Minister for Police and Internal Security Sir John Pundari has outlined seven key national security priorities that will guide policing and public safety efforts as Papua New Guinea prepares for the 2027 National General Election and responds to emerging challenges facing the country.
Speaking during a media conference at the Parliament Haus State Function Room on Thursday, August 6, Sir John addressed seven significant matters concerning national security and the future direction of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
The priorities include the National Firearms Amnesty, election security, Pacific policing cooperation, El Niño preparedness, police performance, provincial police accountability and efforts to move Papua New Guinea beyond the Financial Action Task Force grey list.
Firearms Amnesty
Sir John said the National Firearms Amnesty and Gun Buy Back Program remains one of the Government’s major priorities, with the amnesty period running from February 28 to September 16, 2026.
He said the program allows people to surrender illegal firearms without arrest while supporting efforts to reduce illegal weapons through intelligence-led operations, community engagement, weapons tracing and prosecution.
The Minister called on all levels of government, churches, businesses, non-government organisations and citizens to take responsibility in addressing the threat posed by illegal firearms.
“I make a call across this nation that everyone must rise up and make it your business to say we have had enough of illegal guns because it is a beautiful country and it is a blessed country.”
“It is a time that all of us make peace and order in this country our number one priority.”
Sir John said removing illegal firearms from communities is a shared responsibility and requires cooperation from all sectors of society.
2027 National General Election Security
Linking the firearms issue to the upcoming election, Sir John said the RPNGC will lead security operations to ensure the 2027 National General Election is conducted in a safe, fair and credible environment.
He said police will work to maintain public confidence, protect the electoral process, prevent criminal activities, counter misinformation and work closely with community leaders, churches and youth groups to promote peace.
The Minister warned that candidates or individuals who attempt to use firearms to influence the election process must face the consequences.
“Sitting members wishing to contest the 2027 elections who rely on the barrel of a gun are unworthy and should consider themselves criminals.”
Pacific Policing Partnership
Sir John said Papua New Guinea will continue strengthening its policing partnerships with Pacific nations as the country prepares for the 2027 National General Election.
He said regional cooperation will play an important role in supporting election security, with Pacific partners ready to assist PNG during this important national event.
“When Papua New Guinea goes into election, our brothers will help us.”
He said an estimated 300 regional security personnel could support election security operations.
Sir John said PNG’s involvement in the Pacific Policing Initiative and its election to the INTERPOL Asia Regional Committee demonstrates the country’s commitment to strengthening regional law enforcement cooperation.
He said these partnerships will also support efforts to address transnational crime across the Pacific.
El Niño Preparedness
The Minister warned that Papua New Guinea could be facing one of its most serious El Niño weather events and urged communities to prepare for possible impacts.
He said possible consequences include prolonged drought, delayed wet seasons, water shortages, power rationing, increased bushfires, food insecurity and social tensions.
Sir John said police are working with the PNG Defence Force, disaster authorities, provincial governments and regional partners to prepare for emergency responses.
He called for unity and cooperation across the country during challenging conditions.
“Right around this country, we must show the true Melanesian culture. The water that runs throughout the country is not owned by the landowner; it is owned by the State and belongs to every Papua New Guinean.”
Police Performance Report
Sir John also provided an update on police performance and reforms, saying the Government’s law and order priorities are becoming more aligned with the operational direction of Police Commissioner David Manning.
He said ongoing reforms are focused on increasing police numbers, improving investigations and prosecutions, strengthening accountability, expanding forensic capability, modernising infrastructure and supporting Provincial Police Commands.
The Minister said continued investment in the Constabulary is necessary to ensure police are equipped to meet future national security challenges.
Provincial Police Commander Accountability
Sir John called for stronger performance and accountability from Provincial Police Commanders and senior police leaders.
He said Government investment in policing must be matched by effective leadership and delivery of services at the provincial level.
The Minister expressed confidence in Commissioner David Manning and his deputies to address underperformance and ensure police commanders remain focused on serving communities.
Moving Beyond FATF Grey Listing
Sir John said removing Papua New Guinea from the Financial Action Task Force grey list remains a key national priority.
He said addressing the issue requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, government departments and regulators.
The Minister said financial institutions must strengthen reporting of suspicious transactions so authorities can investigate, freeze and confiscate proceeds linked to criminal activity.
He warned that organisations failing to meet their legal responsibilities could face prosecution.
Sir John said the Government remains committed to strengthening PNG’s financial integrity and working with stakeholders to remove the country from the FATF grey list.
