The Internal Affairs Directorate (IAF) Executive Director, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris is pleased with the sharp response from the internal Affairs Division to the recent shooting in Port Moresby on 11th November.While commenting on the recent shooting, Mr. Harris said the quick response to the shooting demonstrates the commitment of Internal Affairs to clean up the mess that has grown within police ranks. “Internal Affairs Division Members are addressing misconduct and offences committed by members of the RPNGC and we are achieving results. “The vast majority of the Constabulary work diligently every day to uphold their oath of office and clean up the reputation of the RPNGC.” Assistant Commissioner of Police (Internal Affairs), ACP Emil Alpha commended the swift response, saying that community support and the reporting of rogue members of the RPNGC was critical for efforts to clean up the Constabulary. “Under the RPNGC leadership the public should have absolute confidence in the Constabulary and the Internal Affairs Division mission to address allegations of misconduct fast and effectively. “We encourage the public to report misconduct to the police station commanders or the Internal Affairs Division so investigations can take place.”

Prime Minister James Marape opened the multipurpose hall at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Port Moresby city today, marking the start of things for the establishment of the proposed new medical university.The UPNG School of Medicine and Health Sciences is on its way to becoming the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences after Parliament’s passing of the legislation enabling its inception at its last sitting in October 2025. “I want to thank the University of PNG and Chancellor, Sir Robert Igara, and the Executive Dean of the Medical Faculty, Prof. Nakapi Tefuarani, for working very hard to make this small but important milestone and a pointer, a moment in our nation’s history to remind us of what can be done if we work together in the direction we must take travelling forward,” said Prime Minister Marape. “UPNG, let this campus go. This country needs its own medical university. The statistics is compelling – the doctor-to-patient ratio in Papua New Guinea is among the lowest in the world. For 10 million people, we now need up to 10,000 doctors to be on par with world levels. “This is why it is of the utmost importance to get this university up at the earliest, and I give to you our government’s fullest commitment to getting this university up as soon as possible. Before we step out into the 2030’s, this campus must be fully functional to meet the needs of our country going forward. “We hope as we set up the new university, enrolment increases, vacancies are filled, and we get to employ enough doctors in the country and send doctors and medical practitioners out to our region.” The Prime Minister said he sees the strong value of having the medical university independent of the University of PNG and functioning symbiotically with the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) – both because of their physical location next to each other and professionally because of the relationship of the work they do. He said his government is determined to upgrade PMGH to a Level 7 status hospital as it develops the new university to its highest potential.

The Commissioner of Police David Manning has confirmed that a serving police officer has been arrested and charged with attempted murder, deprivation of liberty, and firearms offences following a shooting in the nation's capital on Tuesday 11th November.Commissioner Manning said the officer has been suspended, arrested and taken to the Internal Affairs Division Headquarters with separate criminal and administrative processes underway. He underlined the allegations as “serious”, confirming that Internal Affairs arrested and charged the officer after a Port Moresby shooting left a man wounded. While acknowledging the matter, Commissioner Manning highlighted the commitment of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) to the accountability by all police officers. “Police personnel have more responsibility than anyone to abide by the law, by virtue of the positions they occupy and the oaths they have sworn.” “The RPNGC will not shy away from accountability in the execution of our duties. Where a member fails to exercise their duties professionally and accordingly to law, they will be held accountable.” “The accused is entitled to his day in court, but we will ensure accountability is upheld in the service of our communities.” Furthermore, Manning shed light on the recent arrest as well of a long serving police officer for attempting to elicit a bribe, by two cadet officers. He said their action shows the integrity and professionalism and represents the nature of a police officer. “Last week two Officer Cadets demonstrated their integrity and professionalism when they arrested an older policeman who had been attempting to elicit a bribe.” “Well done to these young men, they are the type of person we need in our police.”

Remington Technology has been recently recognized for meeting the highest standards of performance, a proud achievement for the local tech retailer that has been operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the past seven decades.Remington Technology, a member of the Remington Group of Companies, has successfully achieved ISO 9001 certification, demonstrating the organization’s relentless pursuit of quality, reliability, and continual improvement. This internationally recognized certification confirms that Remington Technology’s systems, processes, and culture meet the highest global standards.In addition, several of our staff earned their ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor certificates in September. These certified internal auditors are now qualified to run audits across the business, ensuring we stay compliant, continually improve our processes, and maintain the highest standards of performance.“Remington has always been a quality organization, now we have the ISO 9001 certification to prove it,” said Justin Kieseker, CEO of the Remington Group.“I am immensely proud of our team for this achievement. Every area of our business contributed, proving our systems and processes are world-class. This certification not only recognizes our leadership in the field, but also gives our customers, suppliers, and employees, confidence that our operations meet international standards. ISO 9001 is becoming increasingly relevant in Papua New Guinea, especially when working with global partners and government, and this milestone positions us strongly for the future.”This certification reflects Remington Technology’s ongoing commitment to excellence and its role as the leader in PNG’s technology sector. It’s a reflection of its people, its processes, and its promise to deliver exceptional solutions to its customers.Remington Technology is a leading provider of business technology solutions and print services in Papua New Guinea. The company is committed to innovation, reliability, and world-class service that supports businesses across the nation.

The Morobe province and its people today saw the election of its new Governor to take the lead in the development and service delivery in a province that has a population of over 997, 000 people, the biggest in the country as per the 2024 National Census figures.The new Governor for Morobe is Pangu Pati's Rainbo Paita, the Member of Parliament representing the people of Finschhafen Open.  Paita steps into the Governor's position after the seat was left vacant following the sudden passing of the siting Governor, Luther Wenge at the Port Moresby General Hospital on September 13th, 2025. The election of Paita marks exactly two months of the passing of late Luther Wenge. Paita was contesting with the Member for Bulolo Sam Basil Junior and the Member for Tawai Siassi, Dr Kobby Bomarea. It was a close race, but Paita was eventually elected by the respective provincial assembly members as Governor. The election today took place at the Tutumang Haus in Lae city. 

The 2026 National Budget will be framed in a manner that will ensure the country is financially prepared to host a smooth national general election the following year- 2027.Prime Minister James Marape in a press conference after his return from COP30 in Brazil, made this known in advance of the tabling of the National Budget, which is coming late this month. He said the 2026 Budget will be framed to maintain Fiscal discipline while positioning PNG for a fair, credible, and well-funded 2027 National Election, with oversight from both Government and Opposition committees to ensure transparency. “Democracy thrives on fairness,” Marape said. “We will fund the 2027 Elections properly and allow every Political Party and citizen to participate freely.” He urged citizens to engage constructively and vote responsibly in 2027: “Vote with purpose. Choose leaders who can govern, not just talk. If you want a certain leader as Prime Minister, then vote for his Party’s candidates. That’s how Democracy works.” The Prime Minister concluded by saying the Government remains focused on the Economy and Service Delivery, not Political distractions. “The noise of Politics will rise, but let’s stay focused,” he said. “Our mission is to grow the Economy, empower our people, and bring Fiscal stability to Papua New Guinea.”

A total of 29 men has been arrested and are now detained at the Six Mile Police Station in Port Moresby to be interrogated and charged accordingly in relation to a fight that started between two groups of alleged men from Tari under the Erima Flyover Bridge.National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simatab, confirmed that police acted within five minutes to stop the armed men who were destroying the market under the Erima Flyover Bridge. He said that, according to information provided to the police, it was a retaliatory fight between the Tari men who fought among themselves yesterday at Nine Mile. “The group from Nine Mile retaliated because one of their members was injured yesterday. When they reached Erima, they started destroying markets, prompting the police to be alerted.” “The police responded and arrested about 31 individuals, including two community leaders, who were released to return and identify those who are still on the run.” “The suspects will be profiled, interrogated, and charged accordingly.” Met Supt Simatab further added that the police will work as a team to address such issues to ensure order in the city. He stated that retaliatory fights must not occur because there are avenues to resolve conflicts. In addition, he emphasized that police stations, village courts, community leaders, and parents are available to help solve issues. He also urged the public not to take the law into their own hands and instil fear in other innocent people living among them. Furthermore, Met Supt Simatab thanked the police officers for their quick response. He also thanked the Gordon’s Police Station Commander Senior Inspector Gabriel Kini, for leading the police officers to the scene. He said teamwork from all police units is what the command needs to help reduce such group fights in the city.

The University of Goroka (UOG) in Eastern Highlands Province, has announced the immediate suspension of studies for most continuing students, directing them to return home for the holidays, following a violent confrontation between students and members of the surrounding local community, particularly from the Ato Market area.Dr. Teng Waninga, the Vice Chancellor of UOG, released a statement informing the National Government, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (DHERST), and the public of the decision made by the University’s Top Management Team and Academic Senate, in consultation with the University Council. The conflict erupted when a student was confronted by local drunkards, leading to a massive fight. The clash resulted in significant injuries to students, with 51 students treated at the Goroka Base Hospital. Dr. Waninga confirmed that while most have been discharged, five students remain in critical but stable condition. The unrest also saw several staff houses destroyed and personal valuables ransacked. The University has committed to providing financial assistance to the affected staff. The Vice Chancellor stressed that these recurring events are stressful and undermine the core mission of providing quality teacher training in a secure and peaceful environment. Due to the seriousness of the fight, the lives of staff and students were severely endangered. Police presence from Simbu and Western Highlands provinces was immediately requested to protect the university community and state property. “They will remain on campus to maintain security and safety and provide confidence to the staff and students.” Since the student dormitories were severely damaged by the 2022 earthquake, students have been living in the surrounding local communities. All students living near the trouble zone have since been rescued and moved back onto the main campus for the University to care for them. Considering the safety of the university community and the need to maintain academic program quality, the Top Management and Academic Senate made the following key decisions: • Continuing Students: All continuing students are returning home for the holidays. Their remaining examinations will be conducted online from November 24th to November 29th, 2025. Tickets for TESAS scholarship students are ready and will be issued for travel. • Final Year, Content Up-grade, and Second-Year In-Service Students: These groups are being given a two-week break and are scheduled to return on November 24th to resume their studies. • Final Year Students Unable to Travel: These students will remain on campus under the care of the University. The University Council has resolved to commission an independent investigation and an in-depth analysis to determine the real cause of continuous disturbances by some surrounding community members. Dr. Waninga noted that repeated conflicts and disruptions have led to instability, great fear, and even resulted in several deaths. The findings are intended to provide long-term solutions. The UOG Student Representative Council (SRC) has appealed to the National Government, local members, Council, and Top Management to give immediate attention and priority funding to: 1. Permanent perimeter fencing. 2. Construction of additional student dormitories. 3. Maintenance of the damaged student dormitories. They appealed for their safety and security to be the top priority, with these requests to be addressed before the commencement of the 2026 academic year. The Vice Chancellor confirmed that these requests are being addressed by both the National Government and the Top Management Team. Dr. Waninga extended gratitude to Kinoka Feo, Robert Atiyafa, local leaders Leslie Hoffman and Jeffrey Sasuwo, and the Okiufa community for assisting in restoring normalcy. Appreciation was also offered to the Police Minister and Commissioner for arranging Mobile Squad members from Simbu and Mount Hagen, the respective Provincial Police Commanders, and the Defence Force Team from Igam Barracks for intervening and taking control of the situation. Finally, he thanked the Governors and elected leaders for providing funds to transport students to their respective destinations.

Prime Minister James Marape upon arriving back in Port Moresby city on Tuesday from the COP30 meeting in Brazil, announced that the country’s budget will continue to perform better each year.He reaffirmed that Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) Economy remains on a solid path, with consistent Budget performance exceeding 90 percent implementation each year since 2019. “From 2019 to 2024, we have closed our Budgets above 90 percent — despite global shocks like COVID-19,” Marape said. “Our government has been disciplined, transparent, and consistent in meeting our economic commitments.” He urged citizens, policymakers, and commentators to consult the Treasury website, where the Final Budget Outcomes and Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook Reports are publicly available for scrutiny. “Don’t listen to Political noise,” he said. “The facts are there. Compare every administration from 2010 to now, and you will see that this Pangu-led Government has delivered strong, honest Budgets.” The Prime Minister said PNG is steadily reducing its Deficit from a high of nearly nine (9) percent in 2020 to more sustainable levels. The target remains to achieve the first Balanced Budget since 2010 by 2027. Meanwhile, soon PNG will know just how much will be allocated for next year as the 2026 National Budget is expected to be tabled in parliament later this month.

An election related violence at the Kupiano town in the Abau district of Central Province was thankfully brought under control by police, preventing further escalation between the rival factions.  Thanks to the quick response by police, the situation is now under control with police closely monitoring the situation in the town where residents witnessed a nasty confrontation between villages over disputes regarding the counting in the Local Level Government election. Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle confirmed that his men are currently obtaining information regarding how the fight started, which led to an old man being seriously injured. "Two police units from the Central Provincial Police Headquarters and a unit from Kwikila had been deployed to assist the Kupiano officers. The counting for the LLG president that was supposed to commence at Kupiano yesterday was put on hold, awaiting the arrival of the police officers from Port Moresby to Kupiano station. We had received information about armed men traveling from Port Moresby to Kupiano station in support of the fight, and we are looking into that. Police are communicating with the community to ensure that those who want to take the law into their own hands will be arrested and charged," PPC Salle said. He further added that the counting for the LLG president will commence tomorrow, as per information provided by the election officials. He also called on the people of Wanigela, who are fighting, to stop fighting and observe the election peacefully. He said voting had been completed, and they are now into the counting and declaration of their leader. PPC Salle also thanked the Central Police Rural Commander and his team for their quick response to calm the situation down.

The Police Commissioner David Manning has strongly criticized the irresponsible and reckless actions of students and local villagers who were involved in a violent clash over the weekend in Goroka.Commissioner Manning confirmed the deployment of additional police from Mobile Squads and surrounding provincial commands had brought normality back to Goroka township. Commissioner Manning confirmed the violent altercation erupted between University of Goroka students and residents from a nearby village, on the evening of Saturday, 8th November. He noted that the crowd initially overwhelmed police officers, who had to call in reinforcements to bring the situation under control. “The Goroka General Hospital has confirmed that 40 students were admitted with injuries, and a number of vehicles and houses have been damaged. “Three police were also injured by intoxicated individuals throwing stones. The Commissioner expressed his concern at the quick escalation of the fight, and the haphazard response by the local police command. “The manner in which this matter escalated is of serious concern. The effectiveness of this policing unit is unacceptable. I expect better and more effective policing from provincial commands.” “I have directed an immediate review of the operational preparations and of the policing response to this matter, overseen by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Regional Operations).” “Internal Affairs investigators have been deployed to examine the actions of police on the ground and determine why a swifter and more professional policing outcome was not delivered.” “Until such time as satisfactory answers are provided, Mobile Squad members will continue to maintain a presence in Goroka. The Provincial Police Commander for Eastern Highlands Province and Police Station Commander for Goroka have been stood down from their duties.” Commissioner Manning called on the University of Goroka and student bodies to examine the behavior of students. “This sort of alcohol-fueled behavior is unacceptable. Students and surrounding communities have suffered as the result of alcohol-fueled stupidity. Commissioner Manning urged the University of Goroka and student organizations to reflect on student conduct, emphasizing that alcohol-related misconduct is unacceptable. He noted that such behavior has negatively impacted both students and nearby communities. “It is disappointing to see the escalation of a dispute that could have been quickly resolved if reported to police. “We need to put a stop to this culture of violence. Our educated youth must break from such practices. “There are many universities around our nation that have robust policies and professional cultures, which ensure that such acts of violence do not occur. “I expect that all universities take proactive steps to reinforce positive campus cultures and uphold high standards of student behavior. Leadership teams should work collaboratively with student bodies to promote respect, responsibility and accountability, ensuring that every student is aware of the consequences of reckless actions.” Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information is strongly encouraged to come forward and assist investigators.

The Governor for Madang Ramsey Pariwa, has assured the parents and guardians of Madang students attending the University of Goroka (UOG) at Eastern Highlands province, that his administration is addressing the issue of their safe retrieval back to the province. “It is a great concern that Madang Students attending the University of Goroka can not sit for their examinations this week due to a fight between the upper highlands students and locals around the campus.” “I have established contacts with authorities on the ground and kept abreast with the situation.” “The situation is contained, and all students are safe as I have been informed.” “I have already issued directives for the administration and provincial police to attend to Madang students and bring them home safely, and I assure a safe return home for my students.” Governor Pariwa added that according to the President of UOG Madang students, the students are waiting for the university to make a decision at this time. “Whatever decision being reached by the university we will be informed and we could all observe.” “I appreciate and commend the police manpower on the ground for stepping up and containing the situation.” “I also call on the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government and the provincial police command, including the Northern Mobile Group on the ground, to beef up security and address the situation to its core so that students must not miss out on their examinations for this academic year at such a time as this.”