Kalang News

06/01/2025

LAE RESIDENTS URGED TO WORK WITH POLICE.

By MARTHA LOUIS.

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso has called on residents in Lae to support police efforts to create a safer city for everyone.

With only 400 to 500 officers serving over 400,000 people, Rosso highlighted the challenges faced by police, including attacks on officers.
“Last year, two officers were shot, and others were injured. They need our support,” he said.

Rosso outlined initiatives to boost police resources, including 50 new vehicles funded by the Lae City Authority, additional vehicles from the national government, and plans to build new police stations and improve housing.

He also urged the community to take responsibility by reporting crimes, respecting landowners, and working together to address issues.

“We want a safe city, but it’s a shared effort. Let’s stand with police and take action to protect Lae,” Rosso said.

Rosso reminded settlers to live peacefully and warned against ethnic conflicts, adding that new laws give police more power to tackle violence. He encouraged everyone to unite for a safer Lae in 2024.

Picture Supplied.

06/01/2025

TWO DEAD; NINE SEVERELY INJURED IN FATAL CAR ACCIDENT IN MINJ

By SANDRA ULG

A fatal car accident involving a 25-seater coaster bus collided with a fifteen-seater Hiace bus in Kumbal Waghi Bruk, Jiwaka Province along the Okuk Higway has left two dead and nine others severely injured last Friday.

Jiwaka Acting Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Laimo Asi in an interview with Kalang News said, the cause of the fatal accident was unnecessary overtaking and excessive speeding.

Chief Inspector Asi explained, the coaster bus tried to overtake the 15-seater bus, however the unfortunate incident occured at same instance the 15 seater bus also attempted to overtake, resulting in both vehicles colliding, heading into the Waghi river.

The acting PPC says the deceased and those that were injured were rushed to the Kudjip Nazerene Hospital in Kudjip.

Chief Inspector Asi says the two deceased, was the driver and owner of the 15-seater Hiace bus from Jiwaka and and a female passenger of the Coaster bus from Eastern Highlands.

The other 9 injured, seven were passengers from the Coaster bus, including 2 females and 5 Males and two other male passengers are from the fifteen-seater Hiace bus.

Acting PPC Asi strongly warned drivers commuting along the highway to be very cautious when driving along the highway as there is always a tendency of running on another oncoming vehicle or running over the pedestrian.

Asi who was recently appointed to take up the post as PPC says he has been in the province for almost a month and has witnessed a lot of vehicles overloading and passengers are likely to get serious injuries or die when they involve in accidents.

He says there is always a "do not care attitude" displayed by drivers involving unnecessary speeding, overtaking and stopping of vehicles right in the middle of the roads.

He adds that these serious injuries or fatalities can be avoided if the drivers are careful and are more responsible and respectful to other road users.

Picture Caption: Jiwaka Acting PPC, Chief Inspector Laimo Asi.

06/01/2025

06/01/2025

FIVE YEAR PROGRESS, REFLECTS COLLECTIVE EFFORTS IN NATION BUILDING: PM MARAPE.

PRIME Minister James Marape in recently highlighting the significant progress of the government in the last five years, affirmed that the progress is a reflection of the collective efforts and commitment in building a better PNG.

The Prime Minister when speech in Bougainville during his recent visit, highlighted that under his leadership, the national economy grew from K79.6 billion in 2019 to K122 billion in 2024, supported by resource projects like PNG LNG and reforms in agri-culture, fisheries, and SMEs.

In Infrastructure development, through the Connect PNG Programme, over 2,400 kilometres of highways and 93 bridges have been completed, linking rural communities to essential services and markets.

Whilst for the Education sector, the government has made significant strides in transforming he education system to ensure no child is left behind.

He says with the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programmes and the establishment of Schools of Excellence, the youth are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a modern world.

He further highlighted the expansion of Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) has brought learning opportunities to students in remote areas, while the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) has made tertiary education accessible for thousands of young Papua New Guineans.

These initiatives reaffirm our commitment to leaving no child behind and empowering the next generation to build a prosperous Papua New Guinea.

06/01/2025

POLICING DUTIES COSTLY IN MILNE BAY PROVINCE.

By SANDRA ULG.

MILNE Bay Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Inspector Ben Kua says it is very costly to carryout policing duties in the province.

PPC Kua said this in an interview with FM100 News.

He pointed out that Milne Bay is one of the largest maritime provinces in the country with three of its districts are islands making it very difficult for police to carry out their duties.

PPC Kua says there are police dinghies available but at times they run out of zoom and have to wait for months for the funds to be released by the Police Headquarters for the dinghies to be refilled also it is costly to buy spare parts and this hinders officers to make arrests on suspects.

He says at most times when crimes are committed and reported it takes police sometime to attend to them due to the lack of resources at hand and this causes the public to lose their confidence in police.

Chief Inspector Kua emphasized that this is a bad precedence set where eventually it will become a norm when people become victims of crimes, they will not report it to police thus losing their confidence in the police.

He adds that this in turn will see a rise in law-and-order issues.

Picture Supplied.

06/01/2025

02/01/2025

CHIEF SEC TO ENSURE GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN PUBLIC SERVICE.

THE CHIEF Secretary to Government Ivan Pomaleu in his recent Christmas Messages highlighted that the country will begin its acknowledgement and celebrations of the 50th Anniversary in the new year.

As the Chief Secretary, he is charged to ensure that there is governance, accountability and transparency in the Public Service, and also charged to ensure that
policy decisions are implemented.

He says, Public Service machinery is huge, but it must be effective, and it must be the interface between the government and the people.

Like any other developed and developing nations, Papua New Guinea has its shares of
challenges and these challenges cannot go unnoticed.

Papua New Guinea will be greater as a nation if the government and the people, start collaborating to ensure PNG does not submerge after 49 long years of navigating through the rough seas hence the government is duty bound to keep Papua New Guinea propelling forward to a new and greater height.

Chief Secretary says, year 2025 will be a milestone of sovereignty as a nation from when the nation attained Independence in 1975 to now, adding that a lot has happened in the last 49 years.

But a lot more remains incomplete and will require concerted and undivided effort on the part of our public service machinery to step up.

The Government will ensure to implement the government’s policies without fear or favor, and is also committed to ensure public servants living and working throughout the country serve the people well.

02/01/2025

OLD COUNCIL CHAMBER AT KAGUA BURNT AT NEW YEAR NIGHT

By SAMUEL RAITANO

THE old council chamber at Kagua station in Kagua Erave District of Southern Highlands Province was burnt by hooligans on New Year's night, making the first day of 2025 a sad day for the people there.

Kagua Police says the suspects were known and arrests would be done soon.

Law and Justice Sector Officer for the district Ludwig Orapawa says the act was uncalled for as the iconic building was built at around 1968, by founding father of Kagua Erave District and former MP Sir Yano Belo.

It is understood that just a few days ago, local MP Maina Pano made presentations of K22 million worth of cheques for various projects and services in the district, including Law and Order.

Meanwhile the general public has also made calls for the culprits to be arrested for committing arson.

02/01/2025

MADANG WELCOMES PEACEFUL NEW YEAR.

By MÀRTHA LOUIS

MADANG Province ushered in the New Year with peaceful celebrations, marked by a collective commitment to safety and order.

No major incidents were reported, reflecting the combined efforts of the community, local authorities, and law enforcement.

Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, the Madang Provincial Police Commander, commended the people of Madang for their cooperation and maturity.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Madang for their support and participation, showcasing a positive shift in mindset and attitudes,” he said.

“I encourage everyone to embrace this new year with optimism, fostering change within families and communities.”

Superintendent Baim acknowledged the contributions of community leaders, law enforcement personnel, and church groups.

He praised the police and Correctional Services officers for their vigilance in maintaining order and the Community Policing Unit for its role in promoting safety at the grassroots level. He also highlighted the prayers and support of local churches, emphasizing their role in fostering peace.

The collaborative effort was a testament to the province's dedication to unity and harmony. Superintendent Baim urged the community to maintain this spirit of cooperation throughout 2025, building on the success of the peaceful New Year celebrations.

01/01/2025

ALCOHOL & LIFESTYLE DISEASE-RELATED DEATHS COST PNGDF K7m ANNUALLY

PNG Defence Force, Chief of Defence Philip Polewara says it has cost his administration almost K7m this year alone in repatriation exercise, due to alcohol and lifestyle diseases-related deaths within the Force.

Rear Admiral Polewara says alcohol and lifestyle diseases-related deaths toll rose this year, and it has consequently, burdened the administration in repatriating the bodies of the fallen comrades back to their home provinces, villages and families.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Mr. Polewara further stated that disciplinary-related matters are even worse these years and it ramped up the administration to K3m in spendings.

Chief of Defence Polewara singled out that in 2025, some of these issues will be strongly addresses and measures to be imposed when normal duties resume on the second week of January 2025.

“My greatest concern is that our men and women are dying young, in their late twenties and early thirties,” Chief of Defence Polewara said during the final Chief of Defence Parade on Friday, at the PNGDF Headquarter, Murray Barracks.

“This year alone we spent close to k7m on repatriation of our fallen comrades, most of these deaths were all tied to lifestyle diseases.

“Furthermore, we spent almost K3m on administration of disciplinary related matters.

“Again, as I have always emphasized, Alcohol is the number 1 destroyer of discipline and health within the Force.

“These monies could be used to address legacy technical issues within various barracks such as water problems.

“Commencing 2025, collectively we must take measures to address these two concerns affecting the Force.”

Rear Admiral Polewara also confirmed that stand-down (holidays) for officers, commenced already (13th of December) and normal duties resumes on 20th of January 2025.

“On behalf of HQPNGDF, thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment.

“Here's to the future of the PNGDF stronger, united, and ready for whatever lies ahead.

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all and your families and God Bless the PNG Defence Force and Papua New Guinea,” Chief of Defence Polewara said.

Picture: Supplied.

01/01/2025

POLICE PERSONNELS KINDLY URGED TO DO THEIR JOBS DILIGENTLY

POLICE personnels around the nation are friendly yet sternly urged to honour the Oaths and work within the Code of Ethics, governed by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary bylaws.

In such peak moments like Festive period, Police personnels are strongly urged to provide a best and utmost security and safety towards the people of this nation, to the best of their abilities and perform their duties without fear or favour.

These were the words from NCD and Central Command Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Benjamin Turi, during the launching of the Christmas and New Year operations in the National Capital District and Central province on Friday (13th of December), which was code named “Operation Silver, Christmas & New Year.”

Divisional Commander Chief Supt. Turi will be in charge of the operations that will run through to January 2025.

He was given the Operation Orders by NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Chief Inspector Silva Sika.

Chief Supt. Turi called on residents of NCD and Central to remain vigilant in this festive period and help police men and women to carry out their duties.

RPNGC CODE OF ETHICS

We have a duty to our country and to our police Force, to serve the community by protecting the life and property, preserving the peace and detecting and apprehending offenders.

We will carry out our duties with integrity and honesty and will at all times make every effort to respect the rights of all people in the community, regardless of colour, social status and religion.

We will enforce the law justly without fear, favour, malice or ill will.

It is incumbent upon us to keep confidential matters of such a nature that we may learn in our official capacity, unless revelation is necessary for administration of justice.

By our conduct and performance, we will give high priority to improve our knowledge of the law and contemporary police practices applicable to the community.

We accept these ethics as an integral part of our personal and professional life.

01/01/2025

POLICE CONDUCT AWARENESS AROUND THE BOROKO AREA

POLICE officers in the National Capital District are using information to identify locations where criminals, vendors, and other petty crime criminals reside and move around in public places to commit offences within the city.

One of the locations that police had identified is the area at the back of the Four Mile bus stop where the abandoned casino is.

According to police, it had confirmed that an old run-down hardware that is open where people move in there to consume liquor and do other illegal activities. Police also confirmed that the warehouse is opposite the old casino, and people gain entry from the bus stop to that area and from Big Rooster.

It's reported that parts of the fence have openings that give access to the vendors and criminals when they see police or steal from people to run into that location to hide.
National Capital District Metropolitan Superintendent Silva Sika confirmed that there are reports of other activities going on there, and police will try to find ways to address that.

He said that since the property belonged to a person, the police moved in to raise awareness when they received information that one of the people who stole a phone on Sunday resided there.

He said when police arrived there, they were informed that the person who was identified for stealing the phone does not reside there anymore, but his parents reside there and do marketing at the raintree outside the casino.

"Most of the petty crimes are committed by people who do not have permanent residence, and that is one problem that needs to be addressed. People live along the drains, at vacant buildings, and at the shop fronts to do marketing at unauthorised locations and also steal from people who move around those locations.

“I want to thank the police officers and the wardens who made awareness there. We understand it's private property, but when some commit an offence and run to that area police in hot pursuit will still go there,” Sika said.

He also added that when police arrived at the casino premises, they were told not to go there because it's a private property. He said the police officers explained to the people living there that to prevent criminals and vendors from taking shortcuts there they must build proper fence to stop them.

He said he would find out from the authority who owns the vacant hardware and advise them to fence it off because it's a breeding ground for illegal activities and criminals.

Picture: Police Media Unit.

01/01/2025

PARLIAMENT DONATES UNIFORMS TO CIS OFFICERS

ACTING Clerk of Parliament Basil Kambuliagen and Parliamentary Service staff attached with the Bills and Papers Division visited the Correctional Services (CIS) Training College in Bomana yesterday to present new uniforms to officers there.

The uniforms, inclusive of footwear and accessories, were handed over to CIS Chief Superintendent Haraha Keko, DCS Training Commandant and his staff during a brief ceremony.

The initiative by the Speaker and Clerk of Parliament fosters the importance of maintaining professionalism and dignity, especially for the CIS officers who frequently serve in ceremonial duties and other important events at Parliament.

During the presentation, Chief Superintendent Keko expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Kambuliagen and the team, as well as to the Clerk Kala Aufa, for the thoughtful gesture, acknowledging the positive impact it would have on his officers’ morale and appearance.

Pictures: Parliamentary Media Service