The Chief of Defence Force (CDF), Major General Mark Goina DMS, CBE has confirmed that, as part of their ongoing joint inter agency security operations, personnel from the PNGDF Forward Operating Base at Tari and RPNGC MS6 members carried out a check of a charter flight from Port Moresby to Komo. The flight consisted of 100 passengers (97 males and 3 females) and all luggages and cargo was searched on arrival. The search was based on intelligence that people may have been trying to smuggle weapons and other contraband items into Hela on that flight. During the search the RPNGC MS6 team and PNGDF Military Police found, and confiscated, uniforms from the passengers including: 2 X DPU (combat pattern) shirts, 2 X DPU (combat pattern) trousers similar in style to current issue to the Defence Force, and 1 x pair of combat style boots. Additionally an unlicensed firearm was confiscated from a local after a search of the convoy of the passengers heading back to Tari. This whole incident is now being investigated by the RPNGC. This successful joint inter agency operation reinforces the close working relationship between the security forces operating in the Highlands. It is also a strong warning to anyone who is thinking about undertaking illegal or criminal acts, that the security forces will act swiftly and decisively on all intelligence leads. Major General Goina stated, reiterating the words of the Police Commissioner David Manning at the launch of the National Election security operations in the Highlands on 17 June 22, that the joint task force of RPNGC, PNGDF and PNG CS are determined to ensure that the region remains safe and secure for all members of the community leading up to, during and beyond the 2022 National Election.

The PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) has applauded a collaboration between state’s mine regulator, Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) and mine operators to create a digital platform to provide real time mineral data from all major mines in the country. Live data will include numbers showing production value, export value, and related information basically livestreamed from a data source of respective mine operators. Ok Tedi Mine will be fist to streamline live data to the MRA website for public access after engineers have finalized work. Other will follow soon after. “The cooperation between the mine regulator and the extractive companies to make live data available for public viewing is an excellent undertaking to garner investor-public trust and confidence in the way the mining industry is regulated and progressing. PNGEITI highly commends these efforts,” PNGEITI Head of National Secretariat Mr. Lucas Alkan commended. “We commend the MRA leadership under managing director Jerry Garry as this undertaking will complement and enhance EITI reporting in the country. This is boost for transparency, boost for investor and public confidence,” he said. “We look forward to this important work being undertaken on this space and wish MRA and the companies every success” Mr. Alkan said

Try scoring machine Alex Johnston is set to win a third Test cap for the Kumuls as part of a powerful squad which also includes reigning Dally M Centre of the Year Justin Olam, Broncos winger David Mead and Roosters half Lachlan Lam. Six players from the PNG Hunters in the Hostplus Cup will feature including Terry Wapi, Wartovo Puara, Sherwin Tanabi and Sylvester Namo. After Samoa and Cook Islands have the scene set in the earlier game it's over to PNG and Fiji to light up the stadium with some ferocious defence and flashy attack in their first clash since November, 2019. On that occasion it was the Bati prevailing 22-20 in a thriller in Christchurch with Viliame Kikau and Tui Kamikamica among the try scorers and Maika Sivo running for 214 metres. Sivo has made a successful return from a knee reconstruction for the Eels and will be keen to add to his tally of two Test caps while Kikau will make his 12th appearance for his country and look to revive the glory days of the 2017 World Cup when Fiji made an emotional charge all the way to the semi-finals. Sydney Roosters back Kevin Naiqama will again captain the Bati with Panthers powerhouse Viliame Kikau to act as his deputy. Among the other NRL stars in the squad are Maika Sivo, Mikaele Ravalawa, Tui Kamikamica, Brandon Wakeham and Taane Milne while the Fijian competition is well represented by the likes of Mesake Kurititoga (Nadera Panthers), Waqasaqa Qiolevu (Yasawa Saints), Nasoki Ralulu (Bomballa Blue Heelers) and Ratu Inoke Vasuturaga (Kinoya Eagles). The Rabbitohs' greatest try scorer of all time is a silky smooth mover who appears to glide across the turf at times while the Dragons' Fijian flyer favours brute strength as he method of making it to the tryline. Two of the NRL's most potent attacking weapons on the wing and ready to light up Campbelltown Stadium if they are given an inch of space. Whether it's Johnston going around his rivals or Ravalawa going over them, expect plenty of highlight reels from these two stars. The Kumuls have played twice at Campbelltown Stadium for two wins while the Bati are 0-2 at this venue. The four internationals between the two sides have resulted in two wins apiece. Justin Olam was in the thick of the action in 2018 when the Kumuls got the better of the Bati at this ground, scoring a try in the 26-14 triumph. The Storm star has scored six tries in nine Tests for the Kumuls. Pictures sourced: NRL.com      

In 2021 Constable Jane Koma commenced with the Forensic Science Services - Lae Criminal Investigations Division. As the only female police member in the Forensic Science Services in Lae, she hopes her success will motivate and inspire other women to take on specialist policing roles traditionally occupied by men. Constable Koma stated, “other women do not stick around and challenge themselves to do something different, to extend themselves outside of their comfort zone. I hope I am an inspiration to other policewomen to show them that it can be done.” Throughout her 11-year policing career Constable Koma has served with the Public Safety Unit, Cell Management Unit, and the Family Sexual Violence Unit. Constable Koma was the cell database officer pioneer for the Lae Cell Management System, demonstrating she is no stranger to working outside her comfort zone. In May 2022 Constable Koma successfully completed the two-week Scenes of Crime Officers Course (SOCO) 1/2022 at the Bomana Police Training College, this course was funded by the Australia Policing Partnership (PNG-APP), it was delivered by AFP Forensic members and supported by PNG-APP Advisors. Eleven RPNGC members attended this course, including Constable Koma and another female member Detective Senior Constable Sheila Hakaiwa from Wewak SOS. Participants on the course demonstrated skills in crime scene examination management, search techniques, sketching, note taking, photography and fingerprint examination. Constable Koma returned to Lae with contemporary technical forensic expertise and looks forward to utilising her skillset in support of criminal investigations, “the role of a Forensic Science Officer is technically challenging and often dirty work, but I encourage other policewomen to challenge themselves” Constable Koma said. Source: PNG-APP Advisors A/Insp Shauna Rule and Sgt Emma Beere for sharing Const Koma's story

Police Commissioner David Manning says the security forces are committed to a free, fair, safe and corruption free 2022 National General Election. Mr Manning made this comment following the security forces’ interception and confiscation of police and PNG Defence Force uniforms on a private charter from Port Moresby to Komo in the Hela Province. Security forces also confiscated a Sig pistol from a person who was at the Komo airport to meet the flight. “I can confirm that we have confiscated one blue field uniform, three police Number One long pants with a GB boot as well as one set of what appears to be PNG Defence Force camouflage uniform, one shirt and one short trousers. We have these items in police custody and investigations that are now being conducted to ascertain who they belong to. “Also on the same day the security forces confiscated a Sig pistol from a member of the public who was at the Komo Airport to meet the flight. We will investigate this as well to ascertain whether this is a licensed firearm and whether the suspect has a permit to carry. “The role of a member of the security forces in the Komo incident is also now under scrutiny. Our investigations will also cover those who chartered the aircraft as well as the role of the ground staff at the Komo Airport. “Make no mistake, the security forces, as a collective body, are committed to ensuring that the environment around the country is conducive for an election that will be free, fair, safe and free from corrupt practices. “That is our commitment to our 11 million people and we will not be deterred from this. However, there will be individuals from within who may conspire and collude with others to try to tamper with the process to influence the outcome of the election, but they will not succeed as shown in Komo. “In conclusion I wish to also appeal to our good citizens to be responsible in their posts and comments on social media. Sometimes the truth is far from what you think it is, so be wise and refrain from spreading speculations or rumours until the information has been confirmed by the authorities. Words are powerful and can make or our break society.”

It’s been a busy three weeks for the Port Moresby Nature Park’s Education team, hosting its themed week program called ‘Environment & Me’ to schools around Port Moresby and Central province. The themed week programs are the biggest activities for the Park’s Education program, seeing thousands of students visit the Park every week to learn about various environmental topics. The most recent program, ‘Environment & Me’ focused on plastic pollution and saw students from as far as the Motuan Coastline participate. “The impact we’re having on schools through our regular school excursion programs is amazing as it builds that anticipation towards our themed week programs where we are able to even see an entire school come out to participate!”, said Shirley Mogi, Port Moresby Nature Park’s Education Manager. “We’d like to thank all the schools who had participated, and especially thank Ms Kaisapi at St Peter’s Chanel Primary School in Erima, who brought 651 students away from their classrooms to take part in the program in one day. This was a significant number to our team, as it enabled us to hit a record of 1,017 students that day”, added Ms Mogi. Throughout the three week program, a total of 6, 072 students learnt about the negative impacts of plastic pollution on the environment and how we can help reduce the disposal of plastic rubbish into landfill or our waterways. The Port Moresby Nature Park would like to thank NCDC Transport Division for supporting its logistics in transporting students throughout the program. Similarly, the Park also thanks Sir Brian Bell Foundation for its unwavering support to education in ensuring students can continue to participate in such educational activities. With continuous environmental issues affecting many societies today, the work of Port Moresby Nature Park will be even more important as we advocate, protect and conserve PNG’s Wildlife and Natural Environment.

The SP PNG Hunters are pleased to announce a partnership with security and transport providers Black Swan International through to the end of 2025. The partnership will see Black Swan International become the exclusive transport and security partners for the SP PNG Hunters once they return to Papua New Guinea for the 2023 pre-season. Black Swan International will provide escort security services for the PNG Hunters team to and from training and game venues, including providing escort for the team when out on community engagements. Black Swan International General Manager Mr. Shane Harden says he is pleased to be partnered with the Hunters. We are pleased to officially announce that we will be partnering the SP PNG Hunters for the ’22-‘25 seasons,” said Harden. “As a passionate rugby league fan, I see many similarities between BSI and the SP PNG Hunters. We are both passionate about teamwork, being a family and most importantly giving back to Papua New Guinea.” “I know I can speak on behalf of all my staff to say, we are very excited for this sponsorship deal and we look forward to working alongside the SP PNG Hunters organization over the next four years.” SP PNG Hunters Commercial Manager Mr. Alan Moramoro echoed Mr. Harden’s sentiments. “We are very grateful and appreciate Black Swan International’s (BSI) support for the 2022 to 2025 season in the Hostplus Cup,” Moramoro said. “Black Swan International and SP PNG Hunters share the same values of comradery and family, and this partnership signifies this through both our industries." "On behalf of the SP PNG Hunters board, management, staff and team we welcome Black Swan International to the SP PNG Hunters family.”

 Morea Baru closed out the day yesterday by taking home another 3x Gold Medals and breaking the Pacific Games record in the Clean and Jerk category at 151kg. Fantastic effort by the Weightlifting Team and Team PNG.

Northern Governor Gary Juffa says the provincial government will invest K5 million in education each year. Juffa speaking from Numba village in Afore Local Level Government yesterday, said he will use the Eng. experience in developing education in the province. He said from a challenging province Enga has become the leading province in education. “The key is education, that is why I’m investing in education, because Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas is my mentor. “We have put aside K1 million each year since 2012 for tertiary students to attend university.” Juffa explained that under the education support initiative, Afore has its own programme of K500,000 and another K500,000 for Kokoda under the Kokoda Initiative. “My aim is to put K500,000 in each district so we will have K4.5m for each districts and K1m for the province totaling K5m. “Good things take a long time they don’t happen overnight." “Changing a province and district takes time and that’s what we are doing. When we took office in 2012, it was as if a house had been burnt down. “You cant build it in one half hour, it takes time. “Districts and provinces are like that if you get the wrong person in there they can destroy the province which is what we faced prior to 2012. “We are rebuilding the province and it’s not going to happen overnight, it will take time, “Today even though a lot of people are complaining about Oro but it is much better than before,” Juffa said. Story from Peoples Movement for Change Party

National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Port Moresby Technical College (POM Tech) today signs a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU paves way for NAC and POM Tech to forge a new partnership in training and developing technical human capital in PNG. This allows POM Tech students to have an opportunity to do on-the-job training with NAC while POM Tech will also assist NAC in providing customized technical training based on NAC's training needs. This strategic initiative will also drive recruitment and training of the best performing students to replace NAC's aging workforce in the area of technical expertise. NAC Managing Director & CEO Mr. Kiponge said, first if its kind for NAC to sign an MoU with POM Tech as one of the National Technical Training Institutions. "Through this partnership, NAC anticipate to create an avenue for students to learn about the airport business and participate in research to develop innovative business airport solutions to address the challenges in airport operations," Kiponge explained.

“There are no cases of Monkeypox reported in Madang.” “The post on social media regarding the case that was reported on social media is false.” This is what the Madang Provincial Health Authority Director, Mr Martin Daimen said when he was interviewed by this newsroom. Dr Daimen mentioned that so far there has been no word from the National Department of Health about monkeypox reaching our shores. There are currently no measures on how the Provincial Health Authority will combat the disease. Meanwhile, attempts to get comments from the National Department of Health’s Disease Surveillance program, Mr Berry Ropa have been unsuccessful.

Historic news for PNG and Oceania as a whole as PNG's top female weightlifter Dika Toua is inducted in the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Hall of Fame. Toua who alongside younger sibling Thelma competed in the 49kg in the Mini Pacific Games in Northern Marianas and went on to win three gold medals  for Team PNG in the 49kg event. What a special day for our golden girl! Source: Team PNG FB Page