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Charges on Tambua temporarily dropped over police differences

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A division among investigating officers looking into the sexual abuse allegations against the Member for Goroka, Aiye Carter Tambua has forced the Court to temporary withdraw the matter.

The matter was before the Committal Court at Waigani, National Capital District.

Appearing before the Court today, lawyer representing the defendant, Edward Sasingian asked the court to withdraw the matter because of this police blunder.

According to Presiding Magistrate, Paul Puri Nii one of the investigating officers, First Constable Adriana Kamasunga has filed an affidavit claiming that the evidence collected and presented to the court came from some unknown police officers.

She also expressed disappointment that the police Hand Up Brief was prepared and produced by police officers who do not work at the Sexual Offenses Squad.

The officer said she collected evidence including traveling to Goroka with the case officer, Superintendent Charles Winuan and others and she was also part of the arresting team and was present during the record of interview and arrest.

The police officer said they have been under so much pressure dealing with the case and therefore she wanted to see the file completed properly.

Superintendent Winuan explained to the court yesterday that following the complaints, he was tasked by former NCD Central Commander, Anthony Wagambie Jr, to form an investigation team to investigate the matter as it concerned a politician.

He said because of the status of Tambua they had to ensure a thorough investigation process.

He confirmed that Kamasunga was part of the team including another female officer from homicide and a male police officer.

He also told court that Kamasunga is on maternity leave when she filed the affidavit, hence not on active duty.

Winuan mentioned that as Officer in Charge of this investigation, he wasn’t made aware of Kamasunga’s grievances.

Magistrate Nii expressed disappointment saying, a police officer is disputing police evidence and thus this is unhealthy for the police case.

“Police now appear to be divided. I will not accept and assess evidence with questionable nature and evidence collected from policeman and woman with divided interests”.

Among the orders issued by the court include;

  • The allegations against the defendant are temporarily withdrawn and referred back to the office of the police commissioner to properly deal with it.
  • Commissioner of police is requested to seriously address issues affecting the administrative criminal investigative process and deal with officers down the file and rank
  • The Police Commissioner is requested to appoint a neutral criminal investigator within the Sexual Offenses Squad to prepare a proper file and investigate on the allegations based on its merit and charge by charge
  • Matter against the Defendant will be reinvestigated whenever the Commissioner of police is ready to progress the allegations.
  • The Commissioner of police is at liberty to reopen the case and repeat the entire criminal investigative process against the Defendant whenever he sees fit and appropriate.

Bail was also refunded.

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Acting Chief Migration Officer Arrested

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Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu Arrested

The Acting Chief Migration Officer, Wellington Navasivu was arrested and charged yesterday at the Boroko Police Station in Port Moresby.

He was charged with one count each of:

  1. Unlawful detention,
  2. Attempt to pervert the course of justice and
  3. Abuse of office.

Just five months since taking office, Mr Navasivu is facing a possible 10-year sentence if he is found guilty by the court.

Speaking to Inside PNG following his bail, Mr Navasivu refused to comment on his arrest, assuring that his office will release a media statement regarding the arrest.

NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Commander, Silva Sika, through his executive officer said he would release details of the arrest once he is briefed on the matter.

Mr Navasivu was appointed the Acting Chief Migration Officer when the former CMO, Stanis Hulahau resigned on the 30th of January 2024.

Stanis Hulahau resigned soon after Inside PNG and partners (Organized Crime and Corruption Project & ABC Australia) published an article revealing evidence of him receiving money from a Chinese business woman named Mei Lin, to allegedly facilitate passports for her husband to enter PNG.

Lin who allegedly entered PNG illegally, was arrested in Australia in January for smuggling Methamphetamine into the country via PNG.

An Immigrations Ministerial sanctioned investigation was authorized and carried out by KPMG into Hulahau’s involvement with Mei Lin.

John Rosso on Hulahau investigation. This video was first uploaded on March 27th, 2024.

Immigration Minister, John Rosso had announced during a media conference earlier this year that the findings of the investigation would be made public. .

It has been six months since that announcement with no details of the findings.

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Maladina steps aside ahead of domestic assault court hearing

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Headshot of Jimmy Maladina against a white background.

Petroleum Minister and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina has stepped aside from his ministerial portfolio to attend to a domestic assault matter before an Australian Court.

Jimmy Maladina was arrested over the weekend in Sydney following a domestic dispute. He was granted conditional bail and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday (July 11).

Maladina, 58, was alleged to have assaulted a 31-year-old woman known to him. Police who attended to the matter saw bruises on the woman’s face.

Papua New Guineans woke up to the story published online by the Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday (July 7) morning.

Maladina immediately released a statement saying he does not condone any forms of violence and requests privacy for all parties involved in the matter.

“I understand the gravity of the situation and the concerns it raises. As a public servant I hold myself to high standards of conduct, both personally and professionally.”

Prime Minister, James Marape through the PM’s Media head, Matrom John advised the media in the morning that “The Australian Authority will have to provide a brief to the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs before the Foreign Affairs Minister briefs the Prime Minister on this matter.”

Late in the afternoon, the Prime Minister then announced the Petroleum Minister’s decision to step aside from his position while a complaint against him is being heard in court in Australia.

“I thank Minister Maladina for taking responsibility to uphold his name and the integrity of the public office he holds in a professional manner in respecting the judicial process to run its course.

“I had my discussion with the Minister, and as a responsible government that respects the Rule of Law, we uphold high standards. Minister Maladina stepping aside is appreciated,” said PM Marape.

The Prime Minister urged the public to refrain from spreading speculations as this matter is now before a competent prosecutorial process.

The cabinet will appoint a new Minister to act in the position.

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Sexual Health Awareness for June Valley Community

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A community engagement program by the June Valley youths and Marie Stopes PNG saw the successful treatment of ten (10) Sexually Transmitted Infections and nine (9) Family Planning Treatment.

The visit to the June Valley community was an initiated by the Doma Youths Association, a community advocacy group in Tokarara, Port Moresby.

Chairman of Doma Youths Association, Pia Kak said June Valley is a fast growing community and it was important to bring in family health organizations such as Marie Stopes to address unplanned pregnancies and sexual health through awareness and treatment.

He said a lot of youths who are sexually active do not know where or whom to reach out for sexual health information or treatment.

People gathered at a field for sexual health awareness program.
June Valley community congregate for sexual health awareness program.

“Bringing Marie Stopes here we hope to address the stigma in getting family planning for youths who are sexually active. While we don’t encourage teenage sex, it is important that the community knows these services are available.”

Marie Stops Community Based Mobilizer, Bapi Timothy said these awareness programs are provided free of charge in communities throughout the country. He said it only needs the community leaders to reach out to them.

“Our mother’s, sisters and wives are vulnerable to child birth deaths because there isn’t enough spacing, and not enough awareness on basic family planning methods and also having too many children which makes our mothers sisters and wives face child birth complications.

Youths were also advised to seek medical treatment at the earliest when they experience discomfort or discharge at the genitalia.

Mr Kak further thanked the 19 people that were screened by Marie Stopes medical team and treated.

“It is a milestone achievement for Doma Youths Association for partnering with one of the vital service providers in the country,” said Kak.

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Coca-Cola Partners Paradise Cinema to Rebrand Premium Lounge

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Coca-Cola Partners Paradise Cinemas to rebrand premium lounge

Coca-Cola PNG and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG have joined forces with the Paradise Cinemas to refresh and rebrand the Premium lounge, located at Vision City Megamall in Port Moresby.

Under this partnership, TCCC has unveiled a ‘chill – out zone’ that radiates a relaxed atmosphere, with cozy furnishings and designs synonymous with the brand’s global identity.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing the cinematic experiences for audiences.

The partnership was solidified last Thursday, when Coca-Cola sponsored the private screening of the highly anticipated movie; “Bad Boys Ride or Die.”

Coca-Cola PNG and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners PNG join forces with the Paradise Cinemas to refresh and rebrand the Premium lounge at Vision City Megamall in Port Moresby.

The newly rebranded Coca-Cola Premium Lounge was filled with movie enthusiasts and film – goers, to catch a flick of the long-awaited movie.

When asked about their experience of the new look Premium Lounge, film goer Hananaia Dickson said, it is “Clean, Bright and very Inviting.”

She said she would invite her friends to come experience the new look Coca-Cola Premium Lounge.

She also shared her experience on the Private Screening.

“I have never been to a private screening before, so it was very new to me and very nice. The atmosphere was nice, and everyone was really inviting. The movie was really great,” she said.

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Health

Remote School Flies to Port Moresby for Life Saving Lessons

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Twenty-three students from Mougulu Secondary School in Western Province visited the National Ambulance Service headquarter in Port Moresby for some emergency life saving tips.

The excursion is part of the school’s educational program for first aid.

Mougulu Secondary school is located in remote Middle Fly District.

The school was established in 2019.

This year the school will graduate its first grade 12 students.

Founder of the Mougulu Secondary school, Mrs Sally Lloyd said health care is one of the problems that persuades students to drop out of school.

A simple request by Mrs Lloyd to the Management of St John Ambulance Service made the visit possible.

Mrs Lloyd said because of the schools geographical location it was important that they learn first aid from professional ambulance officers.

Mougulu is a small mission station and is only accessible by small engine aircrafts and it is very hard for medivac or transporting sick people.

Mougulu secondary students receive life saving training from St John Ambulance staff.

The only means of transport in Mougulu is canoe. The villagers use the river to access education and basic health needs.

The 23 students received attainment certificates from St John’s Ambulance following the completion of the training.

St John Ambulance’s Public Relations officer, Lulu Mark urged other schools in the country to also take part in such programs to learn life saving skills.

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PNGTUC Supports 9-Mile Eviction

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The PNG Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) representing its members and collectively 228,000 members of Nambawan Super Limited has appealed to squatters illegally occupying portions of land at 9-Mile in Port Moresby also known as ‘Bush Wara’ to respect the Court’s decision and vacate the area.

Vice President of PNGTUC, Lowa Tambua said the 120 days grace period is enough time for the people to voluntarily move out of the area. The grace period ends on July 10, 2024 and eviction commences on July 11, 2024.

On June 27th, 2024 the Supreme Court dismissed three Review Applications filed by illegal settlers on portions 2156, 2157 and 2159 and ruled in favour of Nambawan Super Limited.

A statement released by the Superannuation company, said it followed all legal requirements to lawfully secure the land titles.

It said the court’s decision now allows the Sheriff’s office and the police to proceed with executing the eviction.

NSL strongly urged all illegal squatters to immediately dismantle their personal property and voluntarily vacate before July 11,2024.

Daniel Mollen another member of the PNGTUC called on citizens to do due diligent checks before purchasing land to avoid future evictions.

Illegal settlers occupied the 200 hectare land which was acquired by Nambawan Super Limited in 1990 and since then, NSL has been defending its title in court until 2019 when it was granted full titles.

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International

AI focused Discussions kickstart International Media Conference

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Generative AI was the hot topic as journalists all over the world gathered in Manila, Philippines for the 2024 International Media Conference.

With the theme “ The Future of Facts”, discussions started off with how artificial intelligence has taken information creation and sharing to a whole new level.

Panelists discussed how AI can be used as a tool in the newsroom and the challenges that come with it.

The panelists were:

  • Khalil Cassimally, Head of Audience Insights, The Conversation,
  • Don Kevin Hapal, Head of Data and Innovation, Rappler
  • Irene Jay Liu, Regional Director for Asia & Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media and
  • Howie Severino, Editor at Large, GMA News Online

Khalil Cassimally shared how the conversation was able to repurpose information to the younger audience using AI and how it proved to be very effective.

Don Hapal from the Philippines Rappler said the AI tool Chatgpt, was very helpful in profiling candidates in the Philippines General Elections.

While a lot of skeptical questions rose from the audience regarding factual information generated by AI, Irene Jay Liu, the Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media, said it is important that newsrooms must be responsible for fact-checking all information they want to disseminate.

She also added that traditional newsrooms must accept the fact that the audience is ahead of us and already using AI.

The panel, involving journalists and Online specialists called for newsroom collaboration to remain relevant and act quickly by helping to formulate policies that regulate the use of AI so it is not abused.

Related story: https://insidepng.com/six-insidepng-staff-attend-2024-international-media-conference/

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Hagen Businessman Sentenced

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A businessman from Western Highlands Province is a free man despite the Court finding him guilty of being in possession of explosives.

McQueenie Waia, 54 was found guilty by the Mt Hagen Summary Offences Court and sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labor.

However, further orders of the Court will see Waia serving a suspended sentence with conditions.

Waia’s sentencing comes nearly a year after his arrest in a joint police and military operation aimed at cracking down on alleged illegal arms trafficking in the upper Highlands provinces.

According to police reports, Waia was arrested and charged along with two other men last July in a sweep that saw police seize three guns and hundreds of rounds of bullets including military grade ammunition from his Mt Hagen residence.

Waia was, however, prosecuted for the possession of one hand grenade that was seized in the raid. 

Presiding Magistrate Baptist Fehi ordered that the whole term of imprisonment is suspended on the following conditions;

  1. The Defendant is to enter into recognizance to be of good behavior for two years with his K10,000 National Court bail converted to his surety and he is required to appear for conviction and sentence when called on at any time during such period
  2. With the two years, he is prohibited to have in his possession any forms of firearms and ammunitions, with all his firearm and ammunition licenses suspended for that period.

For the two years, Waia was ordered by the Court to surrender all his licenses, firearms and ammunitions to the Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander for safe keeping.

Waia refrained from involving himself in any firearm or ammunition related activities or allegations during the two years period.

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International

Six InsidePNG Staff Attend 2024 International Media Conference

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InsidePNG Staff pose for a photo on Day 1 of the International Media Conference. [[Picture/Charlie Piringi]]

Six InsidePNG staff are in Manila to participate in the bi-annual International Media Conference hosted by the East-West Center (EWC) in Manila, Philippines.

Inside PNG is part of the Pacific Island contingent, supported by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).

The prestigious global event brings media professionals from around the world to discuss current trends and challenges faced by the media industry.

The InsidePNG team, comprising journalists and experienced editors, is looking forward to gaining valuable insights, networking with their international counterparts, and sharing their experiences in covering stories that matter to the people of Papua New Guinea.

The conference, organized by the EWC and partners from various countries, will feature panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on topics such as investigative journalism, press freedom, media ethics, artificial intelligence and the role of journalists in promoting transparency and accountability.

“We are excited to represent InsidePNG at this prestigious international media conference in Manila,” said Charmaine Yanam, Chief Editor and co-founder of InsidePNG.

“We are grateful to OCCRP for recognizing the importance of an independent newsroom that transmits through it’s continued support in pursuing investigative reporting.

This is the second time for InsidePNG to attend this event, the first was in 2022 where only two representatives attended. This time, six staff are in attendance.

InsidePNG team members standing together at airport.
InsidePNG Managing Director, Kila Wani (second from right) and Sincha Dimara (First left) standing with team at airport. This picture was taken in 2022 before Wani and Dimara left for Honolulu where the IMC was hosted in 2022.

Inside PNG’s Managing Director, Kila Wani said the attendance to this year’s event is extra special because Inside PNG has been chosen to be part of the East West Centre’s Financial Investigative Reporting Project.

“What makes it extra special for InsidePNG is, as an independent media organization, we have been selected along with five other Pacific Island media organizations as recipients of Financial Investigative Reporting Mentoring Project.

InsidePNG staff Charmaine Yanam and Julie Badui Owa are on this project for three years,” said Wani.

“This is a huge achievement for me personally and for Inside PNG, as we envisioned it to be an expert in that niche of journalism in Papua New Guinea.

There has been a lack of Financial Investigative Journalism or in-depth research and reporting on the topic in PNG; hence to have this opportunity and the backing to delve into it is a huge achievement. There are a lot of books that needs looking into; and this mentorship program will greatly assist us understand the financial language and hold those misusing public money accountable,” said Yanam.

Mrs Julie Badui Owa said “Inside PNG, although at its infancy stage, with only two years into operation, plans to be the leader in investigative journalism in the country.

“What we are focused on is influencing the trend of journalism through investigative journalism that has been lacking in PNG over the years.

Badui-Owa attributed her statement to three main reasons:

  • Lack of resources from media organizations
  • Security
  • Lack of training and capacity building.

“As a Lead Investigative Journalist with Inside PNG, I am privileged and blessed to be one of the recipients of the FIRM assistance project through the East West Center.

“With the great assistance and support from EWC through FIRM, I believe my Team and I will help contribute in generating change in Journalism and to effectively report on facts, or tell those stories that affect us and that matters; so everyone can participate in democracy.

“I believe we will make a big difference in bringing positive change through the stories we tell, and bring confidence back to the members of the public to hold those in power accountable for the betterment of our country and the world,” expressed Badui-Owa.

The team’s participation in the conference is expected to not only enhance their professional skills and knowledge but also foster greater collaboration with media professionals from diverse backgrounds, ultimately benefiting the media landscape in Papua New Guinea.

“Our journey embodies resilience within the media realm. As a newly established independent investigative journalism organization, we strive for not only financial sustainability but also the voices of the people amidst adversities and uncertainties, particularly in the face of the pervasive influence of social media and AI.

“Currently, our efforts are driven by volunteerism and partner donors in Organized Crime Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), EWC, and Internews and we continue to seek sustainable funding to fortify our operations for the long haul,” expressed Kila Wani.

She further emphasized the significance of press freedom and investigative journalism in today’s media landscape.

“Press freedom is the cornerstone of democracy, and investigative journalism plays a pivotal role in holding power to account and uncovering truths that would otherwise remain hidden.

“We, as journalists, have a duty to uphold these principles and safeguard the public’s right to information.”

The presence of InsidePNG staff at the International Media Conference signifies their commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism, and the pursuit of truth in an era marked by skepticism and misinformation.

**Inside PNG is a member centre of the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP)**

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