proceed independently.

As the investigation gets underway, the PNGTUC remains firm that the soldiers must be left alone until the process is complete. Kanau stated that justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.

Military Enforces Nationwide “Close Camp”

Following the Prime Minister’s directive, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, Chief of Defence Force, has issued a formal “Close Camp” order across all PNGDF units and military establishments nationwide. This security control measure, effective for one month, is described as necessary to ensure strict security and stability during the ongoing recruitment issue.

Under the Commander’s Directive No. 7/2026, the following measures have been implemented:

  • Limited movement in and out of barracks.
  • Strict restrictions on the entry of civilians not residing within the barracks.
  • No unnecessary civilians or vehicles are permitted entry.
  • Military vehicles are prohibited from use without prior written authority.
  • Increased security around all unit armories and magazines.
  • A total ban on the issuance of weapons or ammunition during the Close Camp period.

Rear Admiral Polewara stated that all unit commanders are to exercise strict command and control to ensure compliance, warning that any breach of this directive will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

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Broncos Crisis: Paix Faces D-Day Medical Check

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White male rugby player in motion looking disoriented on the field of play.

The Brisbane Broncos are facing a major injury crisis as hooker Cory Paix prepares for a critical meeting with an independent neurosurgeon today. The outcome of this appointment will determine if Paix can take the field against the Wests Tigers this Saturday night, a game that has become a “must-win” for a Brisbane side struggling with a growing casualty list.

Currently, the Broncos are without nine key players due to injury or suspension, including three regular hookers. If Paix is ruled out, the pressure will fall on 20-year-old young gun Cameron Bukowski, who was named in the extended squad at No.20.

The controversy surrounds a Category 1 concussion ruling made by the NRL’s independent doctor during last Friday’s 35-31 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys. Under NRL rules, a Category 1 diagnosis requires an automatic stand-down, but the Broncos are challenging the decision, insisting it should have been a Category 2.

The club argues that Paix merely tripped over his own feet and stumbled. To bolster their case, a source close to the team described Paix’s mental state as being sharp enough to rival a scholar.

“Cory was as lucid as Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man when he listed the Qantas flight timetables.”

Three Brisbane Broncos male players getting into a huddle on the field of play
Cory Paix of the Broncos celebrates a try during the NRL Round 16 match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AAP Image/Jono Searle)

Coach Michael Maguire expressed his confusion after the Cowboys match, stating that Paix was eager to return to the fray almost immediately.

“Cory ran off and was ready to run back out again. I don’t quite understand that one, but that was the call from external,” Maguire said.

“So I’ll go through the right channels here with the doctors and review it but talking to Paix, he can’t believe it himself.”

The player’s manager, Paul Hogan, confirmed that Paix is feeling fit and passed his Head Injury Assessment (HIA) on the night.

“I have just spoken to Cory and he is as good as gold,”

“He passed his HIA on the night. I didn’t think there was any doubt about it. If we thought, it was a category one we wouldn’t want him playing.”

This weekend’s clash at Campbelltown carries significant historical weight. The Wests Tigers, currently joint competition leaders, have a poor record against the Broncos at the venue. In nine meetings at Campbelltown, the Tigers have never managed a win against Brisbane, with the Broncos holding an eight-game winning streak following a draw in their first-ever meeting in 2000.

For Coach Maguire, a victory would be particularly sweet. Having previously coached the Tigers during a difficult period for the club, he is now focused on keeping Brisbane’s 26-year unbeaten record at Campbelltown intact.

Fans across Papua New Guinea will be watching closely to see if the Broncos can overcome these hurdles and maintain their dominance over the Tigers.

Source: Australian Associated Press

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Soldiers Mount Blockades at Murray Barracks Roundabout as Recruitment Scandal Deepens

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Blockades by soldiers are currently in place outside the Murray Barracks in Port Moresby, as serving members demand accountability over alleged corruption in the 01/26 Basic Recruit intake.

The soldiers are calling for the defence hierarchy to respond immediately to their grievances. Tensions remain high as the standoff continues.

The blockades come after a wave of discharges targeting senior officers who raised concerns about recruitment irregularities. Those discharged include Lt. Col. Joe Teriken, PNGDF Chief of Training, Chief Warrant Officer Benson Eremas, and another Chief Warrant Officer allegedly targeted over a social media post. All three have over 35 years of service, including Bougainville tours, and say they were removed without investigation, charges, or adherence to the Compulsory Retirement process.

Another (4) four soldiers from Records Office of the PNGDF in charge of enlistment who were not directly involved in the recruitment have been charged and will face court Marshall at 10am tomorrow (15th April 2026).

Soldiers’ demands

Soldiers manning the blockades have issued four demands:

  1. Dissolve the defence council
  2. Remove Chief of Personnel Colonel Rodney Yahamani. Appoint a new Chief of Personnel to reinstate the discharged soldiers.
  3. Remove all charges against the four soldiers who were in the video uploaded recently discharged and ensure no court action is taken against the officers.
  4. Demand an independent investigation.

How the crisis unfolded

The saga was triggered after the public filmed recruits performing a “duck walk” march outside Goldie River Training Depot at 1-Mile. A subsequent video posted to Facebook showed recruits being questioned about enlistment despite exceeding age limits.

As the blockades continue, the scandal casts a long shadow over national security and regional stability.

The roadblock will continue tomorrow if their demands are not met.

The University of Papua New Guinea students have pledged their support to join the protest.

The grievances were raised to Commanding Officer of Force Support Battalion Major Ashley Gamiandu.

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NGO Sues PNG Forest Authority for Access to Logging Records

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Machinery drops round logs onto the ground on a forest clearing/logging site.

After three years of asking the Papua New Guinea Forest Authority to release public information, Community advocacy organization ACT NOW! is now taking legal action to secure the release of information about large-scale logging operations.

ACT NOW! says while there is a general Constitutional right to information and provision in the Forestry Act for a public register with key information on each forest management area, the PNGFA has repeatedly failed to answer requests for information and has not responded to detailed and well documented concerns about individual logging concessions.

Illegal and unsustainable logging has been recognized as a widespread and serious problem in PNG and the lack of effective action by government agencies has been a contributing factor in PNG’s recent grey listing by the international financial community.

ACT NOW! says that the failure to publish even basic information on logging licenses and forestry operations contributes to a cloak of secrecy behind which foreign owned logging companies and compromised officials are able to operate with impunity.

ACT NOW! has published a number of reports, case studies and risk assessments over the last three years, all of which it says have been ignored by the PNG Forest Authority.

ACT NOW! has also been rebuffed in its attempts to seek more information on the current moratorium on new Forest Clearing Authorities, the audits of existing FCA projects and the latest log export data.

ACT NOW! says it is an unfortunate indictment on the PNG Forest Authority and the government that a civil society organization is having to resort to legal action to enforce basic community rights to information.

It says while the government and the Forest Authority are supposed to be protecting rural communities and ensuring the sustainable management of forest resources, key individuals and organizations have been captured by foreign interests and are working against the national interest.

ACT NOW! says it remains hopeful that the legal system is still strong and robust enough to protect the rights of ordinary people and that its legal action will be successful in uncovering information that can shine a light on the misuse of forest resources and the revenues generated.

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Port Moresby Set for Reliable Transport with New Electric Bus Fleet

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Port Moresby is moving toward a cleaner future following a successful diplomatic mission to Shenzhen, China, where National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop secured a fleet of electric buses and a new waste-to-energy solution for the city.

The first fleet of electric buses is expected to arrive later this year, signaling the start of a phased move away from diesel vehicles. For city residents, this transition means a direct improvement in daily life through better air quality, lower fuel costs, and a more reliable public transport service operated by the NCDC.

In a move to modernize the city’s utilities, the NCDC also reached an agreement in principle to convert the Baruni landfill into a waste-to-energy facility. This project aims to turn the city’s trash into a productive power resource, reducing the size of the landfill while supporting the capital’s long-term energy needs.

Governor Parkop emphasized that these partnerships are focused on delivering practical results for the community.

“This is not a study visit. We came here to secure real, working solutions for Port Moresby. Cleaner public transport and turning waste into energy are outcomes that will directly benefit our people,” Governor Parkop stated.

The governor also highlighted the importance of shifting away from fossil fuels, saying there is a need for Papua New Guinea to adopt sustainable energy strategies that are ecologically friendly, including solar, wind, gas, thermal, hydro, ocean generation of energy, and electric vehicles.

The new waste-to-energy system is expected to improve local waste collection and recycling, moving Port Moresby closer to its goal of being a clean, planned, and liveable city.

The visit also marked the 10th anniversary of the sister-city partnership between Port Moresby and Shenzhen, as well as 50 years of diplomatic relations between Papua New Guinea and China.

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Kina Bank Scales Up Digital Payments with New Pei Beta Wallet

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Kina Bank has officially entered the next phase of its digital strategy with the launch of the Pei Beta Digital Wallet, an upgrade designed to streamline how Papua New Guineans handle their money.

Launched on Friday (April 10), the wallet transforms the previous Pei Beta bill payment platform into a comprehensive financial tool that for customers to make instant peer-to-peer transfers using phone numbers, utilize QR codes for merchant purchases, and access cash out services at registered locations.

Kina Bank CEO and Managing Director, Ivan Vidovich said that the upgrade is a direct response to the growing demand for mobile-first financial solutions in the region.

“We are pleased to introduce the Pei Beta digital wallet as part of our commitment to delivering innovative banking solutions that support the everyday needs of Papua New Guineans,” Vidovich said.

While the wallet currently integrates seamlessly with Kina Bank’s existing online credentials, the bank has ambitious plans to bridge the gap between financial institutions.

Shirly Prasad, Executive General Manager for Payments and Digital Banking, stated that the platform was built on a foundation of speed and inclusivity.

“Pei Beta focuses on providing greater convenience for customers through quicker, instant transactions. This new digital wallet is now available to existing Kina Bank customers, with plans to extend access to customers of other banks via our proprietary digital onboarding solution,” she said.

Key features of the new wallet include:

  • Instant Transfers: Wallet-to-wallet payments for family and friends.
  • Utility & Mobile Top-ups: Direct payments for PNG Power Easipay and credits for Digicel, Vodafone, and BMobile.
  • Merchant Payments: Secure QR code scanning at participating vendors with low merchant fees.

The Pei Beta app is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple Store. Customers from other banks are encouraged to register their interest as the bank prepares to open the ecosystem to the wider public.

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PNG Businesswoman to Face Australian Supreme Court over Bulolo drug flight

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Mei Gigi Lin

A Chinese-born Papua New Guinea businesswoman with ties to influential figures in the country will stand trial in Australia for her alleged role in orchestrating an audacious “black flight” plot to smuggle crystal methamphetamine across the Torres Strait.

Mei Lin, 43, was committed on Friday (March 20) to stand trial in the Queensland Supreme Court following a four-day hearing at the Brisbane Magistrates Court. Australian prosecutors allege that Ms. Lin oversaw the storage and transportation of more than 71 kilograms (about 156 pounds) of the drug, which was flown from a remote airstrip in Bulolo, Morobe Province to Australia’s far north in a twin-engine propeller plane in 2023.

Her arrest in Brisbane in early 2024 caused a stir PNG, where she had cultivated a sprawling business empire from her base in the port city of Lae. A 2024 investigation by Inside PNG and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed that her connections included the country’s former deputy prime minister, and that companies linked to her had even benefited from Australian government assistance to the country.

The looming trial comes as law enforcement grapples with a surge of illicit narcotics trafficking through the Pacific Islands. Transnational criminal syndicates are increasingly utilizing the region as a staging ground, drawn by the highly lucrative drug markets in Australia and New Zealand. 

Papua New Guinea, with its vast, rugged geography, developmental challenges, and pervasive corruption, has become an attractive waypoint. Traffickers exploit the porous border to move drugs into Australia’s remote, tropical north before distributing them southward to major population centers like Sydney and Melbourne.

The advancement of Lin’s case follows the reported convictions of at least four Australians, including the crew of the illicit flight.

Papua New Guinean authorities have independently accused Lin of being a central figure in the smuggling syndicate. Eight people, including a local police officer and a soldier, have been charged in the country and are currently awaiting trial.

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Systematic Corruption: The PNGDF Recruitment Saga

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The days of soldiers blindly obeying orders are over. Following the precedent set by the Nuremberg trials, international law now recognizes a soldier’s right to refuse any order that is immoral, illegal, or unethical. In Papua New Guinea, this right is enshrined under Section 4 of the Defence Act 1974.

Yet, inside the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), a dangerous trend has emerged. Members who stand by their training and ethos to speak out are being swiftly suppressed. They face sudden transfers, suspensions, or being moved to unallotted positions. Most recently, they are being discharged entirely.

This culture of silence was solidified around March 19, 2026, when Deputy Chief of Defence Force, Brigadier General Opa Lari Opa, issued a directive to cease the circulation of videos or posts regarding recruitment training.

“The only way to protect themselves including the organization is to expose this corruption,” said a current serving officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

“I want make it clear that the video in circulation show recruits being questioned on how they got recruited even after exceeding the age limit, was during the recruitment process and not during an investigation. In fact, no internal investigation has yet to be conducted by the PNGDF hierarchy as opposed to what has been stated in the media.”

Evidence now directly implicates the Minister and the Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, alongside Chief of Personnel Colonel Rodney Yahamani, who oversees recruitment.

Documents suggest Colonel Yahamani was fully aware of recruitment irregularities but pushed for the enlistment anyway. While Brigadier General Opa pointed out these flaws in a minute to Yahamani dated March 3, 2024, CDF Polewara ignored the warnings. By way of a footnote the very next day, Polewara endorsed the enlistment request.

The fallout has been swift for those seeking accountability.

Lt. Col. Joe Teriken, the PNGDF Chief of Training, has been discharged on dubious grounds. His “offense” was recommending the suspension of basic training to vet recruits and avoid potential mishaps.

Joining him in dismissal are Chief Warrant Officer Benson Eremas, involved in the 01/26 Basic Recruit enlistment, and another Chief Warrant Officer allegedly targeted for a social media post. These men, senior officers and NCOs with over 35 years of service, including tours in Bougainville, maintain that they were simply performing their mandated duties. They were discharged without investigation, charges, or adherence to the Compulsory Retirement process.

The saga was triggered by the public, incensed after filming recruits performing a “duck walk” march at 1-Mile, outside the Goldie River Training Depot. Following the discharge of the officers, a video was posted to Facebook exposing what many now call institutional and systematic corruption.

Another former PNGDF officer stated that the Prime Minister and the National Executive Council (NEC) must act immediately. He warned that this scandal undermines the government’s efforts under the Pukpuk Treaty and has the potential to create disorder among service personnel.

While Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph has voluntarily stepped aside amid these allegations, the pressure remains on the hierarchy.

Prime Minister James Marape has announced a high-level investigation, stressing a commitment to transparency. PM Marape stated yesterday that “the government faces a major task in reaching its 2030 target of 7,000 members” and assured that “those individuals will be removed” if found to have bypassed proper processes.

He further addressed the growing perception that merit-based recruitment is being sacrificed for political loyalty and personal connections.

As the investigation begins, the scandal continues to cast a long shadow over the country’s security and regional stability.

Retired Major General, Jerry Singirok is calling on those who are responsible to be held accountable and to be charged criminally as it is criminal behavior.

“The exposure by the whistleblowers in relation to unqualified candidates raises a serious national security issue,” Singirok said.

“At the end of the day, the buck stops with the commander, whether he knowingly or did not know, it’s still in his area because he has to be answerable as to how this whole saga had escalated.”

Parts of the feature image were sourced from the PNGDF Recruitment, News & Updates Facebook Page.

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Gale Warning for Northern PNG

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The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service has issued a high-priority Special Gale Force Wind Warning, effective as of 11:00 AM today, Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

This warning comes as the region faces a dual atmospheric threat. While a Tropical Low develops north of the equator (08.1°N, 155.0°E), regional concerns are heightened by reports from Inside PNG indicating that Cyclone Maila has rapidly intensified into a massive Category 5 storm. The combination of these systems is driving dangerous westerly winds across the northern provinces.

Affected Areas

A Gale Warning is currently in effect for:

  • Manus
  • New Ireland
  • West Sepik
  • East Sepik

Wind Forecast & Severity

Meteorologists are warning of extreme Northwest winds that could pose a threat to life and property:

  • Sustained Winds: Gale force speeds ranging from 34 to 47 knots.
  • Peak Gusts: Winds are expected to intermittently reach Storm Force strength of 55 knots.

With Cyclone Maila reaching Category 5 status in the region, the atmospheric pressure is highly volatile. Residents should be prepared for sudden increases in wind speed and deteriorating sea conditions.

Emergency Safety Measures

Authorities have issued the following mandates for residents in the warning zones:

  1. Halt All Maritime Activities: It is critical that people avoid going out to sea. Small crafts and fishing vessels should remain moored in a secure location.
  2. Coastal Evacuation: Residents of villages along the coastlines are warned to stay away from the edges of the sea. Storm surges and unpredictable wave action are highly likely given the proximity of the developing low and the strength of Cyclone Maila.
  3. Monitor Official Channels: Secure your homes and stay tuned to local radio or the National Weather Service for further updates as this situation evolves.

(This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from the National Weather Service and emergency responders.)

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URGENT: Cyclone Maila Intensifies to Category 5

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The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service (NWS) has officially upgraded Tropical Cyclone Maila to Category 5, the highest and most dangerous classification for a tropical system. As of 6:00 AM Wednesday, the storm is packing catastrophic maximum gusts of up to 296 km/h.

The system is currently moving northwest at a slow pace of 6 km/h, positioned approximately 255 km northeast of Rossel Island. Its slow movement increases the risk of prolonged exposure to destructive forces.

Critical Warning Areas

A Category 5 warning is in effect for Milne Bay Province, specifically targeting:

  • Woodlark Island
  • Sudest (Tagula) Island
  • Misima Island
  • Rossel Island
  • Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB)

Expected Impacts

The NWS warns that Cyclone Maila will bring life-threatening conditions:

  • Hurricane-Force Winds: Extreme wind damage to infrastructure and vegetation within 83 km of the center.
  • Storm Surges: Dangerous coastal inundation and sea swells.
  • Flooding: Heavy, sustained rainfall leading to severe inland flooding.

Public Safety Directive

Authorities are urging residents in all affected coastal and island communities to seek higher ground immediately and stay away from the shoreline. All maritime activities remain suspended.

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