Two more suspects have surrendered to police following an operation on the group of islands in Tigak New Ireland Province.

This brings the number up to 13 while one is still on the run as police maintain close presence on the island.

This follows a two week joint operation by Kavieng Police and a Mobile Squad Unit from East New Britain following damning reports of an organized criminal gang terrorizing islanders for the past 3 years.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Felix Nebanat said the gang is responsible for a string of crimes including rape, arson, unlawful wounding, robberies, barbaric killings and cultivation and sale of marijuana.

PPC Nebanat said the gang ruled the Tigak Islands and caused crimes without any remorse leaving islanders in fear. Other islands like Ungan, Kavin, Salampiu and Nonovaul were also affected as different crimes soared in the past 36 months.

According to police in Kavieng, the gang members surrendered following the death of their ring leader who was shot during a raid by police after failing to voluntarily surrender after a 7-day ultimatum was issued.

A boat also used by the gang has been confiscated and currently impounded at the Kavieng Police Station as investigation continues.

PPC Nebanat said the police operation wouldn’t be successful if communities and local leaders were not helpful. He said the high crime rate created by the gang has been a concern by men, women and children in all the islands in Tigak.

He also thanked business houses for the various support towards the police reinforcement from Tomariga who are in New Ireland for Election Operations as well.

While the police operation continues, PPC Nebanat has urged more collaboration by all stakeholders to bring normalcy and reduce the level of crime in all the island communities in Tigak.

He said police alone will not address lawlessness in this part of New Ireland but will require partnership.

Vanimo has a new airport terminal.

Officially opened yesterday (6th of June) by National Airports Corporation (NAC) Chairman Rowland Abaijah and CEO Rex Kiponge – the new terminal and extended runway now stands ready to serve the travelling public in and out of Vanimo.

Construction began in April, 2019 with the extension of the airport runway. A sum of K41.3million was used to extend the runway from 1,660 meters to 1,960 meters. Following the extension, K28.8million was put into the construction of the state of the art airport terminal facility. The overall cost of the project was K70.1million.

The airport upgrade is part of the Civil Aviation Development Initiative Program (CADIP) of 2009 by the then Somare led Government. It is a partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) where a 12-year program was agreed. A total of K1.67billion has been invested in the CADIP program.

For Vanimo, the extended runway and new airport facility are steps towards achieving a bigger goal of transforming Vanimo into the gateway to Asia. NAC Managing Director and CEO Rex Kiponge spoke of this vision and highlighted the positive impacts it will have on Vanimo and West Sepik.

“West Sepik Province being PNG’s closest gateway into Asia and sharing a geographical land border with Indonesia, Vanimo Airport anticipates hosting international flights in the future. The airport has the potential to increase the volume of socio-economic activities in the province, the country and the Asia-Pacific Region,” Kiponge said.

Similar words were shared by NAC Chairman Rowland Abaijah.

“You have beautiful beaches and surfing spots here in West Sepik, you have trade activities happening at the border at Batas, you have vanilla farmers coming in from East Sepik via road to sell their vanilla to the Indonesians. This new modern airport that we have delivered here in Vanimo now supports you in taking those opportunities further,” he said.

The Vanimo Airport Upgrade Project includes the upgrade of the aircraft pavement to accommodate unrestricted operations of Fokker 100 or similar types of aircrafts. It can cater for two Fokker 100 aircrafts on the ground at any one time. The terminal is fitted with the state of the art screening machines and baggage conveyor belts for departure and arrival. The departure hall can cater to over 100 passengers and is fully air-conditioned with toilet facilities including disability access areas. The terminal also has a kiosk and an ATM with a VIP lounge.

“The improved airport facilities will enhance passenger comfort,” Kiponge added.

Vanimo is the 2nd Terminal and Runway upgrade under the tranche 3 series of projects implemented under CADIP. Momote in Manus was the 1st airport. Wewak and Madang will follow soon after.

Police in New Ireland are ready to provide security for the 2022 National General Elections.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Felix Nebanat said police men and women including PNG Defense Force, Correctional Service and Mobile Squad are ready to be deployed to parts of the Province.

“I am ready to freely, fairly and securely execute security for the elections but that has to be done in partnership with the people. I appeal to all New Irelanders to be security conscious during the election period and restrain from provoking election related violence or offence, said PPC Nebanat.

The NIP PPC said voting is a democratic choice, because it determines the quality of life. PPC Nebanat urged people to vote wisely. “Our paramount responsibility is to make sure that you(voters) are safe and secure.

PPC Nebanat also warned the general public and candidates in New Ireland not to derail or rig elections and refrain from doing things that will disturb the 2022 National General Elections.

“We will have you arrested and charged according to the provisions of law. It could be electoral, criminal, summary offence or traffic law”, said PPC Nebanat.

The head of police in New Ireland also called on his men and women to maintain integrity during the elections. He said police must ensure serving the people with honesty and transparency and not to compromise with any.

Police in New Ireland were also presented to new vehicles to support logistical capacity. PPC Nebanat thanked Police Commissioner David Manning for his intervention to donate the police vehicles.

PPC Nebanat made these statement while launching the NATEL Operation in New Ireland including the Security Operation Centre. New Ireland Police also farewell three of their long serving staff.

A parade was also held by joint forces and witnessed by residents of Kavieng town, including Provincial Administration, Assistant Commissioner for CS, Director of Law and Order, Chamber of Commerce, businesses houses and other stakeholders.

Incumbent Daulo MP Pogio Ghate said the whole purpose to contest for Office is to improve the living condition for rural communities.

He said in the past 2 years, the Daulo District Development Authority has prioritized roads and housing. Ghate said people must access electricity supply, be sheltered under a semi-permanent house and access other services through better connected roads.

“There are two milling machines moving around the District to help Communities in Daulo to build better houses. I want to see lives of Daulo people be changed. It’s the DDA’s plan to impact life of people for a better living”, said Ghate.

The sitting Daulo MP said Kofena, Ward 8 and 9 and Upper Asaro are priority areas. But he says Ward 1 in Upper Asaro including Hanega, Watabum and Kasena will soon receive theirs. He added that Lower Asaro will also receive one and will be based at Asaro school.

Ghate said this housing program will continue for people to build better houses. He said with campaign and polling soon, Community leaders must take lead and drive this housing project forward.

“It is my dream and vision for rural communities to live in a home like those in urban areas,” said Ghate.

Recently the incumbent Daulo MP also opened the upgraded Samatoka Road. He said the road was built by locals but was never upgraded by levels of Government. Ghate said this road is among other roads currently being built by Daulo Civil Works Limited.

“RTK, Kasena, Nurumbe, Asaro Kongi, Kofena road, Wando, Korepa, and other feeder roads are slowly opening up the District and linking people and services. Appreciate this roads being built in less than two years. Once these roads are completed, other services will be looked at down at the Community level, “said Ghate.

“I am at peace, and happy that I have done my best to deliver services to Daulo Communities, said Ghate.

Meanwhile the Pangu candidate welcome all candidates contesting for the Daulo Open seat in Eastern Highlands Province.

Ghate told those gathered at Koromeka Village that he is happy to defend his leadership but echoed to voters to screen all candidates during campaign and vote a leader who can deliver tangible services to people in Daulo.

People’s Reform Party (PRP) is committed to cut Personal Income Tax by 50%, lower Goods and Service Tax (GST) including Value Added Tax (VAT).

PRP leader, James Donald said this will make it conducive for people to afford a day’s living and conveniently make life easy during this drastic economic times. Donald said Papua New Guinea must see and realize the economic independence to enable citizens having the capacity of a greater purchasing power.

“The Government made amendments in March 2022 on cutting the GST on certain consumables items as a measure to reduce inflation burden faced by many citizens is not permanent but temporary, said Donald.

“I will also further propose that we also cut Personal Income Tax by 50% and give our people the purchasing power, added Donald. He said his party (Peoples Reform Party) stands committed to see tax cuts by half of what it is today. It requires a bold decision, said Donald.

Donald said PRP’s policies are workable and appropriate for a developing country like Papua New Guinea.

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Make Constitutional amendments to allow the people to directly vote for the Prime Minister.

Landowners and Resource Owners must have bargain power to negotiate terms and conditions with developers

Lower Personal Income Tax and Value Added Tax to give people the purchasing power (Review of Corporate Tax)

Resources obtained from land and sea must by locally processed and exported to overseas markets

SME’s and MSMEs will be regulated strictly and reserved for locals to meaningfully participate to grow and support the economy

Donald said the 5 key policies will be pushed into Parliament by members of PRP. He said people have the power of choice and people must vote wisely come the polling period.

The PRP leader urged voters to support the Party by electing PRP candidates in North Fly, Delta Fly, South Fly and Middle Fly in Western Province. He also made similar appeals for PRP candidates in Gulf, Oro, Central, Simbu, West Sepik and NCD.

The incumbent North Fly Open MP is prepared to defend his seat. He said Box 22 is locked in for the 2022 National General Elections. According to Electoral records, 20 candidates have filed their nominations to challenge Donald.

Intending candidate for Hela Regional seat, Francis Potape says social media is spreading false rumors in regard to the recent Supreme Court decision clarifying the eligibility of a person who has been convicted of an offence.

Potape told Inside PNG News, this decision has seen many jumping the gun by naming he and other candidates who are running for office in the 2022 National General Elections.

He said supporters of other rival candidates are posting on social media platforms stating that that he (Potape) and other former MPs’ are not eligible to contest for Public Office and that their nomination should be squashed by the PNG Electoral Commission.

The former Hela Governor said the particular post is being circulated a number of times with people who serve a particular interest in the political landscape.

“This actually concerns me. People do this because of their vested interest”, said Potape.

He called on his opponents including the general public not to post any publication if they do not have facts supporting details. Potape said the post has tarnished his name and has left his supporters in confusion.

“I have been cleared by the Supreme Court and have won my case. I returned to Parliament in 2015 and 2016. I then contested in the 2017 National Election for the Hela Regional Seat.

People are confusing the voting population.”

The former Hela Governor appealed to the general public to record any person publicly calling names of him and other candidates. He said he will take legal action against those going around and calling names during the campaign.

In other related concerns, Potape said corruption has thrived over the years in the Hela Provincial Government Administration. He said public money has not reached small communities. Potape said the current leadership has not delivered basic services to impact people’s lives but has been piggy-banking on impact projects by the National Government agencies.

“There is massive corruption in the Hela Provincial Government. He said as campaign continues, there are cheques continuously printed and are before the Ombudsman Commission to validate. He called on OC not to entertain these last minute cheques which he believes will be used to lure voters as polling looms.

“Hela has suffered enough, people are echoing for change in leadership. Hela needs a new leader, said Potape.

A police official says an investigation team has been dispatched to investigate and arrest suspects involved in the oil spill at the Kagamuga airport tarmac in Western Highlands Province.

WHP Election Operations Commander, Superintendent John Sagom strongly condemned the act saying it is an act of “terrorism” and vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly and arrest those involved.

“We will get to the bottom of this. I’m calling on the general public to come forward with any information that will assist the police arrest and charge those who are responsible for this act of terrorism.”

Commander Sagom confirmed that suspects entered the Kagamuga airport in the early hours of this morning (Tuesday) and spilled oil on the airport tarmac causing airline operators to suspend all flights into and out of Mt Hagen.

“Let me remind the people of Western Highlands of the wider implications of what has happened here. The rest of Western Highlands, the Highlands and PNG is bigger than Mt Hagen. Leaders have to be sensible and responsible. What is happening in Mt Hagen does not speak well for the local leadership if they are going to resort to such acts of terrorism, threats, force and intimidation to have it their way,” Sagom added.

He said a heavy presence of both Police and Defence Force personnel have been mounted around the airport vicinity and within the Mt Hagen township.

In addition, Superintendent Sagom said there was also a brief moment of concern in Mt Hagen town this morning (Tuesday) concerning a group of disgruntled members of the community living around the Kagamuga airport area who staged a peaceful protest march to Kagamuga airport whilst another group staged a protest march in Newtown along the Okuk Highway, blocking off commuters traveling into Mt Hagen town from the upper highlands.

The protesters aired their grievances over the appointment and handling of the Mt Hagen Open Returning Officer’s (RO) post, however was contained by swift response from the Police and PNGDF personnel on the ground.

Commander Sagom called on the leaders to respect the democratic process of the election and allow it to take its course. He further appealed to them to take control of the situation and work with the security forces to ensure such acts of terrorism do not occur again.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP, John Rosso demanded a public apology from the country’s leading Daily Newspaper, Post Courier over a report on its front page titled, ‘ MPs eyed ULP Leadership.’

The report stated that ULP’s General Secretary, John Avira confirmed to Post Courier yesterday that he received ULP leadership interests from Politicians including Pangu’s senior members, Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso and National Planning Minister, Rainbo Paita.

In a media conference today (Tuesday, 7th June) in Lae, Rosso said Avira failed to clarify the report with him.

Rosso also confirmed that he hadn’t spoken to any Journalist from the mainstream media including Post Courier concerning the report published today, expressing his interest to lead the United Labour Party.

He said he and other Pangu members including Finschhafen MP, Reinbo Paita and Morobe Governor, Ginson Saonu haven’t approached Avira claiming their stance to lead ULP.

Rosso, a senior member of Pangu Party said Pangu respects ULP, which was formed by the late DPM and Bulolo MP, Sam Basil. He said Pangu also respects ULP’s stance with the decision of Rigo MP, Lekwa Gure to lead ULP.

He demanded that Post Courier publicly apologize to himself Reinbo Paita, Pangu and ULP.

He said if Post Courier fails to apologize he will take legal action against the Reporter, Editor and the Newspaper company.

Rosso also called on the Journalists and Reporters of the mainstream media and social media to be mindful of Journalism ethics and report without fear or favor.