Residents of Ward 11 in Watut LLG, Bulolo District, have received a boost to their community activities with a new set of musical instruments, courtesy of Watut LLG President, Waka Daimon. The instruments, valued at K30,000, were funded through the Ward Project Development program and will be managed by Loplam Parish of ELC Mumeng District. They will be used for church services, youth engagement programs, and community gatherings, offering a positive outlet for young people and promoting social unity. President Daimon emphasized that the initiative aims to keep youths actively involved in productive activities, reducing the risk of them engaging in negative behaviors. Ward 11 Councilor, Steven Yawing, and Loplam Parish Chairman, Yasasa Ngasigom, expressed their gratitude, highlighting the impact the instruments will have in fostering talent, strengthening faith, and bringing the community together.

A total of 227 students have secured financial support under the Wau-Waria District Tertiary Students Scholarship (WWDTSS) for 2025, with K869,695 allocated to cover tuition fees. The district administration received 298 applications—204 from new students and 94 from continuing students. After the screening process on February 3-4, the final number of recipients was 133 new intakes and 94 continuing students. Wau-Waria MP Marsh Narewec assured that payments are being processed, with BSP transactions completed, while payments to other banks will follow next week. “This scholarship is an important investment in our students’ futures. We are committed to supporting them in achieving their academic goals,” Narewec said. However, the process encountered several challenges, including technical issues with online applications, misplaced documents, and network disruptions that prevented some students from submitting their applications. Additionally, the number of continuing students who applied was lower than anticipated. The district administration is currently finalizing institution letters and bank receipts for student registration. Schools in Lae will receive theirs today, while those outside Lae will receive them on Monday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police for Northern Command, Peter Guinness, has raised alarm over the escalating security risks along the Sepik River, describing the border zone as an open “free-for-all” with no meaningful control over movement between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Indonesia. “There’s no oversight. People are crossing in and out without any regulation,” Guinness stated, likening the situation to animals moving across the border. He pointed out that border stations remain operational but are largely ignored, allowing unchecked passage between the two nations. Guinness emphasized that a lack of effective monitoring and insufficient personnel are major factors behind the vulnerability of the border. The majority of crossings are made by boat, with travelers paying up to K600 for a ride from Wewak to Bogia, covering the route via the Sepik and Ramu rivers in just a few hours. The Sepik River, with its intricate network of mangrove-lined waterways leading to Bogia, is another gap in security. “There’s no substantial control in these areas. To strengthen security, we need skilled, well-positioned personnel in places like Bogia,” Guinness said. In addition to boosting physical presence, Guinness called on the government to advance technology in border security. He pointed out the nation’s struggle to combat identity fraud and illegal crossings due to limited ICT resources. “Our ICT infrastructure is not robust enough to deal with threats like cybercrime or fraudulent digital activities,” he noted. “The government must address these gaps.” Guinness also advocated for more stringent regulations in telecommunications, proposing that mobile phone buyers’ identities—such as biometric data and phone numbers—be registered to aid in criminal investigations. He voiced concerns over delays caused by the visa process and urged telecommunications companies to collaborate more closely with law enforcement to ensure public safety. “The government needs to enforce stricter regulations on telecom companies to prioritize national security,” he stressed.

A Madang police officer and four others have been arrested and charged following the alleged brutal assault on pediatrician Dr. Jimmy Aipit and his family. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that Constable Greg Wii was disarmed and formally charged with multiple criminal offenses. “The accused policeman has been charged with four counts of wounding under Section 322 of the Criminal Code Act, one count of assault occasioning bodily harm under Section 340, one count of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and one count of abuse of office,” Baim said. Alongside him, four accomplices—Paliau Greg, Desmond Kolgia, Koni Jude, and Joel Kata—were also charged as principal offenders under Section 7 of the Criminal Code Act. Baim further stated that police bail was refused due to the involvement of a firearm. “Under the Firearms Act, any serious offense committed using a firearm does not allow for police bail. Only the courts will determine and grant bail,” he added. The case stemmed from a violent encounter that reportedly began when Dr. Aipit’s son was assaulted near Kalibobo House, leaving him seriously injured. Dr. Aipit took his son to Jomba Police Station to lodge a complaint. However, later that same day, the accused officer allegedly returned with a group, forced entry into Dr. Aipit’s home, and attacked him, his family, and others present. Dr. Aipit described being assaulted with knives, iron plates, and other objects, suffering multiple injuries. He also claimed that the officer, in uniform and armed, later threatened him and his children at the police station. The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, with medical staff at Madang Provincial Hospital calling for urgent measures to ensure the safety of health workers. The accused remain in custody as police investigations continue.

A senior doctor in Madang, Dr. Jimmy Apit, has accused a police officer of a violent assault on his family, alleging the officer was intoxicated at the time of the attack. Dr. Apit claims the incident began when the officer assaulted his son near Kalibobo House, leaving him with serious injuries. Upon taking his son to Jomba Police Station to file a formal complaint, Dr. Apit alleges the same officer later returned with a group, forcefully entered his home, and physically attacked his family and other residents. “I went outside, and he and his friends started attacking me with knives, iron plates, and other objects,” Dr. Apit recounted, adding that multiple people sustained injuries, including himself. He further alleges that when they returned to the police station to file another complaint, the officer, now in uniform and armed, resumed his assault, even pointing a gun at Dr. Apit and his children while issuing threats. Dr. Apit insists his son did nothing to provoke the officer and has since alerted both the Provincial Police Commander (PPC) and the Police Station Commander (PSC). However, he remains deeply concerned for his family's safety, saying they continue to receive threats. In response, Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, said the matter has been addressed. Meanwhile, medical staff at Madang Provincial Hospital have staged a gathering at the hospital premises, condemning the attack on their colleague and calling for immediate action to ensure their safety.

Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim has acknowledged the vital role played by the community in assisting police with information that led to the arrest of two highly wanted criminals involved in serious offenses, including armed holdups. Baim commended members of the Madang Residents Response Network (MRRN) and other concerned citizens for their vigilance and willingness to cooperate with law enforcement. "The arrests of these individuals highlight the importance of community support in our fight against crime. We greatly appreciate the information provided by the public, which has been instrumental in tracking down and apprehending these suspects," he said. Baim reassured residents that police would continue to act swiftly on credible intelligence and urged the community to maintain its commitment to safety. "Your continued cooperation is essential. By working together, we can ensure a safer environment for everyone in Madang," he added. Police are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities through the designated contact lines to help prevent further criminal activities in the province.

Kiura Yarti, a 52-year-old former police officer from Koropak village, was recaptured on Karkar Island after escaping from Beon Correctional Institution. He had been serving a 32-year sentence for willful murder when he managed to flee on March 27, 2024. Yarti’s escape was executed under the pretense of harvesting food from the prison garden, which allowed him to exploit the prison's security measures. His background as a police officer in Madang Province before committing the murder offense made him particularly dangerous. This experience likely equipped him with skills and knowledge that enabled him to evade capture for an extended period, raising concerns about his potential threat to local communities on Karkar Island. Police had received multiple reports of his presence and potential danger, leading to heightened efforts to locate him. After several unsuccessful attempts to capture him, fresh intelligence finally led the authorities to discover that Yarti had traveled from Bagbag Island to Karkar Island by boat. Acting on this information, police utilized an unmarked vehicle to maintain a low profile while tracking him down. The turning point in the case occurred on January 31, 2025, when officers stopped a PMV truck and found Yarti among the passengers. Following his arrest, he was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to Jomba Police Station in Madang town on February 1. Yarti will be returned to Beon Correctional Institution to complete his sentence, alleviating community fears about his presence on the island. In light of Yarti's recapture, Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, made a public appeal to others who may be on the run. He urged them to come forward, be processed, and finish their terms, emphasizing the importance of reintegrating into society and living a normal life. Baim's statement highlights a broader commitment to addressing issues of crime and rehabilitation in the community, aiming to encourage those in similar situations to seek a lawful path forward.

Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae city is at the forefront of cervical cancer treatment in Papua New Guinea, but challenges remain in meeting the demand for services. The hospital, which houses the National Cancer Centre, is currently struggling with a growing number of patients from Morobe and neighboring provinces. “We lack the resources and manpower to handle the increasing number of cervical cancer cases,” said Dr. Timothy Kink, a cancer specialist in Morobe Province. Efforts are being made to provide early diagnosis and treatment, but the limited availability of chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, and specialist staff are key barriers. Stakeholders are urging the government to allocate more funds to strengthen Angau’s capacity. Dr. Kink has called on the government and non-governmental organizations to step up their efforts in combating cervical cancer. “Mobile clinics should be deployed to remote areas where access to health services is a challenge,” Dr. Kink suggested. He emphasized that early detection could save countless lives, but without adequate funding and resources, this remains difficult. Dr. Kink also highlighted the role of NGOs in running awareness campaigns and providing affordable healthcare for women in underserved areas. He urged policymakers to make cervical cancer prevention a priority in the national health agenda. Cultural stigma and misinformation remain significant obstacles to cervical cancer prevention in Morobe Province. Dr. Kink revealed that many women in Morobe are reluctant to undergo Pap smear tests due to fear and societal taboos surrounding reproductive health. “In some communities, discussing such issues is seen as shameful, preventing women from accessing life-saving services,” Dr. Kink said. Health experts are advocating for culturally sensitive awareness campaigns to break these barriers. Engaging village leaders and churches is seen as a potential way to change attitudes and encourage early screening. Dr. Timothy Kink has emphasized the critical role men can play in preventing cervical cancer by supporting their families and promoting healthy lifestyles. “Men should encourage their partners, daughters, and relatives to seek regular screenings. They also need to practice healthy behaviors, as sexually transmitted infections are a major risk factor for cervical cancer,” Dr. Kink said. Dr. Kink also highlighted that engaging men in awareness campaigns could help remove the stigma surrounding cervical cancer and create a supportive environment for women to access healthcare. The message is clear: cervical cancer prevention is not just a women’s issue but a community effort that requires the involvement of men and women alike.

A specialist at the National Cancer Unit in Lae city has said that Morobe province has emerged with the highest cervical cancer rates in Papua New Guinea and is raising concerns about the provincial health system's ability to address the issue. Dr. Timothy Kink said inadequate health reporting and lack of awareness have led to delays in identifying and treating cervical cancer cases. “Morobe is among the leading provinces in the number of cervical cancer cases reported. However, we suspect the numbers are higher because many cases go undetected due to poor health services in rural areas.” Health experts are calling for increased resources for cervical cancer screening and treatment, particularly in remote areas of the province. The lack of awareness and poor access to healthcare in rural communities of rural Morobe is also a contributing factor to the cervical cancer crisis in the province. Dr. Kink stated that many women in Morobe seek treatment only in the advanced stages of cervical cancer. “Most women in rural areas are unaware of early warning signs and the importance of regular Pap smear tests.” The cultural stigma surrounding reproductive health further discourages women from seeking medical advice. Dr. Kink has called for community outreach programs to educate people about the disease and the importance of early detection.

A group of youngsters have developed an innovative way to source water for household use in the Morobe province. “Clean water is hard to find in our community, and it causes diseases like cholera and typhoid,” said Karen Abor, a Grade 11 student at Lae Secondary School, who is one of the members of that group. To solve this problem, youths from Tanam, Wampar LLG, created the "Pori Eco Drill," a portable and affordable water drilling machine made from recycled materials like old car parts and steel pipes. “This invention has already helped communities in Kamkumung, Igam, and Markham Bridge access clean water for homes, churches, and farms,” Karen said. The youths are now working to expand their project by partnering with organizations, training other communities, and improving the drill with solar power. “It’s amazing to see how creativity and hard work are making a difference,” Karen added.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Madang for the persistent sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl under his care. Madang Provincial Police Commander Acting Superintendent Robert Baim confirmed that the suspect had been abusing the child over an extended period of time. The victim was brought to Madang in March 2024 by her cousin sister who claimed they wanted to care for her as they had no children of their own. The family resided on Bemion Street in Madang District. “From the time the victim arrived in Madang, the suspect began mistreating her, initially using sexual gestures and touching her inappropriately,” Acting Superintendent Baim said. The abuse escalated in December 2024 when the suspect reportedly locked the child in a room and assaulted her over seven consecutive days while her cousin sister was at work. The girl was threatened with violence, allegedly warning her he would kill her with a machete if she reported the abuse. “The victim’s pale appearance and restricted movements raised suspicions among neighbors,” Baim said. “On January 10, 2025, a concerned female neighbor approached the victim, and the child revealed the abuse. The neighbor brought her to the police, where the complaint was officially lodged.” The 45-year-old suspect was apprehended by police and has been charged with Persistent Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abuse of Trust under the Criminal Code (Sexual Offenses and Crimes Against Children) Act 2002. Baim commended the neighbor for reporting the matter and urged the public to remain vigilant. “We encourage anyone aware of child abuse or similar offenses to report them immediately to the authorities,” he said. Police investigations are ongoing.

Farmers in Markham District are calling for better support as they continue to face challenges in growing watermelons, a crop they have cultivated for over two decades. The President of the Markham Smart Farmers Association highlighted the district’s ideal growing conditions for watermelons, which are known to be sweeter than those from other parts of the country. "Markham District is perfect for watermelon farming, and our crops have been thriving here for more than 20 years," said the President. However, a lack of reliable water supply is hampering their productivity. "Water is critical to our success, but we don’t have proper irrigation systems in place," the President explained. "The farmers rely on organic methods, purchasing seeds from stores, and planting without fertilizers. We grow our watermelons with our own hands, but we don’t receive any assistance or training from organizations," he added. The President also criticized the government for its lack of support for local farmers. "The government is not helping us, and we are farming out of our own determination and hard work," he said. Watermelon prices range between K5 and K50, but this fluctuates depending on water availability. "The inconsistent water supply makes it difficult to maintain stable production," the President noted. Farmers are also dealing with the impact of the redevelopment of the old main market, which has limited their sales opportunities. "Despite this, some of our farmers have managed to sell their produce to companies like Kainantu Mining," said the President. The President is calling for donor support to help address the water supply issues and provide essential training. "If we had the right support, we could improve our farming practices and significantly increase our watermelon production," he said.