Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Northern Command, Chris Kunyanban, has sounded the alarm over the illegal smuggling of fireworks into Papua New Guinea, calling it a persistent threat to public safety. Kunyanban said while the importation of fireworks is regulated by law, gaps in border security have allowed contraband to flow into provinces like Lae, Madang, Wewak, and even the Highlands. “Limited resources and stretched police capacity make it difficult to monitor and secure our borders effectively,” he said. He added that illegal fireworks often accompany other smuggled goods, including firearms. The issue was highlighted after the recent arrest of Delian Amia in Madang. Police intercepted a PMV truck in Bogia District and seized two large bags of firecrackers. Amia was fined K1,000 and sentenced to 12 months of hard labor. Kunyanban urged stronger collaboration between agencies to close the gaps in border enforcement and curb the smuggling of dangerous goods.

The Hidden Valley Mine’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture are transforming Nauti village into a thriving hub for coffee production. The mine’s legacy project, aimed at preparing landowner communities for life after mining, has brought essential training and tools to farmers like Mandra Jason. After years of hard work, Mandra said the workshops helped her boost both her skills and income. “The training changed how we work—it’s made us better farmers.” The support includes infrastructure like a coffee dryer house, helping couples like Shalome Raimon and Raimon Belris refine their operations. “The dryer house has been a game changer for us,” Shalome said. On Wednesday, the launch of the Tia Hanama Weta Co-operative Society provided further momentum, with Watut LLG President Waka Daimon presenting K50,000 to support the co-operative’s efforts. Another K50,000 will follow in 2025. “We are proud to see Nauti farmers advancing with support from Hidden Valley Mine,” Daimon said, urging the mine to continue partnering with the community to establish local production facilities. Nauti coffee is already making waves. It's being sold in Port Moresby’s Hilton Hotel and preparing for international markets in Australia. With Hidden Valley Mine’s guidance, the village is building a future of self-reliance and prosperity—one coffee bean at a time.

Police in Madang have apprehended a 35-year-old man accused of filming and distributing a video of two teenagers in an intimate act at Coronation Drive Reef, a recording that went viral on social media, causing widespread humiliation for the victims. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, identified the suspect as Mr. Hudson Pinga, of Korogu Village in Wosera Gawi, East Sepik Province. Pinga, who allegedly recorded the couple during their date, is accused of not only filming but also threatening, insulting, assaulting, harassing, and stealing from them before fleeing the scene. The suspect surrendered to police following intense social media backlash and discussions with his family. He has been charged under the Cyber Crime Act 2016 with: - Producing Pornography under Section 17 (1) (a) - Cyber Bullying under Section 22 (1) (i)During questioning, Pinga admitted to filming the couple with his smartphone and sharing the footage via the SHAREit app to two individuals, whose identities are being withheld as investigations continue. The video was subsequently uploaded to social media platforms, sparking public outrage. Acting Superintendent Baim confirmed that further arrests are expected as others were involved in circulating the video online. He condemned the act, highlighting the severe emotional and psychological toll on the victims, whose privacy was grossly violated. “This incident should serve as a strong warning,” Acting Superintendent Baim said. “What happened was a consensual act between the individuals involved. It does not warrant anyone to intrude into someone else’s privacy unless an offence has been committed. The Cyber Crime Act spells this out clearly. People must learn to think as mature, responsible adults and understand that the law is there to govern everyone equally.” He urged the public to refrain from sharing such content, warning of legal consequences for cyber harassment and privacy violations. Police investigations are ongoing.

Police in Madang province have taken a similar approach to that of police in Port Moresby city by increasing the bill amounts for offences committed in a move to deter increase in crime this festive season and onwards. Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Acting Superintendent Robert Baim said the aim is to ensure this festive period is safe and peaceful for all in the province. “We have increased bail amounts for summary offences to K1, 000 or more; similar to the measures in NCD and Central Province. Offenders engaging in group fighting will face bail penalties as high as K10, 000 per individual,” said the acting PPC, when calling on the public to be responsible this season. He said that Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and on that note, he appealed to everyone to avoid drinking and driving. Baim's message follows a fatal accident at Bagawa Bridge last week Friday, which claimed two lives and left two others injured. He also cautioned premises owners against playing loud music after 10PM and warned that the production and consumption of homebrew would be dealt with severely. “Life is precious and comes only once- take care of it. Be safe this Christmas and celebrate responsibly.” Meantime, Madang's water police will conduct surveillance to ensure small craft operators are not intoxicated while ferrying passengers this festive season. Madang police are committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful festive season for all residents.

A high-speed car crash on the Bagawa Bridge along Madang's North Coast Road last Friday 29th of November, has claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others injured. According to Madang Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the accident involved a Toyota Landcruiser that collided with the side post of the bridge before plunging into the river below. “Preliminary investigations suggest speeding and alcohol were major contributing factors.” The occupants had reportedly attended a social gathering earlier in the evening before the accident occurred. One victim died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries shortly after being admitted to Modilon General Hospital. The driver and one other passenger sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. Acting Superintendent Baim expressed sympathy for the families of the deceased and issued a strong appeal to the public to refrain from drink driving as the festive season approaches. The police have now launched an investigation into the accident.

The Wau-Waria District Development Authority (DDA) in the Morobe province has called for a complete ban on sales of cheap alcohol, which it says is fueling law and order problems in the community. District MP, Marsh Narewec alongside local leaders, has emphasized that the availability of low-cost, locally made alcohol is harming youths and straining community resources. “These drinks are cheap and accessible to young people. Instead of spending their lunch money in school, they’re buying alcohol,” the MP said when highlighting that cheap alcohol is now easily accessible by school aged children. The DDA had previously implemented a liquor ban in the district, but the provincial liquor licensing board lifted it. The MP is now petitioning the Morobe Governor and the board to reinstate the ban, citing the rising cost of dealing with alcohol-related problems, such as police response and medical expenses. “We spend more on fixing issues caused by alcohol than the province earns in revenue from it. This isn’t worth it,” he said.

The Naweab District Development Authority (DDA) is planning to expand its educational infrastructure, including building more classrooms and teachers’ housing, to accommodate an increase in grade 9 students next year. District Administrator Buds Botikie explained that the government’s decision to abolish grade 8 exams will affect the district’s education budget. With this year’s budget set at K1 million, the DDA intends to increase funding to address the growing number of students advancing to grade 9. “If grade 8 students move on to grade 9 without exams, we will need additional classrooms, teachers, and staff accommodation.” This follows the recent announcement of significant changes to the national education system, including the removal of grade 8 and 10 exams. Botikie mentioned that the district has been using its current education budget to improve infrastructure at both primary and secondary schools. A K2 million fund for the new Labuta High School is in place, with construction set to begin in January 2025. Meanwhile, the DDA has supported Boana High School with water supply and dormitory facilities. The district is also focusing on Naweab High School, which has recently transitioned to a secondary school. The DDA has built six staff houses, and the Morobe Provincial Government has provided a dormitory. Botikie emphasized that Naweab High School remains a key priority, with Bumayong and Malahang schools receiving less focus due to their location within Lae City.

Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent Jacob Singura has reported the arrest of a man allegedly involved in impersonating a police officer to rob a truck loaded with goods valued at around K400,000 in Markham District, Morobe Province. The incident occurred on November 5, 2024, when the defendant, Noel Fenga, and four accomplices allegedly dressed in police uniforms and set off in a blue, 10-seater vehicle, registered as BGA 613 and owned by Kekam Hire Cars. Their target was a white twin-steer truck carrying 200 cartons of "blangka," estimated to be worth K400, 000. Upon locating the truck in Leron Plains, the group reportedly approached and instructed the driver to stop. Mistaking them for police officers, the driver complied. The suspects then restrained him, tying his hands and legs, and blindfolded and gagged him before forcing him into their vehicle. One of the suspects then took control of the truck, driving toward Lae with the hire car trailing. As they reached Nadzab, the hire car ran out of fuel, and the group stopped at a service station. During this pause, the truck driver managed to free himself and, in an ensuing struggle, forced one of the suspects out of the vehicle. Though another suspect attempted to assault the driver with a knife, he escaped and alerted bystanders, who intervened and detained the defendant while the remaining suspects fled. Police subsequently arrested Noel Fenga, charging him under Section 97(1)(b) of the PNG Criminal Code for impersonation. Fenga appeared in court on November 13, 2024. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and further charges may follow as the case develops.

The Huon District in Morobe province, under the leadership of local member, Jason Peter, is making significant strides to improve the delivery of essential government services by collaborating closely with ward councilors, who have a deep understanding of the needs within their communities. The district introduced a new initiative that strengthens local governance by providing each ward councilor with up to K100,000 in funding. This move is designed to support critical community projects, empowering councilors to take the lead in addressing local challenges. “We’re working closely with councilors because they know what’s happening on the ground and I emphasize the importance of locally driven decision-making." The allocated funds will be used for a range of projects, including the construction of classrooms and the improvement of vital infrastructure. To ensure that these resources are used effectively, oversight mechanisms have been put in place to guarantee transparency and accountability at the grassroots level. Looking forward, the government is committed to long-term development in the district, with plans to construct a state-of-the-art three-story complex in Huon by 2027. The facility will house essential services, including healthcare, a police station, and community development offices, all designed to meet the growing needs of the district. Furthermore, this investment in both governance and infrastructure underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the capacity of local leaders and improving the quality of life for residents in Huon District.

Minister for Youth, Development, and Religion, Jason Peter, has underscored the importance of interfaith harmony and youth engagement as cornerstones of Papua New Guinea's development. Speaking recently after the presentation of funding and equipment to health and education programs in Huon District in Morobe province on Friday 8th November, Minister Peter highlighted his ministry’s efforts to foster unity and respect across the country’s diverse cultural landscape, which includes over 850 languages. The ministry has been collaborating with churches and cultural organizations to address religious intolerance and strengthen social cohesion. "The church is essential in promoting unity and therefore, initiatives are underway to build environments that respect and celebrate cultural diversity. In addition to promoting interfaith harmony, Minister Peter reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering young people through job creation and skill development programs. He emphasized the role of accurate data and cross-sector collaboration to improve employment outcomes for youth, addressing the nation’s unemployment challenges. He also stated that the combined focus on unity and youth development, is vital for creating a more cohesive and prosperous Papua New Guinea.  

Minister for Youth, Religion, and Community Development, Jason Peter, recently highlighted youth unemployment as a critical issue facing Papua New Guinea, linking it to growing social challenges such as crime and poverty. Speaking after the presentation of funding and equipment to health and education programs in Huon District in Morobe province recently, the Minister outlined plans for a new policy framework to create sustainable job opportunities for young people across the country. He emphasized the need for collaboration with sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to build viable career pathways. “Youth unemployment is a cross-cutting issue," the Minister stressed. In addition, he also noted his ministry’s partnerships with other agencies to support job creation in these field areas.

Zifasing Junior High School in Huon Gulf District, Morobe province marked a significant milestone with the graduation of its first Grade 10 class, celebrating both student achievement and community resilience. School Principal, Mr. Raj Paskal said the school has overcome a lot of challenges since opening in 2021. These challenges include limited resources and infrastructural issues because it is the only junior high school for the Wampar Local Level Government (LLG). Prior to the opening of Zifasing Junior High School, students had to travel to other districts to complete their studies. Despite missing out on government tuition subsidies, the school, supported by K100,000 from the Morobe Provincial Administrator and contributions from families, managed to serve its 340 students. The community’s efforts underscore their commitment to education, showcased at the graduation of 106 students. Principal Paskal commended the 106 graduates for their resilience. “Our students have thrived despite the challenges," he said Since its opening in 2021, the school has provided vital access to higher education locally. Established with K650,000 from the District Services Improvement Program under former MP Ross Seymour, the school now provides essential education for Grades 9 and 10. Principal Paskal expressed pride in the school’s mission to “sprout to flourish,” offering quality education locally. Meantime, continued support including K400,000 from Morobe Governor Luther Wenge for future infrastructure, aims to expand the school’s impact on Wampar’s educational landscape.