The Commissioner of Police David Manning urged community leaders in to control community matters and prevent violence in the local communities in Enga Province. Manning addressed this directive this week following the death of five people as the aftermath of the tribal fight between Poreyalin and Kalyimb tribes of Kompiam in Enga Province over recent days. Commissioner Manning has confirmed that Police have intervened following a deadly fight and said five people were brutally murdered in fighting between the two villages that he described as a disgrace that is once again a failure of local leadership to control their tribesmen. “Time and time again weak community leadership results in death. These leaders must take a look at themselves and think about the devastation that they allow to take place.” “Weak leadership by elders not only allows this violence to happen but encourages it.” “This becomes a police issue when community grievances are not addressed by community leadership, leading to fighting and death.” “Local leaders have to take responsibility, lead their people to peace and break this unacceptable cycle of violence.” He condemned the actions of these tribesmen describing them as disgusting in which this behavior is keeping their people disadvantaged.” “How can they expect to have a better life for their children if they continue to have these disgraceful fights. Tribal violence has no place in a modern Papua New Guinea.” “Police will respond, arrest those responsible and work to prevent bloodshed, but we cannot arrest our way out of this situation.” Commissioner Manning called upon the leaders of Enga, from elected leaders to village leaders, to wake up and intervene to save their own people. Meanwhile, police investigations and community intervention remain ongoing under the command of the acting Provincial Police Commander and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Regional Operations). Although the Commissioner’s directive of control and prevention was pointed to the People of Enga Province, it was serves as a general waring to all tribal groups in every province to allow police to settle violent conflict to prevent death and destruction.

The Gas Resource Central Dabaris closed out their season on a high note, dominating the WNBPG Kimbe Cutters with a convincing 42–14 victory on Saturday 16th August. The Dabaris came alive at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby in the final round-18 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2025. Despite both sides entering round 18 outside of finals spectrum, with the Dabaris sitting in 10th place and the Cutters in 12th on the ladder, the contest carried pride and momentum for the offseason, and it was the Dabaris who stamped their authority in the stadium. Although the Cutter’s Dickson Morrison struck first to raise early hopes, the Dabaris Junior Hoki, Vane Manume and Douglas Pirika quickly found rhythm and surged ahead, piling on tries through their attacking power and sharp backline combinations. By halftime, the home side had built a commanding lead 12-4 despite successful conversions, showcasing strong ball movement and discipline. In the second half, the Dabaris kept their foot on the pedal, adding more tries to keep the scoreboard ticking by Gary Parika, Wara Kalamo, Bartholomew Evi, Alfred Pai and Douglas Pirika. While the Cutters Norman Bulda and Michael Tiliio managed to cross the line twice after the break, their defensive lapses left them chasing shadows as the Dabaris sealed the match with eight tries in total. Dabaris Nathan Kora was reliable off the boot in the second Half, converting five tries, while the Cutters managed just a single conversion from Gend Punde. Although two Dabaris players spent time in the sin bin, their dominance ensured the setbacks had little impact. With this result, the Dabaris end their 2025 campaign on a positive note, while the Cutters finish at the foot of the ladder. Dabaris Head Coach Solomon Kuniniasi proudly emphasized the strong finish to demonstrate preparations for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2026 Season. Attention now turns to the Elimination Rounds next weekend, where the top eight teams will battle for the 2025 Cup.

The Moni Plus NCDC Pom Vipers delivered a hard-fought 16-10 win over the Wamp Nga Mt. Hagen Eagles at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday 16th August 2025. The Vipers demonstrated finals momentum in the last and final round-18, of the 2025 Digicel ExxonMobil Cup before heading into the elimination stages in the upcoming weekend. Sitting third on the ladder, the Vipers struck early through two tries by Francis Mandom and Gilmo Paul in 30 minutes, before Ezra Sakaia added another in the 53rd minute to cap off the home side’s attacking edge. Jamie Mavoko added one conversion and a penalty goal to seal the scoreboard pressure. The Eagles, who entered the match in seventh place, hit back late in the first half through Elijah Peter and Lynchill Kiap, with Sakias Komati converting one try. The First half 10-10, displayed an intense match test yet to come in the second half. However, the Eagles second-half push was blunted by errors and a costly sinbinning of Vincent Neri, halting any hopes of stealing a late upset. It was a disciplined, resilient performance from the Vipers, who now head into the elimination rounds as genuine contenders. For the Eagles, the narrow defeat leaves questions over consistency and discipline as they prepare to fight for survival in the finals.

A confrontation this morning in  Port Moresby city between a Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) bus driver and members of the G4G  team at Gerehu, led to  buses temporarily stop work in protest. The incident occurred at the main bus stop area at Gerehu, ignited by an argument between a Gerehu route Bus-Crew and a member of the G4G (Gerehu 4 Gerehu) neighborhood watch team at 8:30am, which then led to a stand- off which ended at around 11:00am. Apparently, it was during a routine police road- check exercise in preparation for the 50th Independence Anniversary that the incident occurred. Police officers from Gerehu intervened and successfully deescalated the situation after almost 3 hours. The National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent, Warrick Simitab confirmed that the driver of the PMV bus was then taken to Gerehu Police Station for questioning. Meanwhile, Simitab pointed that drivers of unroadworthy vehicles tend complain and resist compliance at police road checks. An issue that needs serious addressing by police and road authorities.

A male adult from Porgera, Paiela of Mt Kare and Tari wanted for a series of crimes since 2017 was shot dead by the State Security Forces at Paiam in Enga Saturday 19th July, 2025. Acting Assistant Commissioner (ACP) Highlands West, Joseph Tondop in a statement today Friday 15th August, confirmed that the fugitive was shot on a polling day of the Paiela Hewa Local Level Government. The deceased fugitive was responsible for crimes ranging from attempted murder to willful murders and rape. According to police reports, the deceased fugitive was responsible for the murder and death of a police officer in 2020 in Porgera. ACP Tondop emphasized that on Friday July 18, 2025, the man armed with a pistol went to a polling station next to the Paiam police station and caused a scene and later fled. The fugitive then reappeared the next day on Saturday July 19 in Porgera on polling day for Paiela Hewa at Paiam field where he was shot. “It is alleged that the fugitive had threatened citizens who had gathered to exercise their right to vote a candidate of their choice at the polling station. The State Security Forces intervened and shot him on his legs. The PNGDF Medical Team on site attended to the injury but he died due to the severe blood lost from both legs. This is regrettable and is subject to police investigations.” “We have standard protocols when investigating State Security Forces associated shooting incidents. Good and bad citizens are entitled to equal protection of the law.” “I urge the immediate relatives of late O Kiru to respect the due process of the law and support the investigations. Police will document the death of O Kiru, and investigation files will be presented to the coroner for his determination and ruling into this matter.” “I have directed Commander Investigative Task Force for the State of Emergency (SOE) Command to assign an independent investigator to obtain statements from witnesses and assist the coroner.” “In the interim, I am reviewing media statements made by the immediate relative and a named community leader in a Haus Karai in Port Moresby,” ACP Tondop said. ACP Tondop urged the deceased’s family to respect legal procedures following public statements regarding the incident. He confirmed the State Security Force members performed their lawful duties, and the case will be formally investigated with a report submitted to the coroner. ACP Tondop added that it is no secret that everyone in Porgera is aware the deceased is a dangerous criminal and responsible for serious crimes. Media statements would be reviewed and actioned appropriately. The State would use its powers to deal with any person who thinks they are above the law. Furthermore, ACP Tondop emphasized that everyone is equally protected by the law and urged those aggrieved by state procedure to pursue legal counters through court rather than resorting to unlawful retaliation. He cautioned any retaliation attempts by any group in Porgera or Tari to undermine the law would not be tolerated, and that the full force of the law would be used to maintain peace and order in the region.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Chief of Administration Dr Philip Mitna has announced a directive of the disposal of all existing police vehicles starting this month until December 2025. DCP Mitna addressed this in a statement this week, emphasizing the Board of Survey (BOS) Task Force under directives of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) will conduct the stock take and transparent disposals. The RPNGC BOS Task Force responsibilities will include physical inspection, assess, evaluate, and report on the conditions of all unserviceable or obsolete vehicles currently held by the RPNGC in all the provinces and regions and recommend appropriate disposal options, including public tender, in line with the Public Finance Management Act and the National Procurement Act. Commissioner of Police, David Manning, in conformity with the Public Finance Management Act requirements and the National Procurement Act, issued instructions for the RPNGC BOS Task Force to immediately undertake the inventory and embark on a disposal plan from now until December 2025. The Task Force team will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer of the National Procurement Commission (NPC), Mr. Joe Sapa and his team on this exercise. “We aim to take stock and efficiently dispose of all the old fleet, especially when the government is supporting the RPNGC re-fleeting program,” DCP Mitna said. During the first inaugural meeting at Police Headquarters on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, DCP Mitna stated that the BOS Task Force reflects a commitment to strengthening transparency and responsible leadership. Moreover, the team comprises of police transport officers, internal finance staff, the internal auditor, and a plant inspector from the Department of Works and Highways, whose primary role is guiding and assisting the RPNGC BOS Task Force team.

Minister for International Trade and Investment Richard Maru, acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the New Zealand (NZ) Government for supporting the Papua New Guinea (PNG) SME sector. Minster Maru voiced this in the presence of NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxin and Significant Entrepreneurs, in his address at the New Zealand Economic Support Morning on Wednesday 6th August, 2025. The event saw Prime Minister Luxon and NZ Government supported Entrepreneurs through the Business Link Pacific (BLP) Program, providing business advisory services, concessional lending, and grants, with a particular focus on supporting women-owned businesses and those in rural areas. Minister Maru stressed his appreciation to the NZ Government for its support in providing seasonal employment opportunities and for assisting PNG in developing the SME sector, on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government. “Apart from the BLP Program, the New Zealand Government has provided significant financial assistance for the upgrade of the Gordons market, Kimbe market and now the Lae market.” “Markets are where most of our SMEs and mothers from the informal sector sell their products and we want this to be replicated in the rest of the provinces and districts in the country to support our mothers and sisters.” Moreover, Maru highlighted the PNG Government’s consistent annual investment of over K100 million in SME loans over the past seven years, along with new grant support for the Women’s Microbank (Mama Bank) to improve financial access for women. He pointed out 50, 000 register SME’s currently and emphasized the need to expand, train, and empower more entrepreneurs. He announced a new K100,000 export grant per SME from NEC, aimed at helping businesses reach international markets through a competitive bidding process. “This grant will be handled on a competitive bidding process. More details will be announced soon. Our Government is ready to drive the growth of the SME sector.” Additionally, Minister Maru whilst acknowledging New Zealand for being a very dear friend to PNG over the last fifty years said both countries needed to seriously look beyond just having a diplomatic partnership and anchor the relationship through a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) going forward. “One of the chapters that we want to write in this Agreement is how New Zealand will support us to grow our SME sector, support our entrepreneurs and look for their markets in New Zealand.” Furthermore, Maru reaffirmed PNG’s firm stance against joining the PACER Plus trade agreement. Emphasizing national sovereignty, he stated that PNG is a large island nation with its own resources, population, and unique challenges, and must prioritize its own national interests over regional trade commitments. “As we take a stock take our last fifty years, there is so much to be done and we need partners like New Zealand to help us unleash the potential that we have always had as a country.” “We need genuine partners like New Zealand who will help us to build industries, grow our businesses and create employment.”

The Gas Resource Central Dabaris produced a ruthless attacking display to defeat PRK Gulf Isou 36–18 in Pawa Meri Round 17 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. The Dabaris displayed a resilient effort taking down the Gulf Isou in a towering points defeat at the National Football Stadium in Port Moresby on Sunday 10th August. Dabaris got on the board early through Nathan Kora, before Elijah Kimba extended the lead in the 32nd. Kora struck again just after halftime and completed a stunning hat-trick in the 41st and 65th minute, underlining his dominance. Moreover, late tries from Willie Bire and Heni Rawa after the 70th minute sealed the emphatic victory. Meanwhile, it was a stop-start afternoon for the Gulf Isou, after an unlisted opening try in the first minute, Felix Beki added a try and converted his own try to keep them in touch. Ryan Tom and Martin Paisoi’s try efforts after the 50th minute briefly reignited hopes, but missed conversions proved costly. Dabaris were flawless from the kicking tee as Kora converted all six attempts, while Isou managed just one from four. Both sides showed attacking flair, but Dabaris’ execution and perfect goal-kicking separated the two. Isou had their moments but could not contain the relentless pressure from the visitors. Although this victory boosts Gas Resource Central Dabaris’ confidence, Dabaris and Gulf Isou stand no chance to secure critical points to stay in the upcoming finals. While Isou hoped to take a win to scoop points for a potential chance into the knockout finals, the Dabaris withdrew that opportunity through ensuring their defeat. Both Teams remain outside the top 8 in the 2025 points-ladder, and both their chances has been exhausted.

The Papua New Guinea (PNG) SP Hunters ran through the Western Clydesdales in emphatic fashion, securing a commanding 48–12 victory in Round 20 of the Queensland Hostplus Cup. It was a ten-try showcase of attacking precision, speed, and relentless pressure from the home side at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city today. The match sparked to life in just the 2nd minute when Judah Rimbu crossed for the Hunters, assisted by super full back Sonny Wabo. Although Clydesdale’s Emry Pere hit back in the 10th minute, the Hunters shook it off as Solo Wane and Sanny Wabo capitalized on defensive breaks before utility Robert Mathias sealed a dominant first-half display. After the break the floodgates opened further in the second half with Alex Max extending the lead, followed by a double brace from Douglas David from the 50-60th minute. Meanwhile, Mathias bagged his second, and Manisa Kai and Jordan Pat rounding off the assault in the final 20 minutes. The Clydesdales’ only second-half brief-relief came from Joseph Litidamu in the 71st minute, but it was nowhere near enough to halt the Hunters’ momentum. Despite Clent Lama successfully converted 4 from 10 conversions, his team’s scoring streak kept their momentum in front of their opponents, while Corey Fenning slotted two for the visitors. The only blemish for the Hunters came in the 79th minute when Epel Kapinias was sin binned, though by then the outcome was already decided. This result not only cements the Hunters’ attacking prowess but also sends a clear message to their competition rivals as the season heads into the business end. The Hunters now look to move into the 7th position on the Points Ladder. The hunters will recover and prepare to face the South Logan Magpies at the Santos NFS on Sunday 17th August 2025 in Port Moresby.

The Kroton Hela Wigmen delivered a commanding 40–10 victory over the West New Britain Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Pawa Meri Round 17 on Saturday 9th August. The Wigmen dominated the full 80 minutes, overwhelming their opponents with a relentless eight-try performance at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby city. Wigmen wasted no time asserting dominance, with Trevor Solu opening the scoreboard in just the second minute. Douglas Tandaku followed soon after in the 16th minute, and Kaupa Sipa added a third try at the 28-minute mark. McWin Worinu extended the lead with a try just before halftime, sending Wigmen into the break with firm control. The Cutters found early resistance, breaking moments when Robert Namarove crossed in the 10th minute, and Anthony Longa added another in the 31st. However, they were unable to sustain momentum against Wigmen’s well-planned attack and disciplined defence. The second half saw Wigmen’s firepower on full display as Solu bagged his double in the 50th minute, Manu Kame touched down five minutes later, Worinu completed his brace in the 58th, and Stafford John sealed the win with a try in the 78th minute. From the kicking perspectives, Wigmen converted 4 from 8 attempts, with Lote Kuman and Solu in the first and second half, adding the extras. The Cutters managed one successful conversion from two attempts through Gend Punde in the 32nd minute. Both teams displayed flashes of brilliance, but Wigmen’s superior finishing, strategy in attack, and relentless pace were too much for the Cutters to contain. This dominant victory cements Kroton Hela Wigmen’s position as a formidable force in the Top 6, while the WNB Kimbe Cutters face an uphill battle to recover as the competition tightens into the finals. The Wigmen will face the East New Britain Rabaul Gurias on Saturday 16th August 2025 in Rabaul, while the Cutters are set to face the Gas Resource Central Dabaris on Sunday 17th August in Port Moresby.

The women’s East New Britain Rabaul Gurias team dominated the NCDC Moni Plus Pom Vipers in Round-2 of the Santos Cup today at the Santos National Football Stadium, Port Moresby. The Gurias relentless efforts proved their commitment to achieving victory. Although the Gurias started early with two tries by Charlene Hauara and Irene Luava, the Vipers on home grown retaliated with two tries before half time by Josephine Howard and Josephine Wesu. Both the outfits saw only one successful conversion from their tries. Gurais Willamina Hauna and Vipers Winnie Kusalai successfully converted 2-points bringing their point to meet at 10 points-all. However, the Gurias kept pushing and slowly gained momentum for progress. The progress in the form of Willamina Hauna scoring the final winning try, sealing their victory over the Vipers despite its initial failed conversion. Despite a challenging second half for the Vipers, Vipers kept their pace in defence and attack until Willamina ran through a weak defensive line securing her try. The Gurias proudly took the win 14-10 at fulltime. Their competitive nature proves they are a formidable team in the Santos Cup season and must be carefully observed.

The Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) proudly congratulated seven (7) PNG female players following their Australia National Rugby League Invitational Try Outs in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. The Seven domestic female players to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity consist of PNG Orchids and Santos Cup players, two based in Australia while five locally based. The seven players include Belinda Gwasamun (Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles), Leila Kerowa (Gas Resource Central Dabaris), Josephine Howard (Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers), Marie Biyama (Western Clydesdales), Meli Joe (Wamp Nga Mt Hagen Eagles), Sareka Mooka (Northern Pride) and Yolanda Taute (Bintangor Goroka Lahanis). The seven were accompanied by PNGRFL Physical Performance Manager, Edward Guise and Coach Manager, Stanley Gene who both also participated as a Sports Trainer and Assistant Coach, respectively, for two of the four teams. PNGRFL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Hondina embrace the selected players who had fulfilled physical Benchmarks and skill assessment. He said that it was a great opportunity for the female players to demonstrate their ability in front of scouts and NRLW Clubs. “The opportunity allowed the seven to execute their learnings in an environment with other talents from around Australia.” “The event also brought together the most promising non-NRLW players from across the Pacific and provided a platform to showcase their skills, allow them to grow in confidence, and immerse themselves in a professional high-performance environment.” “The seven PNG players had an opportunity to perform in front of NRLW club representatives, with the potential to earn future playing opportunities and professional contracts.” “The tryouts had four teams, and the seven players were placed into separate teams, which allowed them to participate in an unknown environment and showcase their skills.” “Our staff also participated and was a great capacity building and exchange of experiences for both sides to learn from.” Moreover, the selected seven also witnessed the Magic Round for NRLW and the 5 domestic players have returned back to their clubs to participate in the Santos Cup.