The Commissioner of Police, David Manning, has reiterated his expectation of accountable and obligatory judicial transparency in carrying out court responsibilities following improper legal processes by an accused fraudster in an attempt to interfere with arrest warrants issued by the Magistrates Court, including the independent Court and extradition processes. According to Commissioner Manning, Mr. Samson Jubi the defendant from Daru in Western Province, is accused of misappropriating K52 million held in trust through an alleged shell company, Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Limited (OTFRDFL). The Accused’s latest legal attempt will be heard before the Magistrates Court in Port Moresby. “This is a long-running case that involves Jubi’s association with co-offenders, and which has seen 52 million Kina fraudulently diverted at the detriment of the people of Western Province,” the Commissioner said. “Western communities deserve justice.” “If Jubi has nothing to hide he would get on a plane to PNG to argue his case in court.” “His latest attempt to evade justice is through an application to the Magistrate’s Court in Port Moresby.” “I give notice to all involved in this process that their actions are being fully scrutinized, and any attempt to pervert the course of justice will result in charges being laid.” “I have the utmost confidence that the Magistrates Court will diligently consider the application that has been brought before it by the accused.” Manning emphasized that court proceedings are being closely monitored, warning that any attempt to obstruct justice will lead to charges. The Magistrate's Court is expected to carefully review the accused’s application. “The blatant criminality of the accused’s actions, the strength of evidence in this matter, and the diligent attention to court processes by investigators will be borne out in these proceedings.” Commissioner Manning said the details of this matter were fully examined by a Magistrate who duly approved and issued warrants for Jubi’s arrest, and now the matter must be heard in line with our laws. “It is alleged that beginning 15th February 2018, Mr. Jubi was appointed by the Ok Tedi Fly River Development Foundation Limited (OTFRDFL) as Company Secretary. “It was alleged that the accused and his law firm benefitted in the tune of K52 million which is part of the K268 million transacted from the Western Province Peoples Dividend Community Mine Continuation Agreement Trust Funds.” “The accused has fled the jurisdiction of our courts and now hides overseas.” Manning concluded reiterating the police’s commitment to bringing the accused to justice, and expects all parties involved in the judicial process to act in a transparent and proper manner.

A 30-year-old man was caught by Indonesian Special Forces (ISF) at the border while allegedly attempting to smuggle drugs across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to Indonesia on the Western province side of the border. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) conformed that the incident occurred on the 27th of May at Tanamera in Indonesia. Police have identified the suspect as 30-year-old Aiden Diro, from Obo Village along the Fly River in the Middle Fly District of Western Province. North Fly acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector Anjap Minata confirmed the report and said the suspect was caught by the ISF whilst stationed at the border of Indonesia and PNG. "The suspect is now detained in the Tanamera cell in Indonesia," confirmed the acting PPC. He said the drugs weighed 1kilogram and the intention of the suspect to smuggle the drug into Indonesia has not been established yet at this time. PPC Minata said security along the PNG- Indonesia border is tight, making it impossible for people to smuggle drugs and other illegal items across to Indonesia or into PNG. PPC Minata warned people in Western to refrain from engaging in illegal activities along the border as security forces will come down hard on them.

Three police officers have been detained by the NCD Police to allow for investigation to be carried out, following the shooting at the Waigani Market in Port Moresby city yesterday (Sunday, 26th May) that resulted in the death of a young woman. The Commissioner of Police David Manning confirmed this in a statement today, stating that a criminal investigation will be conducted to identify from the group the officer that was responsible for firing the round that fatally wounded the young woman. "The fact of this matter is that a young woman is dead from a gunshot wound,” Manning said. "From the briefing provided to me, it appears the police officer who discharged the weapon had not intended to shoot this young lady, but that is not the point. A woman is dead because a gun was fired. Commissioner Manning said following the incident he has further instructed a review of police procedures and the use of warning shots. The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is already introducing less lethal measures to control potentially violent situations, including the use of CS gas and beanbag rounds. "Just because a police man or woman has a loaded gun does not give them the right to shoot as certain conditions must apply. There must be an imminent threat to the lives of civilians or security personnel in order for a firearm to be discharged. "There will be clearer rules of engagement in confronting threats with the escalation of force to deal with threats clearly articulated." "That being said, these changes will not bring back the life of the young lady that has tragically died in this incident." "On behalf of the RPNGC, I offer my most sincere condolences to her family, and a commitment to ensure this matter is fully investigated and ensure justice is served." Commissioner Manning urged the community to remain calm while authorities conduct a criminal investigation, assuring the public that justice will be served. He also emphasized the need for police to exercise restraint and uphold professionalism during the process. "As Commissioner and speaking on behalf of all capable and dedicated police officers, I expect better and a more restrained use of force from our personnel,” said Commissioner Manning.

The Capital Rugby Union (CRU) President Kori Chan remains focused on developmental and representative objectives for the upcoming months ahead, as the 2025 Pepsi Capital Rugby Union (CRU) season advances. When interviewed by PNG HAUSBUNG on Saturday 24th May 2025, Mr. Chan reaffirmed CRU’s commitment to rebuilding representative rugby while strengthening community engagement through strategic planning. “We want to strengthen our referee base and run coaching and player clinics. These are planned for the coming weeks.” “We ran our rep program last year. This year we’re aiming for the same,” Chan stated. The Rugby Union administrator’s plan to feature teams such as the Boromas, Gargais, Magias, and Hananamu, across both the Open and Under-20 divisions for men and women. These teams not only foster elite development but also build pathways for aspiring athletes. A key highlight is the prospective end-of-season fixtures against Morobe and Daru, which remain dependent on budget and venue logistics. “Whether we do it in Daru, Lae, or here in Port Moresby, we're working on that. But we need to keep those provincial competitions alive,” said Mr. Chan. These inter-provincial clashes are instrumental in driving high-level performance and regional pride. Efforts are also underway to enhance female participation. Proposals include shifting Under-20 matches to Pomis Field to make space for Open Women’s games at Bava Park, reuniting families and enhancing crowd engagement. “The women bring families with them, and it helps build that community atmosphere again,” Chan explained. Chan emphasized the need to maintain rugby during tough national times, citing its importance as an emotional and social outlet for youth. “There are a lot of kids who depend on rugby… It’s how they express themselves,” he said. According to Mr. Chan, CRU is reinforcing its role not just as a rugby competition, but as a transformative force in the lives of young Papua New Guineans.

The USA Rugby Union icon Andrew Durutalo remains commitment to youth and women’s rugby development, declaring his mission to "empower through sport." A former Olympian and Rugby World Cup player for the USA, Durutalo visited Bava Park as part of a U.S. Embassy-backed sports diplomacy program. During his first-ever visit to Papua New Guinea, he spent some time witnessing the Pepsi Capital Rugby Union Premier Match at the Bava Park on Saturday May 24th. His message is clear: rugby should be a unifying force that lifts marginalized voices, particularly youth and women. “I’d love to see both the men’s and women’s Pukpuks on the world stage—especially at the Olympics,” he said, emphasizing that such representation would solidify PNG’s presence in global rugby. Durutalo praised the country’s passion and infrastructure, acknowledging the facilities at Sir John Guise Stadium and the Santos Stadium. However, he noticed a critical flaw of limited field access for women’s matches in rugby union scheduled elsewhere, diluting their visibility. “Having just one field makes it hard to integrate both codes equally,” he said. He advocated for shared platforms where women’s premier matches are played alongside men’s, ensuring inclusivity and public engagement. He also highlighted the broader role of rugby as a vehicle for youth transformation. “There’s so much rugby on a Saturday in PNG,” he observed, smiling. “It’s exciting, but let’s make sure we channel that into long-term pathways.” With sports diplomacy as his vehicle, Durutalo’s visit is planting the seeds of equity, visibility, and global aspiration in PNG's overall rugby communities. While envisioning PNG’s rise on the Olympic stage, he concluded saying, “Hopefully it happens soon.”

Possible eyewitnesses to the North Waigani Market murder and arson case on Monday 19th May in Port Moresby have come forward to assist with Police Investigations. The National Capital District (NCD) Police investigation team is currently being assisted by five possible eyewitnesses to seek justice for the four deaths and property damage in Waigani. NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika today Sunday May 25th, acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter and informed leaders in the Goilala Communities around Port Moresby including central province to allow police to carry out investigation into the matter. While in the presence of Central Provincial Member and Goilala MP, including the Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Met. Supt. Sika stated that the police are doing their best to ensure there are no new incidents following the Waigani incident. He added that concerns must be channeled through their leaders and emphasized that all concern or matter must be documented and brought to their elected leaders to be presented in parliament. Furthermore, Sika further added that Port Moresby is the city of all Papua New Guineans and does not belong to any one ethnic group or groups. He acknowledged the hard work each group of people has done in bringing the city to where it is now. He stated that everyone must respect each other. Meanwhile, Central PPC, Joseph Salle, pledged to work closely with the Met. Supt. to have the matter sorted out in a fair manner that satisfies all parties. He also urged people not to take the law into their own hands, but to assist police in the investigation. The four people who have lost their lives include two from Goilala, one from Enga, and one from Eastern Highlands.

The amazing 50th Anniversary -Pacific Story made the night come alive on Saturday by showcasing a series of spectacular performances at the Hubert Murray Stadium in Kone, Port Moresby city. The Hubert Murray Stadium’s visitors witnessed 12 exceptional presentations of dances, songs and story-telling performances by the Brisbane based Mamana Academy of Tongan Arts & Culture Inc. This successful event left event goers, guest and dignitaries mesmerized. Those present include NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Amazing Port Moresby Committee, Chair Mr. Moescope McCarthy, Lead Organizer and Laison Officer, Mr. Peniamina Leavi (Last week), Lead Organizer and Laison Officer (Today) Pastor Tevita Latu, Lead Organizer & Laison Officer Mr. Salote Mucunabitu (Next weekend), Pacific Community and TBC. The event represented diverse heritage of the Kingdom of Tonga, Cook Islands, Tahiti, and Hawaii, showcasing exciting and colorful displays from the performances, which included chanting, singing, dancing, swaying and smiling with heart. The event consisted of 12 activities such as. - The Talanoa- A pacific Early Missionary Story (Tongan) - Marina Davis- International Singer - Video- Film capturing the essence of the Pacific Story - Tongan Show- Mamana Academy of Tongan Arts and Culture - Cook Islands Dance- Heilani Production - Kingdom of Tonga- PNG with a link to Tonga - Tahitian Show from French Polynesia- Heilani Production - Tongan Dance- Tongan Tau’olunga (Dance to Honor the Kiribati family unable to be present. - Hawain Hula- Heilani Production - Tongan Dance- Tau’olunga Fakatokolahi- Upe o Manumataongo - Tahitian Fire Dance- Heilani Production - PNG-Tongan Community- Ma’ulu’ulu (Final performance) The Pacific Story festival aligns accordingly the NCD Governor Powes Parkop’s vision in September 2024 to bring together Asia Pacific countries that have stood alongside and contributed to Papua New Guinea’s development since 1980’s. Governor Parkop envisions a broader Port Moresby, Broader PNG, and broader Pacific in celebration of PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary. Next weekend on Saturday 31st, May 2025, will expect to see the Fijian take the evening away showcasing their traditional and cultural dances and songs, celebrating the companionship between the two nations leading into 50 years of independence of PNG.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has rejected more than 10,000 police recruitment applications to proceed into police recruitment training. While the almost completing recruitment drive, the RPNGC recruitment team is has rejected 12,308 applications out of 18,460 through the new portal system dues to missing required documents, being overage and low academic grades in English and Mathematics. Most of the candidates were eliminated due to no original documents produced during the screening and validation stage, no NID cards, failing of the tests and a good number of candidates didn’t show up at all. The shortlisted have been separated into two batches consisting of candidates from the Southern and Momase Region in batch-1 while batch-2 will occupy Highlands and New Guinea Islands Regions. 4014 candidates in the first batch have been shortlisted to proceed to the required stages of the recruitment training. RPNGC recruitment team has carried out a fair selection system throughout the country to ensure an equal and fair selection of qualified and genuine candidates irrespective to class or gender. Candidates will be qualified for the police training once they pass all the six required stages of the recruitment process. The stages include Screening and Validation, Testing, Interview, Medical Check, Physical Fitness and Reference Check. The first batch of 4014 applications represent candidates from, NCD, Central, Gulf, Milne Bay Oro, Western, Sandaun, East Sepik, Madang and Morobe Province. After thorough screening through the six official stages, only 236 out of 4014 have been shortlisted from that first batch. The RPNGC Recruitment team started on the recruitment process with NCD, Central and Gulf at the Bomana Police Collage and later divided into two teams to run the process in the provinces of Southern and Momase Regions simultaneously. The Recruitment Teams are on the final leg into the two last provinces which are Western and Morobe provinces. The total for the first batch will be made known once the team complete shortlisting from these two provinces. The first batch will be undergoing police training in June 2025.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Justin Tkatchenko warmly welcomed United Arab Emirates (UAE) Envoy of Foreign Affairs Minister Mr. OImar Shebahdeh in Port Moresby. While welcoming Mr. Shehadeh and his delegation to PNG, Minister Tkatchenko said this visit was timely as PNG is now working towards opening its Embassy in Dubai. According to Minister Tkatchenko, the Department of Foreign Affairs is now in the process of preparing for this to happen following the National Executive Council’s (NEC) approval to open the Embassy. “Our government through Prime Minister James Marape saw it fit that your country is advanced in many areas that Papua New Guinea would like to be a part of or work within that regard.” “Opening the embassy in your country is important for us as we do not have any representations in your region.” “Your country has developed in leaps and bounds in many ways; PNG can gain vast experience.” “We have an open-door policy so we appreciate any assistance and guidance that will make our countries and its people more efficient and prosperous,” Minister Tkatchenko said. Meanwhile, Mr. Shehadeh stated that they are ready to support the country across the board by giving PNG access to their state-of-the-art technical standards and knowledge and can identify sectors that would support both countries and can exchange in capacity building as well. “There is tremendous growth in this region, and Papua New Guinea in particular is the largest.” “If we are to be able to contribute even in a small way to the success story of your country, it will be our honour,” Mr. Shehadeh said.

Papua New Guinea's top stationary shop- Theodist, proudly announced on Thursday 22nd May its renewed sponsorship for the Rugby Union Team MBB Marlins. The sponsorship also symbolized the shared commitment to excellence, discipline, and community engagement upheld by both the Theodist brand and the Marlins team. The Corporate Development Manager of Theodist, Mr. Ryan Pini expressed pride in supporting the Marlins for another season. “We are excited to continue our partnership with the MBB Marlins. This team represents talent, hard work, and sportsmanship-values that align with our company culture. Supporting local sports is one way we contribute to the community,” said Mr. Pini. The Marlins team Coach, Rawali Bokuik, thanked Theodist for their continued support, saying the renewed sponsorship gives the team strong motivation heading into the new season. “Theodist has been a vital part of our journey, and their belief in us pushes us to aim higher,” said Mr. Bokuik. Meanwhile, Mr. Pini had a one-on-one session with the Marlins Team players after a photoshoot, sharing his experience on his mental and physical preparations for the Gold Win in 2006 Commonwealth Games as an inspiration for the lads. The MBB Marlins are looking ahead to a competitive season, with high hopes of securing top placement in Pepsi Moni Plus CRU & NiuPower CRUW Competition. With renewed backing from Theodist, the team enters the year with strengthened morale and momentum. This significant event celebrates the ongoing relationship between Theodist and the MBB Marlins Rugby Union Club, Premier Division men’s team.

The working staff of Oilmin Holdings Limited recently supported the Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGEN) blood drive, with the donation of blood to POMGEN Blood Bank. Folding their sleeves at the Oilsmin’s Procurement and Logistics site at Gerehu, exactly 21 employees donated blood on Wednesday. The donation drive took place at Oilmin’s Procurement and Logistics Site at Gerehu in Port Moresby. The considerate employees underwent a standard screening process, which included providing personal information, checking weight, and monitoring blood pressure before ensuring they were fit to donate one bag of 400 millilitres of blood. Oilmin’s General Manager, Fintan Lalor, stated, “Oilmin’s happy to support the blood drive with 21 employees donating today. Supporting a worthy cause and looking forward to ongoing support with regular blood donations to the Port Moresby General Hospital.” Under the leadership of POMGEN head of Blood Bank, Mark Fetodi, the process was smooth thanks to a dedicated team of Community Health Workers consisting of Sr. Francis, Nurse Aua Donald and Nurse Doreen Mawiromo. “Thank you Oilmin for coming forward to donate blood during your busy schedule. Each bag collected today has the potential to save 3 lives,” said Mr. Fetodi. The Donation Drive drew volunteers from Oilmin’s head office, Cutler Point facility and Gerehu locations to the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Office which was set up to allow the POMGEN blood bank team to carry out donations. To support the volunteers, Nature’s Café provided light refreshments which helped donors before giving blood and helped them recover quickly after. Oilmin’s contribution towards the blood bank comes at a crucial time following affirmation that blood donations are needed.

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) has confirmed that six hostages abducted against their will by kidnappers in Western Province remain unharmed. The Police Commissioner David Manning announced in a statement released today, Thursday 22nd May, that two criminals involved in the kidnapping have also been apprehended and a few hostages have been released as well. He said the tireless police efforts on ground and proactive security have identified the priorities including the safety of the hostages as the top priority, while restricting the movement of kidnappers. The case’s sensitive nature has kept police on their toes with ongoing Police operations to end the ordeal for those held captive, including limitation of further information until fully available. The abduction occurred in on the morning of 12th May, in Western Province near the border with Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces. The identities of the offenders including associates in this criminal activity have been revealed, according to the police analysis of intelligence and communications. Meanwhile, police have been briefed with directives to intervene swiftly with suitable tactical operations in line with operational planning while exercising patience, as an expected course of action by the people of Papua New Guinea. Due to limited aviation support in that particular region, police continue to face serious challenges. Ready access to appropriate aviation assets, including helicopters, is essential to the delivery of policing services to our remote communities. Police continue to work with government and private industry partners to identify sustainable solutions to aviation requirements that meet the current and forecast operational requirements of the RPNGC. Commissioner Manning strongly urged third party groups to let police do their job to free the hostages in a lawful manner and stay clear of the situation. Furthermore, Commissioner Manning emphasized the presence of attempt ransom negotiations with kidnappers by political elements, strongly stressing that such channel will not be tolerated, including the risk of weakening effective police operations.