The much-needed relief supplies for the Murua Island community impacted by Tropical Cyclone Maila, arrived last night on board MV Whiskey Sierra, much to the delight of the people. According to the Acting Disaster Coordinator of the Milne Bay Disaster office, Mr. Randal Ganisi, the vessel set sail for Murua on Monday morning on a two-day trip and reached that island last night. “This is our first official respond right after Tropical Cyclone Maila eased down, this is a planned 7-day operations to Samarai- Murua District which is the most affected, 2 days trip on sea to the district, 3 days relief operations and 2 days return trip back to the mainland.” Mr. Ganisi highlighted that this is a joint effort with the Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority, the Red Cross and the Fire service with a total of 14 first responders led by former Milne Bay Fire Service Commander, Iso Abau. They are right now on Murua Island. “Physical environment assessment will be made and then food items as well and non- food items will be distributed. After distribution of relief supplies, medical services will be made available to those that need medical attention.” After Murua Island, the team will move on to Ego Island and then to Yanaba Island before returning. Mr. Ganisi further stated that at the moment there are two navy ships in Alotau ready to provide aid with disaster relief work on outer islands of Milne Bay Province. “We also have disaster relief supplies of food items and NFI brought in by an Australian Defence Force plane and a New Zealand Defence Force plane, and these supplies will be loaded on to the two Navy ships to be distributed to all the affected communities on all the small islands affected by tropical Cyclone Malai.” “We are grateful for the assistance given to us by our partners and neighbors Australia and New Zeeland through their military, this will definitely bring relief to the affected.” Ganisi added that depending on the severity, the most affected is Budibudi Island in the Samarai- Murua district followed by other islands in the district. Other islands in the Kiriwina Good Enough district and the North Coast of Milne Bay mainland also were impacted. With the disaster assessment underway as well as the disaster relief program, the disaster office acknowledges the Milne Bay Provincial Government for being the first to provide K100,000 disaster funds, also acknowledging Alotau District Administration for another K100,000 for disaster relief, whose contributions have helped kick off the assessment and relief programs right after the cyclone. “Further acknowledgement to the Provincial Disaster Office, the National Disaster Office and partners including the New Zealand Government and the Australian Government for assistance,” Ganisi adds. “We are aware of fundraising for disaster relief happening in Port Moresby and Lae, we acknowledge the strategic approach and the collective efforts put together and we appeal that all proceeds be given directly to the Provincial Disaster office for clear management and fair distributions to affected communities.”

The category 5 Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila is expected to return to PNG territory in the early hours of Thursday morning and move towards southwest over the next couple of days.According to the Papua New Guinea (PNG) National Weather Service (NWS) TC Maila is currently in the Solomon Islands territory. Mr. Lusete Laso Mana, the Acting Director, stated that when TC Maila returns, it will be at slow transit speed along its path towards southwest, which will cause catastrophic wind gusts and unprecedented rainfall accumulation and structural fatigue. “This will lead to flash flooding, king tides, landslides, and coastal inundation, while houses, power poles/lines and trees to be blown off and potential communications breakdown to be expected in the outer islands of Milne Bay Province.” Now, the areas under alert include Rossel Island, Sudest Island, Misima Island, Woodlark Island and Kiriwina Island in Milne Bay Province and South Bougainville in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. The areas on watch for gusty winds and rainfall include provinces in Southern Region, Momase Region and New Guinea Islands Region. “As such, the National Disaster Centre, with technical advice from the National Weather Service, urgently urges the Milne Bay Provincial Administration to inform people in the above-mentioned islands to move to inland high-grounds and safe places.” “Furthermore, restriction must be made for small crafts or vessels to go out during this time and prepare any emergency kits or life-saving supplies on board when travelling out to sea,” Mr. Mana added. For provinces under watch, take all necessary precautionary measures to minimize potential risks from TC Maila, the National Disaster Centre is issuing this warning to all maritime provinces and calls for immediate preventive action. The Centre will continue to work closely with relevant technical agencies to monitor the situation and provide further updates.

It is nearly three (3) months now since the forced eviction that took place at the 2 Mile Hill illegal settlement in Port Moresby city where thousands of people- mostly families from Goilala in the Central Province, were displaced.The Central Province Disaster office which came to their assistance, confirmed that there are more than 4,000 people that were evicted, 700 of them children and 301 households affected. Central Province Disaster Coordinator Mr. Tamai Ipou stated that the evicted people have settled temporarily at the Moniogo area in Badili under makeshift shelters at the Kassman residence. Mr. Ipou also highlighted that the central provincial disaster office is grateful that the National Disaster Office has taken notice of the displaced people and came on board to provide humanitarian assistance to the victims. In a partnership with the Central Provincial Disaster office, the National Disaster Office presented all non-food Items, humanitarian supplies, blankets and tents as well as food rationing worth K50,000 to assist the displaced people. Speaking at the presentation of the relief supplies at Bautama, Central City on Thursday 19th March 2026, the Acting Director for National Disaster Centre Mr. Laso Mana acknowledge IOM, Red Cross and UNDP for partnering with National Disaster Centre in supporting the humanitarian aid and donations. Mr. Mana said it is devasting to lose a home and when the Central Provincial Disaster Centre took the lead in assessing the damages and providing aid, National Disaster Centre saw fit to come on board and give support as well. By Friday 20th March 2026, all the donated Items were equally divided among the households. The distribution of the relief assistance was done by teams from both National Disaster Centre and the Central Provincial Disaster with the help from youth volunteers.

The National Disaster Centre and the National Weather Service have issued a notice of the formation and movement of tropical cyclone Narelle.The Tropical Cyclone Narelle has developed a few kilometers southwest of the Sudest Island in Milne Bay Province and the system is generating converging winds that are drawing in deep atmospheric moisture from surrounding regions, resulting in very strong winds and intensified weather conditions.  In addition, the cyclone is contributing to increased rainfall during an already wet period currently being experienced across Papua New Guinea. This is expected to lead to flooding and flash flooding in river systems nationwide. Areas under close watch for strong winds and heavy rainfall include Milne Bay— particularly the islands of Rossel Island, Sudest Island, Misima Island, and Samarai Island. Also, other areas that are under surveillance during this period is Central Province and Gulf Province. “The Momase Region and New Guinea Islands Region are also expected to experience strong winds and significant rainfall.” “The Highlands Region is advised to expect continued rainfall, with heightened risks of flooding and potential landslides during this period.” Currently, the National Disaster Centre urges the public to take all necessary precautionary measures to minimize potential risks. “Maritime provinces are strongly advised to suspend the operation of small craft vessels and avoid open sea travel.” Communities in the Highlands and inland areas should remain on high alert for possible flooding and landslides as well. The National Disaster Centre is issuing this advisory to all provinces and calls for immediate preventive action. The Centre will continue to work closely with relevant technical agencies to monitor the situation and provide timely updates. The public is advised to contact National Disaster Centre Operations on 325 2312 or email info@pngndc.gov.pg or visit www.pngndc.gov.pg to report any disaster events. Furthermore, the public is advised and encouraged to visit the nearest provincial disaster offices to report on any disaster situation.

The Mt Bosavi Sustainable Agriculture Development Initiative (SADI) is now focusing on sustainable agriculture and tourism projects for the people of Mt Bosavi.Chairman Mr. Andrew Awabi stated that Mt Bosavi SADI is happy to be the recipient of a four-day training that was held by Tourism Promotion Authority from the 7th -10th of this month March in Mendi, Southern Highlands Province.“Five members of SADI including myself attended that training, and it has help us to understand the opportunity and potential Mt Bosavi has in the space of Tourism”, said Mr. Awabi. MR Awabi also added that the Mt Bosavi SADI has been working very hard to bring in changes, to create sustainable livelihood for the people of Bosavi and develop cash crops. “SADI has introduced cocoa, vanilla, coffee to the people of Bosavi so that they can also earn money through production of cash crops.” “SADI also introduced new methods of farming under the Agri- Tourism, whereby farming is done in a way that it sustains climate change and mitigation changes.” He further noted the lack of road access as one of the biggest struggles for the people of Bosavi to connect with the rest of the world, due to no road, basic services are still inaccessible, and economic opportunity is still difficult. “Financial problem is the biggest issue faced by SADI and the people of Bosavi, we are calling on developers, non-government organizations, partner donors, provincial government and our LLG president to promote and support our local Agri projects as well as our livelihood projects”. “Nipa Kutubu DDA has started road projects to connect Bosavi but was never completed and it’s been years, we want to be seen, we want to be accessed, we want better lives for our children.” “It’s 50 years since Independence, we want road link into Mt Bosavi region so that all our rich agriculture projects and cash crops can find its way to markets, this is SADI’s biggest desire.”

The Ox and Palm Cup now called “The Last Man Standing”, is all set for the month of March where the fight will be massive with titles on the line. This is the time where fighters from all local Kick boxing clubs send in their best fighters to do battle in 5 divisions to determine who will be the last men standing to win it all. PNG Kick Boxing Federation President Mr. Stanley Nandex highlighted that all clubs and fighters are now gearing up for the event which will commence on the 28th of March which is just next week Saturday. Mr. Nandex clarifies that 8 top fighters from the 5 divisions will make their way to the finals and the last man standing take the price. “This fight will attract fighters both locally as well as overseas, and its focus is entirely on the Armature level.” This is one avenue where we create opportunity for our young fighters to gain experience, as well as getting the chance to expose their skills in the ring for promoters to scout, and if they are lucky, they can be paid by promoters, thus also giving them the chance to make it to the pro-level. “This armature fights are hosted, so from these fights we build their confidence in the ring, give them more ring experience, thus promoting them to the professional level,” said Nandex. Nandex also highlighted that arrangements have been made with the K-1, a professional kickboxing promotion founded and based in Tokyo, Japan, to take in PNG’s best fighter to compete in their fights. “The PNG winner here will have the opportunity to go take part in the K-1’s 8 men circuit around the world fighting against the world’s best fighters and the last men standing will win the K-1 showdown grand fix.” Nandex further added that unlike in the past, more promoters are now showing interest in the local fighters and PNG Kick Boxing Federation is looking at pushing, grooming and exposing more of the local talents, so they can be scouted by promoters and be able to start their professional career and earn money from it.

It has been nine months since destruction followed a suspicious death that left 25 houses torched down and more than 100 people, including children, displaced.The victims are still waiting for police intervention and provincial government support on Kairuru Island, East Sepik province. Displaced families from Rumlal, Surai, Shovir and Sislal villages met with the PNG Tribal Foundation last Thursday to find solutions to help them return to their land and bring in police for investigations. The visit was supported by East Sepik Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Christopher Tamari. The Tribal Foundation team visited the affected families who are now living in Wom Village and are in desperate need of assistance and proper investigations into the incident, which followed suspected sorcery allegations that led to widespread destruction on Kairuru Island since last April. Shovir Village spokesperson, Mr. Emmanuel Sperir, said the island has become lawless. “There is no form of police presence or investigation, and it is almost a year since the locals took refuge at Wom Village,” Mr. Sperir said. “We know the suspects who are group of individuals, including community leaders and councilors, who acted upon rumours of a death allegedly caused by sorcery and destroyed innocent families’ homes. Houses were burnt, gardens destroyed, and valuable properties stolen.” Displaced mother Lorraine Kalinau, 43, who survived with her six children, said she has lost hope and is surviving only on sago; she lost her home and gardens when she fled Rumlal Village. “It was 7pm, I was in the kitchen cooking when a group of men ran into my house and started attacking us.” “I grabbed the children and ran out, my younger brother, Livingston Kalinau, a 10-year-old boy, was slashed on his left arm with a bush knife and now has permanent scars.” “God protected my family when we escaped. We only had the clothes we were wearing when our home was set on fire,” she said. Another victim, Mr. Douglas Kalinau said this is not the first time locals have blamed sorcery for deaths. Several similar incidents occurred a few years ago, forcing victims to flee their land and some are now living with relatives in Maprik and Yangoru districts. He said police have done nothing to properly investigate the incident or hold those responsible accountable. PNG Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin assured the families that the Foundation will take up the case and work with police and the Provincial Government to ensure proper investigations are carried out and that families can safely return to their respective villages on Kairuru Island. “We are working closely with your PPC, Supt Tamari, and Governor Allan Bird, who helped Tribal Foundation take the Glassman Bill into Parliament in 2022, where it was passed into law.” “We want to make it clear that while we provide assistance to address this incident, locals must refrain from accepting bribes from suspects and their families.” “Many times, we help pursue cases through the courts, but when matters reach higher courts, suspects resort to compensation in fear of imprisonment. This results in a waste of money, resources and time,” Mr. Bustin said. The locals have assured PNG Tribal Foundation that they will work together and provide the necessary information to police to support investigations. During the same visit, the Tribal Foundation team also traveled to Mushu Island, where additional SARV cases have been reported. The team conducted community awareness sessions in local villages, including: Screening the nationally recognized anti-violence film Senisim Pasin Distributing information sheets produced by the PNG Tribal Foundation explaining the new law and its penalties Encouraging communities to report accusations and violence to police rather than taking matters into their own hands Mr. Bustin said the awareness campaign is part of the Foundation’s SARV Accountability Model, which combines community education, victim support, and law enforcement collaboration to prevent violence and ensure justice. Local leaders on Kairuru Island have assured the PNG Tribal Foundation and police that they will cooperate with investigators and provide information needed to identify those responsible for the destruction Kairuru Island has 22 villages, and it is a 45-minute boat ride across from Wewak town.

Papua New Guinea Kick boxing Federation is off to a good start with all its events for 2026 set, both domestic as well as international events with much focus on giving fighters exposure to internation events.This was revealed by the Kickboxing Federation President and Head-hunter, Mr. Stanley Nandex. Mr. Nandex highlighted that the federation is off to a good start with 3 of the country’s best male fighters already in Melbourne Australia for an international fight. “The three (3) male fighters have left the country yesterday, Wednesday 11th February for big fight this Saturday in Melbourne”. Nandex added that the PNG team of fighters were in Australia last year with the ambition of world title contention in kickboxing; however, 3 fighters missed out when they lost, so these three fighters now will try for the second time to prove if they best fit to be contesting in the world titles. “Mr. David Kingstone in the 80kg division, Clinton Hanku in the 65kg division and young Brendan Simbari, who is just 17 years old, will be fighting in the 65kg as well.” “The total cost of sending these fighters over to Australia was paid off by the promoters in Australia, and here at the PNG Kickboxing Federation we are grateful for this support and assistance, as most times we will be out looking for sponsors.”“This is a great opportunity given to us by the Australia Boxing Federation, and we hope our boys can pull some clean fights and secure some placings in the international fights”. Nandex further added that this is their last chance to prove their worth on the internation arena, so they need to give it their all, because if they fail to win, they will not be considered again, opportunities will be given to other upcoming fighters.

This time of the year is a very busy time with school having started and more trips between islands and mainland is done via outboard motors, prompting calls from disaster centers for all to listen and follow weather warnings to be safe when travelling by sea. West New Britain Disaster office is urging all passengers and skippers to regard safety as top priority before travelling. During this time, students travelling between islands for school must also consider the weather pattern and take heed of the warnings before traveling. The WNB Disaster Office added that the weather has improved during this month, where it is fine during the day and only winding and bit of rain later in the nights. “Mostly it is 27-30 degrees Celsius and it's safer travelling during the daytime”. “All boat owners and skippers are remaindered to register all boats as this is new year and those that needed to renew their registration must do so as soon as possible under the Small crafts act.” Overcrowding in dinghies is considered a criminal offence and offenders will be charged under the small crafts act. “All boats must be registered and tagged on the side; crews must all have license as well as permit and life jacket and extra zoom is important to carry, always travelled prepared and always take precaution during this wet season.”

For forty- four (44) years since 1982, the Laloki Secondary School (LASEC) in the Central province has been running without a proper school hall for the students to use for various purposes.From school graduations to National Book week and Teachers’ Day celebrations, combined assembly or combined school worship programs, all formal school events were often done under the shades of the trees next to the administration building. Every secondary school must have a school hall and sadly Laloki Secondary is starting off another academic year without one. LASEC Principal Mrs. Carol Tsinabi who was teaching at LASEC for over 20 years, stated that Laloki Secondary over the years has missed out on so many financial assistance, donations or even subsidies. “Sorgeri National High School and Iarowari Technical High school have so much improved infrastructures as well as other academic and physical improvement on their school is visible; however, the same can not be said for Laloki Secondary school,” said the principal. “We are right on the side of the road before going up to Sorgeri but sadly we have been invisible for the last 40 plus years.” “But I have a dream, this will be my 3rd year as Principle, and I want to make sure we build a school hall here before I retire.” “These kids deserve to seat comfortably during rain season and dry season during major school events and not seated everywhere, any where on the dirt, under tree shades.” Mrs. Tsinabi further added that students need a proper hall for examinations and graduation ceremonies and the Central Provincial Education Division needs to look into this and address this important matter as soon as possible. “We are happy to receive donations or support from our Provincial office, education division or any organization or donors who are willing to build LASEC’s hall.”

Fresh water fish farming has now become one of the main protein sources for the people of the Highlands region with more farmers switching from piggery and poultry to freshwater fish farming. Not only is freshwater fish becoming a number one source of protein but also number one source of income for many farmers now. Farmer and Owner for Tower Fish Hatchery Mr. Jacob Towa highlighted the progression in an interview with PNG Haus Bung, stating that the number of Fresh water fish farms has grown over the years to about 600 freshwater fish farms all across the Highlands Region, with about 7 Hatcheries currently operating and supplying fingerlings to these farms.  “I started fish farming in 2019 and over the years I have grown, and with my hatchery business now, I am currently providing technical support and fish farming training to individuals across Highlands’ region, West Sepik and even in Wewak.” Mr. Towa also highlighted that part of his technical training to local farmers he has now reached out to schools to help schools teach freshwater fish farming to agriculture students as well as helping schools set up their own fishponds.  “I have helped Pablum Secondary school and Toguba Secondary school in Mt Hagen province by providing theory and hands on practical training for them, and I’m helping them to setup their own ponds”. “I have extended my assistance to schools outside of Mt Hagen/Western Highlands Province and Kuli High in Jiwaka is another school I have trained and assisted”. Towa further added also that he is willing and will make time available to train any secondary schools, or colleges or technical institutions who want to get freshwater fish farming training and to set up fishponds in their schools. “Fish farming is food security too for schools especially boarding schools, and it will be very nice to set up fishponds in all schools, thus it will help cut down cost on protein plus if the school sells, then they make extra funds to support school operations.” Fresh water fish farming is a brilliant project and if any school is interested than he can be contacted via his face book account “Towa Fish Breeding”.

The Member of Parliament for Sinesine Yongomugl, Kerenga Kua, has pledged to fully support PNG Tribal Foundation to address sorcery violence in his home district, in Simbu this year. Mr. Kua has pledged that he will support the fight addressing sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) in Sinesine Yongomugl district. Mr. Kua made a visit to the Tribal Foundation office and had discussions with Tribal Foundation President GT Bustin on forging a partnership between the district office and the Foundation in an effort to strengthen the work on addressing sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) and unreported increasing violence of women and children in the communities in Sine Sine Yongomugl. “You have my full support, so keep working for the good of the people and the country,” Kua said. “At political level tougher penalties approach is needed to address the issue embedded into our homes and the government must revisit the criminal laws to prosecute people causing violence and disorder in our communities,” he said. GT Bustin highlighted that it is a good partnership and Tribal foundation looks forward to strengthening their partnership to address SARV in Sinesine Yongomugl and across the country. “Our team appreciated learning from a leader with experience from the local realities to national policy shaped by his service as a former Attorney General and someone who understands the issues at every level.” At the moment, over 180 displaced SARV victims continue to receive care and support from the PNG Tribal Foundation in Sinesine Yongomugl district in Simbu Province. President GT Bustin confirmed the district has four active sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) cases whilst 186 victims are under the support of Tribal Foundation while their cases are under police investigations and court. Tribal Foundation supports the victims through supply of bulk food, including kitchen utensils and beddings to families who are taking refuge while fighting for justice.