The SP PNG Hunters delivered a thrilling performance under pressure in Round 9 of the Hostplus Cup at Bishop Park, Brisbane, edging out the Norths Devils 24-18 on Sunday afternoon. Both sides came out firing with physical intent and structured play from the opening whistle. From the opening whistle, the Devils struck early with two quick tries in 15 minutes through Blake Paskins and James Flack, converting both to jump to a 12-0 lead. However, the Hunters showed outstanding control, responding with a try by Solo Wane after sustained pressure near the Devils’ try line. Trevor Solu’s successful conversion and a well-timed penalty goal minutes earlier brought the Hunters within range to level the score board. Alex Max added to the Hunters’ momentum with a final try, topping off a strong attacking phase that levelled the score 12-12 into half time. With both sides locked at the break, the second half promised fireworks, and it delivered. The Devils came out strong in the second half with a try from Jacob Gagan in the 54th minute, briefly swinging the momentum back in their favor. But the unshaken Hunters, held their defensive line firm and struck back ten minutes later by Jamie Mavoko’s try, converted by Solu, leveled the scores once again at 18-all. With the game hanging in the balance, the Hunters dug deep and found Sanny Wabo crashing over the try line in the 76th Minute, which proved to be the match winning try. Solu's third conversion sealed the deal at 24-18. It was a victory that demonstrated the heart, discipline, and brilliant execution from the Hunters in their overall aim to bring home a win. The Hunters didn’t just survive pressure; they bloomed in it. The SP PNG Hunter’s ability to respond after falling behind early, combined with cool-headed decision-making in the closing minutes, marked them as a side growing in maturity and belief. With this win, the SP PNG Hunters will continue to build momentum to take on the Blackhawks in Jack Manski Oval Townsville in round 10 of the Hostplus Cup.

Pacific Island artist shook the Hubert Murray Stadium during the historic Float Festival evening program on Saturday 17th May 2025. The thrilling performance by Marina Davis, DJ Noiz, Kennyon Brown and Birna Butta sent a wave of excitement to all the Pacific Island groups present during the evening, singing and dancing to their hit songs. The initial performance saw Samoan Born Singer Marina Davis captivating the stadium with her dynamic vocals singing pacific anthems and additional covers in the presence in the Prime Minister James Marape and National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop. Despite the drizzling rain pouring over the stadium, the aura of excitement grew momentum as Samoan/Tonga Descent DJ Noiz stole the crowd and floor with his fans and followers locking in every song integrated into his slick remix. Meanwhile, DJ Noiz took almost ten minutes of trending songs with pure DJ action and finally introduced Sydney Based Singer/Rapper Kennyon Bown to the stage, taking the crowd to the next level of exhilaration. Kennyon Brown smoothly performed his hit songs that left the crowds wanting more pacific style music. He even played his new hit single “Hula Hoop” that put the crowd on their toes. Just when the show was coming to an end, Samoan and Philipino Musician Bina Butta entered the stage in style singing her favorites effortlessly alongside Kennyon Brown, toping of the night with some melody and harmony. The performance saw the definition of a Pacific Family celebrating with the diversity in tradition and custom, as the strength that unites the pacific region as one pacific family as mentioned by New Zealand High commissioner Peter Zwart. The ongoing rain did not down the crowd’s energy as they kept enjoying the thrilling performance from the pacific artists. The float festival evening program was a success as the festival fulfilled its purpose to bring together and unite the pacific groups pf Tuvalu, Samoa, New Zealand, Maori, and Papua New Guineans under one main cause of celebration to commemorate the upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary

The Minister for Information Communication and Technology Timothy Masiu says Media Freedom in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is protected and not being suppressed by the government. Minister Masiu made this commented when interviewed by PNG HAUSBUNG just recently in light of the concerns about the state entities suppressing media freedom. Masiu stated that, “Papua New Guinea has a clean media since Independence in 1975 and that’s enshrined in our Constitution allowing free speech and expression.” “While we have instances of individuals challenges the status of media reports including attempts in the past to control media. Media Freedom is a right that no-one should be challenging, just like you have the right to speak and ask me the question.” “Media Freedom is something this government under the leadership of Prime Minister James Marape will always protect to have vibrant and good media in our country,” said Minister Masiu. Moreover, he mentioned that journalists who tend to distort or alter news implies corrupt or disorder in Media Freedom or in that particular area of expertise published. According to Minister Masiu, following the recent tension between Kalang-FM100 and Talkshow host Callighen Tanda, the decision was made by the Kalang board and management and the circumstances that led to the suspension were unknown. Meanwhile, he stressed that PNG Media has improve very well in the 2024 World Media Freedom rankings, PNG media has climbed up to 71st placing last year. “We are gaining grounds to making sure media is protected, media is given freedom do the job,” “I am sure we can keep going if we implement our media policy review.” “I am strong on free media and support the freedom of speech and expression, and I am strong on being responsible on the freedom we have in our constitution,” Minister Masiu said.

The Sir Hubert Murray Stadium came alive this weekend hosting the successful “Asian Story & Pacific Story” cultural Float Festival in Konedobu, commemorating the Papua New Guineas (PNG) 50th Independence Anniversary Port Moresby. Hubert Murray stadium celebrated the Float Festival the entire Saturday 17th May 2025, led by the National Capital District (NCD) Governor Powes Parkop which saw a rich display of tradition, music, and unity. Governor Parkop joined officials and community leaders for the opening flag-salute ceremony honoring New Zealand, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Samoa and American Samoa, celebrating and reinforcing the spirit of unity. The opening performance set the tone for the program designed to showcase the cultures of the nations of the pacific through dance, music and song. The highlights of the Float Festival included the Samoan owned fashion house Tanoa hosted a vibrant Pacific fashion show between performances, with models displaying island-inspired textiles and designs. The customary groups from Kiribati, Tuvalu and Samoa shared traditional story dance with drumming patterns on stage, highlighting their heritage through Cultural dances. This includes New Zealand’s champion of Te Matatini, (Kapa haka troupe) “Te Kapa Haka o Ngāti Whakaue” performing a powerful haka, thrilling the crowd with fierce chants and choreography. Meanwhile, the night sky was set ablaze with a festive fireworks display, capping the celebration in true jubilee style, leading into the evening concert. The final afternoon concert featured DJ Noiz, DJ Kennyon Brown and singer Bina Butta, who kept the energy high with their trending hits. The performance includes the Samoan-born singer Marina Davis taking the evening with her acclaimed Pacific anthems and addition cover songs. Governor Parkop emphasized that the festival highlights a cultural exchange, emphasizing the value of preserving cultural traditions and fostering regional unity. The historic Float Festival successfully brought Port Moresby’s communities together to celebrate Pacific diversity, fulfilling its goal of promoting cultural pride, inspiration, and togetherness.

The New Zealand High Commissioner was pleased to share positive words for the historic Float Festival at the Sir Hubert Murray stadium in Konedobu, Port Moresby. Speaking alongside the NCD Governor Powes Pakop, New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Peter Zwart acknowledged the special festival as a splendid celebration to commemorate the upcoming 50th Independence Anniversary for PNG, among the Pacific Island groups. “This year is an exciting year for PNG, and we are excited for this event that lies ahead of us.” “I think it’s a wonderful way to kick off PNG’s 50th Anniversary of Independence." "It’s a big and exciting year for PNG.” “It’s special to open this event to remind us that PNG is part of a great, diverse and wonderful pacific family, that we are all pacific nations together in all our diversities.” He emphasized that the event is breaking barriers for our pacific nation’s identity. Watching interaction and the feeling of seeing such a strong exchange of cultural and traditional understanding is a feeling of joy and pride. “Write it in the Heavens, write it in the earth, write it in the hearts of all people." "What is the greatest thing, it is love and it over to us to build toward that.” “I think this is a festival of Love between all of our pacific Nations and of course the Asia region.” Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the pacific groups including the public for celebrating the moment of truth among themselves to build and enjoy a festival of love heading into the 50th Independence Anniversary of Papua New Guinea.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, National Capital District/Central Commander Benjamin Turi has stated road accidents are becoming a major Issue for Police especially in the National Capital District and Central Province. Commander Turi said this in an interview with PNG HAUSBUNG at the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) NCD and Central Command Head Quarter’s in Port Moresby, this week. According to Commander Turi, Police are overwhelmed with road-accident with frequent reports reaching his desk. However, police tireless hard work has always managed to respond to all cases. Commander Turi further emphasized that the city drivers are becoming more reluctant to act accordingly toward traffic laws, including passengers onboard whether private or public vehicles. This reluctant behaviour on the road has led different forms of road accidents including hit and run, road-rage, On and Off-Road collision, and heated arguments between drivers which sometimes lead to violence. He stressed that days leading up to weekends tend to stimulate these behaviours, resulting in minor and major vehicle accidents on and off the road. Such frequent alcohol related incident demonstrates no respect towards traffic rules. “Every weekend now, road accidents are all alcohol related. When heading out from clubs with a blurry vision, it’s wise to take a cab.” said Commander Turi. Acknowledging the rise and frequent road incidents including personal experience on city roads, Commander Turi mentioned himself witnessing a fatal road incident at the Waigani traffic lights resulting in a woman’s death. He emphasized that the lack of awareness in traffic while getting off the PMV onto the road led to this outcome. Commander Turi urged the pedestrians and drivers to have full awareness of road traffic rules for drivers and passengers, as it serves as guidelines and protection during future encounters on and off the road. Turi reiterated the importance of road safety and security as it can avoid fatal outcomes. The frequent road accident locations in the city have been identified as Gordons freeway, Hohola freeway, Waigani freeway, Gerehu freeway, Taurama, 8mile freeway, and Hanuabada, while hotspot locations in central province include Tubusere, Rigo, and seem to depend on road and weather conditions, including condition of drivers. “Drivers must drive in speed limit during morning, day or Night. People are always moving, and drivers must acknowledge this.” NCD and Central Police are always on their toes responding swiftly to road accidents. Police will penalize drivers accordingly for the reckless and abuse lack of awareness once committed the any road violation or crime.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) has provided an update via a media statement today on WNBPG Kimbe Cutter forward (10) Ray Amos who was taken to Port Moresby General Hospital on Sunday following his try at four minutes and five seconds into the first half. Unfortunately, Mr Amos sustained a serious neck injury in the match. He received immediate treatment from two doctors, who are part of PNG NRLC game day staff, and he was transported to hospital by St John ambulance within minutes of the incident. He underwent surgery on Sunday night and remains in a serious condition. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Hondina, stated that PNGRFL is working closely with the WNBPG Kimbe Cutter Club management and Mr Amos’s family to ensure that the best medical help is given. “This is an unfortunate event, and I have met with the family at the hospital to reassure them that Mr Amos will receive the best medical health. As a game we continue to ensure that he gets the best treatment available. Please join me in praying for Ray and his family at this time. The rugby league family as a whole will provide all needed support.” “PNGRFL would like to make it clear that Mr Amos was taken to Port Moresby General hospital on direction of the on-field doctor as POM Gen has the best Neuro team and upon directions from his doctors." The PNGRFL Match review committee have met and the General Manager of PNGRFL Pathways and Performance Tony Archer, has released the findings. “As part of our normal process all matches in the Digicel ExxonMobil are reviewed for any possible foul play. We undertook a rigorous review of all angles of this incident. There is no evidence of foul play. The Viper’s player, Gairo Voro was sent to the Sin Bin following the scoring of the try. There was no action Gairo Voro that related to foul play.” Mr Archer added that our thoughts and prays are with the Ray, his family, the club and the boarder rugby league community at this time and we will continue to support all those affected by this incident. “Supporting each other in difficult times is one of things that make the game of Rugby League great.” PNGRFL will provide update on Mr Amos condition and treatment over the coming days.

The Public Transport Vehicle (PMV) driver responsible for the death of a mother and injuring her son at Angabanga village in the Central province will be charged for Murder and attempt to evade a road accident. The Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police NCD/ Central Commander Benjamin Turi clearly emphasized to PNG HAUSBUNG on Monday 12th May that the action taken by the driver was intentional and will face two charges. “The driver knowingly ran over the mother after she had attempted to confront him for running over her son.” “If the driver was confronted by a gunman and ran over the gunman would be a self-defense action, however this was different,” said Commander Turi. The deceased mother has been identified as Victoria Mapai, a mother of seven. According to Turi, the victim witnessed her son's hit and run accident on Wednesday 7th, May 2025 at Angabanga Village by that particular driver. While traveling to seek medical attention for her son, she caught up and confronted the driver at Calvert Corner, however, the driver in his attempt to flee the scene ran her down with the route 600 PMV. The driver is believed to from Gulf Province; he will be transported to Port Moresby and will be charged accordingly. Commander Turi stressed that this suspect will face two charges, “Willful Murder and Hit-and-Run.”

A 37-year-old man from Sigabaduru Village in Western Province, was arrested by Daru Police and now in police custody for the rape and wounding of his stepdaughter on Monday 3rd March 2025. The perpetrator was apprehended at Sigabaduru Village in Western Province through a police dawn raid following the report of the incident on Wednesday 30th April. He was apprehended and taken to Daru Police Station. South Fly Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent Gideon Kauke confirmed that the suspect was married with two children. According to reports, the initial incident occurred when the victim was forced into having sex with the stepfather; however, the victim later managed to run away from the bushes, escaping the stepfather and managed to find the main track leading to the village. The stepfather followed her and attacked her with a machete, cutting her three times on her body. The stepfather was married to her (victim’s) mother for almost 14 years. PPC Kauke stated that the victim, who sustained serious injuries, was first taken to Saibai Island for medical care that day and later medevac to Cairns, Australia, for further treatment. Moreover, PPC Kauke confirmed that the suspect also threatened to kill his wife and the stepchildren from her previous marriage after the incident, including immediate family members of his wife which triggered them to flee the village and seek refuge on Saibai Island, close to the border of PNG and Australia. PPC Kauke said the reason was that the suspect forcefully threatened to marry the victim but upon an unsuccessful attempt he resorted to violence. The Daru Transnational Crime Unit is leading the investigation to get further information from the victim since the victim is now in Australia's territory. “We are now collecting statements, medical reports forensic examination report, affidavits of medical practitioner and any other information that is deemed helpful for the investigation” PPC Kauke said. Furthermore, PPC Kauke stressed that information would greatly support the investigation and prosecution of the suspect through counterparts of the Australian law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that legal action is necessary to deter others from engaging in similar illegal activities. PPC Kauke thanked Daru Transnational Crimes Unit officers for providing effective leadership and successfully producing results.

The people of Simbu have been urged by Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Mazuc Rubiang to report any Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) incidents to Police. PPC Rubiang made this announcement in a statement dated 6th of May 2025, following four (4) alleged SARV cases posted on Social Media (Facebook) despite no formal report to police regarding any of these cases. The social media post also claimed that the police and Tribal Foundation are working on addressing it; however, the PPC said this is untrue because no formal report had been lodged with his office relating those four incidents. The four cases are similar in nature. Two occurred in Gumini and the other two cases in Kerowagi. The cases include; a woman who was burned in her small hut (Gumine), a young man (in Gumine) who was brutally murdered and thrown into a toilet pit, a woman and her son who were chopped (Kerowagi), and another report of a woman who was tortured and thrown alive into a toilet pit, claiming (Kerowagi). "My office had not received anything regarding these cases posted on Facebook, so it might be false. I have to confirm with my respective police station commanders," he said “So far, Simbu province is quiet, and if such incidents are happening in remote parts of the province, people must report them to the police so we can seek help from our leaders to assist the victims. Do the right thing, my Simbu people," said PPC Rubiang. Meanwhile, PPC Rubiang is calling for close collaboration with all police officers and government officers, so timely information is circulated to responsible authorities to assist. PPC Rubiang warned that those spreading misinformation will be investigated and charged. He is urging them to stop doing that, stating that false reports could damage the province's reputation. The PPC concluded by acknowledging and expressing his gratitude for the good work his police officers continue to do in the province.

Central Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Joseph Salle calls to driver responsible for the death of a women at Angabanga along Hiritano Highway to surrender to police. PPC Salle made this urgent call in a statement on Thursday 8th May, following the hit and run incident on the evening of Wednesday 7th May. PPC Salle confirmed that the woman was killed in the road accident between Angabanga and the Berina/Trans turnoff and Police are actively in pursuit and searching for the whereabouts of the driver after fleeing in the vehicle towards Kerema in the Gulf province. Acknowledging the roadblock and damaging of passing vehicle as retaliation from the relatives of the deceased along the Hiritano Highway, Salle called the perpetrator to surrender. Thanks to the swift response of Central Police from Berina and Doa on Thursday, the roadblock was attended to along the Hiritano Highway. However, PPC Salle is warning public vehicles travelling along the highway to be cautious as people may use the recent death to cause any further trouble. Police units are at the accident site patrolling and engaging with relatives of the deceased to remove the roadblock and restore highway access for other vehicles. "I want to call on the driver of the vehicle to surrender to the police and let the road be free," Salle said. "My police officers are onsite to talk to the relatives of the deceased to remove the roadblock as soon as possible. It is an accident, and we are investigating it." The PPC thanks the Police Station Commanders of Doa and Berina and their members, plus other support units, for that responding to the incident and the roadblock. "I am sorry for what had happened, and I assure the relatives that the driver will face the full force of the law," PPC Salle said.

The (FM100) Talkback Host and Government Relations Manager Mr. Cullighan Tanda responded with serious concerns following his three-weeks suspension without pay issued by Kalang Advertising Limited (FM100) on April 22, 2025. Mr. Tanda responded in a formal letter addressing to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Bill Wartovo, questioning the fairness, transparency, and possible external influence behind the disciplinary action. The veteran broadcaster’s response highlighted critical procedural issues such as the specific policy he allegedly breached. Tanda argues that his unpaid suspension was unfair and procedurally flawed, as it was imposed suddenly without prior discussion or chance to respond. He emphasizes that standard disciplinary steps, such as verbal and written warnings and a performance improvement plan were skipped, making the decision seem excessive. In his case, none of these preliminary measures were followed before resorting to suspension, which he believes undermines standard workplace protocol. He contends that disciplinary action should be based on transparent procedures to ensure fairness. Tanda’s formal response implied a controversial perspective, highlighting the possibility of political or personal interest holding all the cards in Kalang Advertising Limited. The formal response argues that his suspension resulted from the alleged lack of prior notice regarding East Sepik Governor Allan Bird’s appearance on the FM100 Talkback Show. Tanda suspected that the suspension may have been driven by external political pressure, quoting CEO Wartovo as saying he had received a call "from the top" expressing dissatisfaction with the interview and that FM100 needed to remember it was “a government station.” Additionally, Tanda emphasized that this directive appears to contradict the Media Council of PNG’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practice 2024m Part 1 (2) on Accuracy and Balance which warns against the influence of political or personal interference in editorial decisions. Tanda reiterated that the interview booking was handled by producer Ms. Celina Wollom, according to consistent practice, and that late confirmations are common in live broadcasting. Tanda also pointed out that the CEO met with the Governor before the show and had the chance to raise concerns but did not, questioning the fairness of the suspension. Tanda further expressed distress over the removal of the interview from FM100’s Facebook page. Despite Mr. Tanda’s significant contribution to building the station's online presence, he has also been revoked administrative access. Moreover, Tanda attended a Special Parliamentary Committee on Communications today, Friday 9th May 2025, to address clarity on what had transpired. The Session led by Chairman Marsh Nerewec and Committee Member Governor Sasindran Muthuvel. During the session, Media Council President Mr. Neville Choi identified that it is not the first time this has happened to media professionals under Telikom PNG. He pointed out that James Guken of EMTV was also terminated after writing an article quoting Allan Bird. Sharing a mutual understanding on media freedom, the Chairman and Governor Muthuvel will now convene with the full committee to decide on whether there needs to be an inquiry into these matters of Telikom terminating journalists. Meanwhile, Verteran broadcaster claims the ordeal has caused great unjustly misperception towards his professional and personal reputation, restricting his public and social engagement. He reiterated his commitment to responsible media integrity and freedom, stressing the continued success and public trust in the Talkback Show, recently awarded Best Radio Program at the PNG Media Awards. Following a lengthy controversial misalignment that led to his unfortunate suspension, he has requested the immediate lifting of his suspension, settlement of withheld salary, a public apology, and a contract review. The Veteran Broadcaster’s bold response signals deeper concerns about press freedom, transparency, and political influence in Papua New Guinea’s media landscape.