Papua New Guinea
PNG Police Chief Issues 'Shoot to Kill' Order, Urges Critics Not to Overreact
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
15 July 2008
Police Commissioner Gari Baki made a call yesterday for the public and human rights advocates to not misinterpret his directions for police to shoot and kill criminals caught wearing police uniforms. "I do not want to be drawn into a media debate but the relentless sentiments and criticisms in the media has prompted me to clear the air on this issue," Mr Baki said. "By using police uniforms to carry out their evil acts... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Tells UN of 'Radical Action Plan' to Curb Illegal Guns
Pacific Magazine
14 July 2008
PORT MORESBY -- Papua New Guinea Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi will announce an executable plan to deal with illegal guns when he returns from a four-day international forum on gun control in New York. Rambi told Pacific Magazine said his delegation is comprised of PNG Police Commissioner Gari Baki and other government officials. They left Port Moresby yesterday morning to attend the Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, Commonwealth Discuss Global Gun Trade Treaty
ABC Radio Australia (Pacific shortwave)
13 July 2008
The build up of small and light weapons in Papua New Guinea's autonomous island of Bougainville has raised some concerns for the national government. Pacnews reports... PNG Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat raised the issue with his Commonwealth colleagues during a meeting in Edinburgh. Dr Marat says he discussed the possibility of an arms trade treaty between Commonwealth nations. He said there was a heavy proliferation... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
National Gun Buyback Planned to Curb Crime in Papua New Guinea
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
23 June 2008
The Papua New Guinea Police Minister, Sani Rambi, says his Government is planning a nationwide gun buyback scheme as part of efforts to reduce crime. He says too many illegal guns are in the hands of the wrong people. Mr Rambi told the Post Courier newspaper he is weighing up on the issue of time and cost to attack the root cause of an upsurge in organised crime. The paper quotes the Minister saying he is for the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Police 'Check' Gun, Bullet Pierces Courtroom Wall in Papua New Guinea
TVNZ News / AAP
20 June 2008
A Papua New Guinea court saw more evidence than it wanted when a handgun exhibit was accidentally fired, leaving a bullet hole in a courtroom wall. Police are now under investigation after the confiscated gun went off in Port Moresby District Court, in PNG's capital, on Thursday. The gun had been taken from senior public servant Anton Semoko, who was in court at the time to answer a charge of unlawfully possessing the weapon.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Gun Control Coalition Deplores Government Inaction
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
19 May 2008
More parliamentarians need to support the campaign to remove the threat of illegal firearms in Papua New Guinea. This was the wish raised by the chairman of the Gun Control Coalition, Oseah Philemon, last week. He commended Justice Minister Alan Marat and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas for their stand on the issue. "On behalf of the Gun Control Coalition I would like to thank Dr Marat and Mr Ipatas for raising the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Politicians Must 'Deal with Gun Issue as National Crisis'
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
9 May 2008
The development of Papua New Guinea is under serious threat with the ever increasing number of illegal guns in many parts of the country. The Post-Courier editor in chief Oseah Philemon said this after he was awarded a Divine Word University UNESCO Communication and Development award for reporting on gun-related issues in the country. Mr Philemon said gun-related incidents against innocent people were frequently reported... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Deports Australian 'Illegal Immigrant' on Gun Charges
Sydney Morning Herald / AP
21 February 2008
Papua New Guinea authorities have deported an Australian man who was facing charges of firing a gun in a public place. Philip Tan, 41, a Malaysian born in PNG who became an Australian citizen when he was 18, was on Wednesday flown to Brisbane after illegally entering PNG six months ago. Tan, a nightclub manager, was on police bail to appear in court on March 4 for allegedly firing a gun near a car yard in Port Moresby,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Owners of Illicit Guns in Papua New Guinea Suggest Buyback, Death Penalty
National (Port Moresby)
23 November 2007
Gun-related problems in the country will continue to stay unless the National Government introduces a "buy-back gun policy" or impose death penalty in the country. Dokta Puk, who claimed to represent 100 criminals and ordinary villagers with guns in the Western Highlands province, who are willing to come out with their guns to assist police in the province, said the current laws were too lenient. Mr Puk said unless the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Gun Control Coalition Urges Ban on Toy Firearms
National (Port Moresby)
7 November 2007
The National Government has been called upon to ban the import and sale of toy guns in the country. And there should be stricter monitoring systems in place, especially at the international borders. The recommendations on the gun report by the guns control committee headed by Maj-Gen (retired) Jerry Singirok had already been accepted by the National Government but needed to be tabled in Parliament. Vavine Gabi,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Main Papua New Guinea Newspaper Pushes for Gun Control, Toy Gun Ban
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
6 November 2007
Supermarkets, department stores and trade stores throughout Papua New Guinea sell all kinds of toy guns, pistols, bombs and other types of war weapons. These are not real weapons but replicas. Parents looking for cheap presents for their male children happily spend a few kina buying these for the children to play with at home. Although this may amount to nothing serious, it does raise an issue about the kind of... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Coalition for Gun Control Calls on Govt to Ban Toy Guns for Christmas
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
6 November 2007
The Government has been called on to stop the importation of toy guns and all forms of miniature weapons. The chairman of the Coalition To Stop Gun Violence (PNG), Oseah Philemon, told reporters yesterday that the body he heads and supported by many Papua New Guineans was trying to stop gun violence and yet children were encouraged to use toy guns which were available in shops through out the country. Mr Philemon appealed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
I Wanted UN Ambassadors to Know How It Felt When My Mother Was Shot
Control Arms Weblog (New York), Web Page
23 October 2007
My name is Vavine Gabi and I have flown thousands of miles from my country to tell UN delegates about my experience of armed violence. My mother was shot dead in front of me eight years ago, just after my sixteenth birthday. She has been in my thoughts every day since then, but I felt her presence particularly strongly yesterday, as I prepared to give a speech to urge states to push for a strong ATT. The event I spoke at was organized... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Former Army Boss Warns Gun Violence 'Out of Hand' in Papua New Guinea
National (Port Moresby)
17 October 2007
Former PNGDF chief Major Jerry Singirok, who is also the chairman of the Guns Committee, said "gun violence" is getting out of hand in many PNG societies today. While stressing this, he called on the Government to seriously look into addressing the issue before it becomes a norm in most societies. Major Singirok (retired) said there had been a significant rise of "gun violence" in PNG and many women, especially young girls... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Gun Control Coalition Urges Politicians, Leaders to Give Up Their Guns
National (Port Moresby)
17 October 2007
Leaders, especially politicians who have guns have been called on to lead by example and surrender their guns in response to the campaign against guns violence launched early this year. The call was made by members of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence in Papua New Guinea during a press conference held in Port Moresby last week. The group, which is made up of women groups, help organisations, NGOs, church organisations,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, United Nations
I Watched a Gunman Shoot My Mother: PNG Survivor Lobbies at the UN
Age (Melbourne), Opinion
16 October 2007
My suitcase packed and airport taxi booked, I checked my wallet once again. I flicked through my passport with its newly stamped visa for the United States and the accompanying letter. It was addressed to Miss Vavine Gabi and invited me to attend the UN First Committee on Disarmament in New York. My task was to lobby diplomats from the Pacific region as they prepared to draft an international treaty on the arms trade. I would be... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Violence in PNG: UN Hears Local Woman Who Saw Mother Shot Dead
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
15 October 2007
In the past week, we have witnessed the tabling of a petition in Parliament protesting against violence inflicted upon women. And we have witnessed the total lack of a meaningful response from the newly elected Government. That can hardly be surprising -- the parties that have formed the loose coalition that now leads Papua New Guinea nominated less than a dozen women to contest 80-plus seats in Parliament. Why... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
At UN in New York, PNG Shooting Survivor Pushes Global Gun Trade Treaty
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
12 October 2007
It was the Queens Birthday weekend in 1999 when they were on their way home to Gabagaba village, along the Magi Highway in the Central Province to enjoy the weekend with relatives when a terrible event happened. Just past Gaire village and as Vavine Gabi sat at the back of the vehicle, six armed men without masks attacked and robbed the family of everything in their possession. "They took everything from us," she said.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Violence Destroying Papua New Guinea: What Is Government Doing?
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
12 October 2007
The Queen's Birthday weekend of June 1999 was a weekend the Gabi family of Gabagaba village in the Central Province looked forward to enjoying with relatives and friends. It was midday when they were on their way to the village. Just past Gaire village along the Magi Highway, criminals attacked and robbed them of everything they had. Six men were involved. Having robbed the family of everything, they then asked the mother... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG's Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Attracts Strong Line-up of Supporters
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
12 October 2007
Former Papua New Guinea Army General Jerry Singirok has called on the Somare-Temu Government to address the gun issue and the 244 recommendations made by the guns control committee. Mr Singirok said the report on the gun issue was endorsed by both coalitions last year. However, when the committee of the coalition to Stop Gun Violence presented the report the Government it has done nothing about the report. The former Army General... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Gun Violence Survivor Joins UN Gun Trade Treaty Talks
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
10 October 2007
A survivor of gun violence in Papua New Guinea has been invited to share her experience at the Global Consultation on an Arms Treaty (ATT) at the United Nations in New York this month. Vavine Gabi from Port Moresby witnessed the shooting of her mother during an attempt roadside robbery. Gabi is supported by the Control Arms Partners, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (PNG), Oxfam PNG and the International Action Network on... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Registers Increased Use of Illegal Guns
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
11 September 2007
Papua New Guinea's former military commander, Major General Jerry Singirok, says the use of illegal guns has become more widespread in the two years since a series of gun summits around the country. Major General Singirok told an ethics seminar last week that police figures show that ten rapes a week are committed at gun point. He says the use of guns in tribal fighting is more and more common, including current clashes... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Political Will Needed for Papua New Guinea to Tackle Illegal Gun Issue
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
11 September 2007
The Papua New Guinea government is being told it must show the political will to deal with the growing problem of illegal guns in the country. PNG's former military commander, Major General Jerry Singirok, who headed a gun control committee that sought views around the country two years ago, says the government has ignored their report. He says there are more guns in circulation now and they are posing a greater problem... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Police Officers Implicated in Smuggling Guns for Drugs
National (Port Moresby)
24 August 2007
Certain police officers have been implicated in drug and gun-smuggling activities in Western province and will be investigated by a senior officer from Port Moresby. The investigator was due to arrive in Daru yesterday. Southern region police chief Asst Comm Jim Wan said pending the investigations, the officers suspected to be involved would be placed on suspension. He said in a statement from Daru yesterday the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Leaked Weapons Feed Gun Culture's Deadly Toll in Papua New Guinea
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
23 July 2007
PORT MORESBY -- The disappearance of 5,000 guns from police and military armouries in Papua New Guinea has added a dangerous element to crime in the country. High-powered factory-made weapons are now in the hands of tribal fighters and criminals, replacing more traditional bows and arrows and raising fears that existing tribal and gang conflicts may get even more deadly. In the highlands of Papua New Guinea, guns have become... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Member of Parliament Slapped with Gun, Ammo, Drug Charges
National (Port Moresby)
12 July 2007
A Member of Parliament was arrested and locked up after a firearm, ammunitions and marijuana were found in his vehicle. Sitting Member for Kerowagi Open Alphonse Willie was arrested and charged with being in possession of a firearm, ammunitions and marijuana by Mt Hagen police on Tuesday night. Provincial police commander Chief Supt Wini Henao said yesterday, Mr Willie was arrested on Tuesday night at 8pm at a police roadblock.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Warriors Pose for Photos With Assault Rifles Stolen from Police, Army
Sydney Morning Herald
9 July 2007
Unable to resist the camera, some of the most notorious tribal warriors in the Papua New Guinea Highlands have posed with their high-powered illegal weapons -- and linked themselves to an armed robbery. When about 30 armed men staged a military-style operation to rob a big business in Mount Hagen six weeks ago, part of the loot was a digital camera lying on an employee's desk. On returning to their villages, the robbers... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Two Men Shot in 'Assassination Attempt' on PNG Deputy Prime Minister
Xinhua
13 June 2007
Two men were reportedly injured when gun shots were fired at a rally staged by Papua New Guinea (PNG)'s Deputy Prime Minister Don Poyle. Poyle was speaking at the rally in the Eastern Highlands province, Australian Broadcasting Corporation radio reported Wednesday. PNG's local media reports described the incident as an assassination attempt on the deputy prime minister. Poyle said he was saved by his body guards... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Unless Gun Violence is Addressed it Will Destroy Papua New Guinea
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
17 May 2007
Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (PNG) chairman Oseah Philemon says unless the gun violence is addressed it will destroy this country. Mr Philemon said on FM100's talkback show yesterday the report from the Guns Control Committee, following a summit in Goroka, which recommended leaders or candidates should not be supported by armed groups nor should they own guns. The report, he said, was never acted on by the Somare Government... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Cost of Gun-related Injuries 'Bigger than AIDS/HIV' in Papua New Guinea
ABC News (Australia)
1 May 2007
The head of the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea claims the cost of treating gun-related injuries in PNG is almost $US7 million a year. Doctor Mathias Sapuri's comments came at the launch of The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence in Port Moresby. He's told the Post Courier newspaper there must be no delay in dealing with the gun issue. He says the PNG Medical Society joined the coalition because doctors have seen... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Government Fails to Stop Illegal Guns in Papua New Guinea
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
1 May 2007
In May 2004, this newspaper raised grave concerns about the increasing presence of illegal guns in Papua New Guinea and their effects on the lives of the people. The issue attracted so much public debate and calls were made on the Government to take action to reverse the trend. The Government, through the then Minister for Internal Security Bire Kimisopa acknowledged the seriousness of the problem. It pledged to do address it with... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Related Injuries Cost Papua New Guinea US$7 Million Each Year
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
1 May 2007
A medical doctor has put the cost of treating gun-related injuries at K20 million a year -- money which the Government does not budget for. President of the the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea, Dr Mathias Sapuri, said this in Port Moresby yesterday at the launch of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (PNG), adding there must be no delay in dealing with the gun issue. He expressed the society's interest in joining the coalition... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Women Link Tribes, Decry Guns, Prevent Tribal Wars
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
1 May 2007
The use of guns has prolonged a tribal fight in Kup area of Chimbu Province, for 30 years. But thanks to a group of women, peace has been restored and services finally coming in. President of Kup Women for Peace (KWP), Angela Apa told of how three women, including herself, had decided to do something about the warfare that had destroyed many lives and stopped all basic services, including schools and health in the area. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Uproar Over Gun Violence in Papua New Guinea: Civil Society Wants Action
National (Port Moresby)
1 May 2007
Papua New Guinea is no longer safe for its citizens as the guns culture is taking root in our society. This sentiment was echoed by representatives from different sectors of society and agencies that fight guns-relates issues, during the launching of anti-gun campaign initiative known as Coalition to Stop Guns Violence at CDI House in Port Moresby yesterday. The National Guns Control Committee member John ToGuata from the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
My Tribe Wants Me to Buy Guns for Them. In PNG, This is a Real Dilemma
National (Port Moresby), Column
26 March 2007
There is a raging dilemma facing a good friend of mine. It is not the first time he has been presented with this dilemma and I know it will not be the last time. It is something you have to face as a male, a Papua New Guinean and especially as a highlander. Guns, that's his dilemma. His people have been begging him for a while now to buy guns for them and the pressure has increased again. "It is a seasonal thing,"... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Voting Under the Barrel of a Gun Predicted for Papua New Guinea Elections
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
12 February 2007
This is one occasion when the leaders and people of Papua New Guinea should listen to the PNG Defence Force. On Friday, we carried a front page story from Defence Force Captain Thomas Kilala. Capt Kilala, a career soldier and a veteran journalist, publicly confirmed what many of us have known for a long time -- the spread of lethal weapons in the Southern Highlands province remains a major threat to the coming elections.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Some 15,000 Guns in Hands of Papua New Guinea Highlanders
National (Port Moresby)
10 February 2007
More than 15,000 guns are in the hands of village warlords in the Southern Highlands province despite efforts by the security force personnel involved in the state of emergency (SoE) to remove them, the Integrated Coordinating and Planning Team (ICPT) has revealed. The ICPT believes this is a serious problem and should be dealt with urgently. Under an amnesty declared last year, guns were surrendered to be destroyed without those... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Battle Rages Near Lumusa, in PNG's Western Highlands Province
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
8 February 2007
More that 12 men have been killed and villages have been destroyed as a fierce gun battle broke out among different tribes in Lumusa District in the Western Highland Province. Women and children are reported to have been evacuated and live in constant fear as gunmen freely roam the district hunting their enemies. Lumusa Local Level councillors Singalini, Koo and Kaiwa Wambi, whose tribes are involved in the fight, said... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Criminals Dressed as Police Raid Armoured Car With AR-15s, M-16s
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
7 February 2007
Criminals in full police gear and heavily armed with M16 and AR15 guns fiercely attempted to hijack an armoured security vehicle in Port Moresby yesterday. The criminals in two vehicles reportedly followed the security vehicle from the Bank of Papua New Guinea in Downtown Port Moresby and blocked it off at Waigani as it was transporting cash to two commercial banks along Waigani Drive. One of the criminals' vehicles cruised... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Stolen PNG Police AR-15 Assault Rifle Now Killing in Highlands Tribal Fight
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
26 January 2007
A state-owned AR15 assault rifle seized from Mt Hagen police by heavily armed warriors at Nebliyer Valley in the Western Highlands Province is believed to be used against the enemy Kulga tribe. Warlords from Ulka Ukupka-Kuwar seized the high-powered rifle recently by attacking two police vehicles returning to Mt Hagen after escorting highway trucks to Southern Highlands. Salon Thomson, a community leader from Kulga tribe... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Villagers Warned to Surrender Guns in PNG's Garaina Sub District
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
25 January 2007
Villagers in the Waria Valley of Garaina sub-district have been urged to surrender unlicensed fire arms. The call was made after reports were received by Garaina police of unlicensed shotguns and assault rifles being held in the area. Police believe a number of unlicensed shotguns and five high powered rifles were with the villagers illegally and were being used to disrupt law and order in the area. Villagers should... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
'Nothing Illegal' About 1m Kina Cheque for Missing PNGDF Ammunition
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
24 January 2007
Department of Defence deputy secretary Billy Porykali has denied his decision to approve K1 million to buy blank bullets was illegal and sinister. Responding to media reports based on evidence at the Defence Force board of inquiry, he said there was nothing illegal about his decision to approve the cheque. He said both the PNGDF commander Commodore Peter Ilau and chief of staff Captain Tom Ur had sent correspondence to then acting... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Unlicensed Australian Firm Took 1m Kina for Missing PNGDF Ammunition
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
22 January 2007
An Australian company that the Papua New Guinea Defence Force paid K1 million for blank bullets reportedly does not have an ammunition export licence. The Australian Department of Defence has revealed that it does not have any record of Cairns-based firm, Intex International Exports, being issued a licence or permit to export ammunition. A spokesperson for the Department of Defence said the export of ammunition from Australia... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Illegal Guns, PNG Government Inaction a Worry to Chimbu Tribe
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
18 January 2007
The inaction of the Government in dealing with the guns committee report has drawn the concern of a Chimbu tribe. Community leaders of the Kindiku tribe in the Yongomugl district of Chimbu Province this week called on the Government to immediately table the recommendations of the National Guns Control Committee. The committee, which sat and canvassed views of the people throughout the country two years ago, found guns were... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Airports Crack Down on Passengers Carrying Guns
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
17 January 2007
Guns going on to planes within the airports of Papua New Guinea are now subject to a checking and clearance system. An office has been set up at Jacksons Airport domestic terminal to deal with gun owners who want to take their gun and ammunition with them on their travels around the country. Soon, similar offices will be set up at other major airports. Civil Aviation Authority is in charge of establishing firearms and ammunition... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Robbers Ambush Police, Steal AR-15 Assault Rifle in Nebilyer Valley
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
15 January 2007
Two police highway patrol units were ambushed in the war-ravaged Nebilyer Valley on Friday morning and an AR15 assault rifle was seized by heavily armed warriors. The police cars were returning to Mt Hagen after escorting highway trucks bound for resource projects in the Southern Highlands Province when they were confronted by armed warriors. It is not the first time policemen were stripped of firearms in this notorious area. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Deputy PM Calls Once More for Highlanders to Surrender their Guns
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
19 December 2006
Leaders in the Southern Highlands Province have been challenged to surrender all guns before the 2007 general elections. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Civil Aviation Don Polye said this during a farewell function hosted for the Port Moresby delegation at the Kiburu lodge outside Mendi town last Friday. Mr Polye said that guns were dangerous and not healthy for the community and all leaders must lead the people... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Guns Pose Serious Threat to 2007 General Elections in Papua New Guinea
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
18 December 2006
Guns will be used to dictate the results of the 2007 general elections, a prominent church leader warns. Bishop David Piso, head of the Gutnius Lutheran Church, said the gun culture in Papua New Guinea was so entrenched the threat of guns being used to dictate the result of the elections was becoming clear everyday. "This is frightening but I say this based on what I have seen with my own eyes in the Highlands for many... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Tribal Feud Out of Control: Gun Killings Escalate in Papua New Guinea
Australian Associated Press
13 December 2006
Nebilyer Valley -- A vicious tribal fight in Papua New Guinea's highlands is spiralling out of control and costing lives daily as warriors carry out raids across clan borders with high-powered weapons. Police assurances this month that 20 officers would be sent to the fight zone have yet to be fulfilled. The long-running feud between the Ulga and Kulga tribes in the Nebilyer region of Western Highlands Province has flared... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Former PNG Defence Chief Urges Halt to Surplus Gun Disposal, Downsizing
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
8 December 2006
Former army chief Major General (retired) Jerry Singirok has appealed to the Government to abandon its Papua New Guinea Defence Force downsizing program. He said the security implications for the country were horrendous and could be costly in the near future. Mr Singirok was critical of the downsizing program, which was initiated by the Morauta government in collaboration with the Australian government. "The EPG... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Four Robbers Armed With PNG Ex-Army M-16s Steal, Strip School Bus
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
5 December 2006
A bus belonging to the Mt Hagen International School was stolen by thieves last week. The bus was stolen outside a senior teacher's residence. Mr Mapi Morea said while he was inside his house, four armed men with M16 rifles held the driver and security guard at gun point. He claimed when he returned, the four men were already in the bus. The house security guard was alerted to stop them but guns were pointed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Amnesty Crucial to Avoid Highlands Anarchy in PNG Elections
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
1 December 2006
Election 2007 is approaching and is merely seven months away. The voting process from first-past-the-post method to the Limited Preferential Voting (LPV) system will surely frustrate many voters and candidates. Many people still do not know how the new voting process will be like, and will surely be confused in the coming polls. That will definitely flare commotion and anarchy in many centres right across the nation, if people thought... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Guns, Rampant Corruption Reduce PNG's Southern Highlands to Anarchy
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Opinion
23 November 2006
Wrought with embezzlement, theft and rampant corruption, the Southern Highlands Provincial Government was literally a "money cow" being milked by unscrupulous people tied by political cronyism. The rorts unearthed by fraud investigators revealed a horrendous trail of fraud amounting to millions of kina belonging to the provincial government. Millions more were plundered through dubious transactions, depriving the estimated... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Children Learn to Use Guns in Nebilyer Valley Tribal Fights
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
23 November 2006
Women and boys as young as 12 years old are being taught how to operate sophisticated weapons in an ongoing tribal warfare in the Nebilyer valley of Western Highlands. A spokesman for one of the enemy tribes in the area said fighting techniques were passed from generation to generation because there was no government attempt to quell the three-decade-old fight. Southern Highlands acting administrator, William Powi, said... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Stolen Police, Army Guns Underpin Threat to Sabotage PNG Elections
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
22 November 2006
Warriors involved in a long-running tribal conflict in the Western Highlands have threatened to sabotage the 2007 general elections. They are demanding that the National Government provide incentives to deter them from resorting to crime. The warriors from the Nebilyer valley also want the Government to station a police mobile squad or a Defence Force unit in the area before they lay down their arms. "Our conflict started over land... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Justice Minister Laments the Human Cost, Waste of Gun Violence
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
14 November 2006
The use of illegal firearms in the country is not completely confined to law and order issues, but the social costs that come with it are great. Justice Minister Bire Kimisopa, during grievance debate last week in Parliament said the front page picture on Post-Courier (Friday November 10) of the little girl with an amputated left leg demonstrated that the country does not need guns. He told the Parliament that he was familiar... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Gun Surrender 'Path to Freedom from Threat, Oppression, Poverty'
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Opinion
9 November 2006
The surrender of arms by civilians in the Nipa district and other parts of Southern Highlands under the state of emergency arms amnesty program is interesting news and a sign of progress. It is a sign of light at the end of the tunnel illuminating the path to freedom from threat, oppression, underdevelopment and poverty. While praising those sincerely involved in the restoration of basic services and the reconstruction of the bureaucratic... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Guns Threaten Peace in Bougainville, 'More Now Than During the Crisis'
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
6 November 2006
The biggest threat to the peace process on Bougainville is the possession and use of guns, a Bougainville parliamentarian revealed on Friday. Member of North Bougainville James Togel said, unfortunately, the issue of disposing arms was never fully addressed by the United Nations Mission on Bougainville before the team left PNG. "This is a half-baked job which continues to haunt the people now," Mr Togel said. He said added... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
'Inside Job' Sees 3 Crime Guns Stolen from PNG Police Station
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
2 November 2006
Three police issued firearms have been stolen in a robbery at the Mobile Squad base in Tomaringa, outside Kokopo in East New Britain. Police are suspecting it was an inside job and so have suspended the Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the armoury for 21 days. The three guns; a pump action shotgun, a .22 rifle and a winchester shotgun, were confiscated from the public by police and kept for police to destroy were stolen. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Bougainville Rebel to Disarm 'Royal Guards,' Hand in Guns for Containment
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
31 October 2006
Failed money scheme operator and self-styled king of Papala Noah Musingku and his "royal guards" are ready to begin the containment stage of weapons disarmament. Musingku, wanted in PNG for questioning by his investors over his U-Vistract money scheme, advised the Autonomous Bougainville Government they were ready to surrender their weapons in Tonu and lock them into containers. ABG vice president Joseph Watawi confirmed... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
MP Sees no Signs of Progress in 'Financially Rich' PNG Southern Highlands
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
30 October 2006
Southern Highlands is financially rich but yet there is no physical sign of development in the province. This is because of the gun culture inherited by the leaders and people of the province, Inter-Government Relations Minister Sam Abal told more than 400 people in Lake Kopiago at the weekend. "This province is rich but the money generated from natural resources is not delivering services to the people, money the government... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Southern Highlanders Want to Get Rid of 'Dictatorial' Gun Culture
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Opinion
26 October 2006
People in Southern Highlands Province have reportedly lived their lives under the dictatorship of a gun culture. And the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms are indications that the people wish for good governance and a progressive change for a better life. Acting state of emergency controller Geoffrey Vaki said this yesterday when he reaffirmed the National Government's commitment to restore normalcy in the province.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Australia, Papua New Guinea
Gun Runners Fuel 'Arms Race,' Bring New Weapons to Papua New Guinea
Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
25 October 2006
The latest high powered weapons used by Iraqi insurgents are trickling into the South Pacific as a mini arms race sweeps the region, according to the Federal Opposition. The new weapons including the Colt M4A1 Carbine, a favourite among special forces, are believed to be coming down through South-East Asia. It's a reverse of the accepted South Pacific weapons route believed to be from Australia up through the Torres Strait... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Southern Highlands Gun Amnesty Should Be Extended, Say Police
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
24 October 2006
The newly appointed controller of the state of emergency in Southern Highlands Province wants the amnesty for illegal firearms extended for the third time. And this time ammunition and home-made firearms, must be surrendered. Assistant police commissioner Jeffery Vaki, has been in consultation with legal officers on the sorting a proposal for the extension which is expected within days. He said according to provisions under... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
136 Guns Surrendered in PNG Southern Highlands Weapon Amnesty
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
23 October 2006
MENDI -- A total of 136 firearms have been surrendered to the state at the end of the second amnesty period in Southern Highlands Province. By the close of the second period on Friday two areas considered notorious for tribal fighting using firearms, the Nembi Plateau and Poroma surrendered their arms. The tribal conflicts and fighting have reportedly claimed more than 250 lives. The surrender last week included... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Soldier, Wife Caught Smuggling Stolen Military Weapons in PNG Highlands
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
23 October 2006
A random police search at a roadblock in Western Highlands has come out with an astounding find. A huge illegal arms haul was seized. And a Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldier and his wife are locked up at the Mt Hagen police cells charged with smuggling high powered military weapons and live ammunition. Another woman, believed to be an accomplice, has also been arrested and locked up with the couple. The soldier from... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
'Still a Lot of Guns Around' in Bougainville, Says PNG Police Chief
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
20 October 2006
The issue of disposing all weapons is something which all Bougainvilleans have to work together to achieve. And weapons will be surrendered if the government asked for another weapons disposal program. Autonomous Bougainville Government Police Minister Ezekiel Massatt in admitting there was still a lot of guns around, said the only way out of this was through reconciliation. He said it was known people were still... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Bougainville Chiefs Demand Govt Gun Confiscation in 'Failed State'
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
17 October 2006
The Siwai Council of Chiefs in South Bougainville have demanded an action plan from the region's government to immediately bring in Intervention Forces to "clean up" the region of many illegal firearms. The call stemmed from continuous law and order problems faced on the island especially in the southern region. The Siwai chiefs want immediate action as they are bitterly frustrated with the continuous law and order problems... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea MP Accused of Firing Handgun, Pistol-whipping Wife
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
10 October 2006
PORT MORESBY -- North Fly Member of Parliament Martin Tabi has been arrested and charged witih bashing his wife and discharging a firearm in public. Mr Tabi was arrested and charged last Monday then released on PGK500 bail. North Fly provincial police commander Tobby Hamago said yesterday Mr Tabi was attending a ball on the eve of Papua New Guinea Independence Day hosted by the Ok Tedi Mining Limited at the Fly River country... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gunshots, Armed Robberies Worry Tinputz Chiefs in PNG's Bougainville
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
4 October 2006
Chiefs in Tinputz, North Bougainville, have called on relevant authorities in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to quickly intervene in stopping the incessant firing of guns in the area. Gunshots have been heard in Tinputz for the last two weeks and a number of people have also been seen carrying guns in broad daylight. This type of activity has also led to a robbery of a local cocoa buying company in which about K16,000... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Retrenched PNG Soldier Jailed for Smuggling Stolen Ammo to Highlands
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
2 October 2006
A retrenched PNG Defence Force soldier who was caught trying to smuggle a large quantity of live ammunitions to his village in the Western Highlands province, has been sentenced to 10 months with hard labour. Joanis Tepra, from Raimp village, Mt Hagen, pleaded guilty before the Lae District Court to the charge he had in his control 126 live rounds of 5.56 calibre bullets, 20 blank rounds of 5.56 calibre bullets, four live rounds... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Police Deny Machine Guns Surrendered in Amnesty Were Inoperable
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
28 September 2006
Firearms surrendered to security forces in Southern Highlands are reportedly defective. And the guns -- both factory-made and home-made -- are being surrendered without their ammunitions. State of emergency controller Gari Baki confirmed bullets had not been surrendered, denied reports the 16 factory-made guns including the two Mag.58 machine guns (only Mendi town figures) and the many home-made guns were faulty. "Under... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Policeman Robbed of AR-15, Pistol, Truck in Capital City
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
28 September 2006
Two guns belonging to Eda Ranu are in the wrong hands after they were stolen from police at Morata in Port Moresby. The Bush Master rifle and a Glock (handgun) pistol were stolen from a vehicle belonging to Eda Ranu at about 2.15am on Wednesday morning, when a police reserve attached to Port Moresby's water company was dropping off a colleague at Morata. Metsupt Mark Kanawi confirmed the Eda Ranu utility truck was outside... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Highlands Tribal Fighters Surrender 2 Machine Guns in Amnesty
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
22 September 2006
Surrendering of illegal firearms in Southern Highlands is continuing as leaders and churches call on the Government to extend the State of Emergency (SoE). Yesterday a high-powered military issue MAG 58 machine gun was surrendered to security forces in Mendi. The high-powered gun was surrendered by a once notorious clan outside Mendi the upper Karinz villagers. The weapon was similar to that surrendered by rival... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Leader in Violence-torn PNG Province Surrenders M-16 in Gun Amnesty
National (Port Moresby)
13 September 2006
A prominent leader from Mendi, Southern Highlands province, yesterday surrendered a high-powered firearm to security forces engaged in the state of emergency duties. The man surrendered his M-16 weapon and about 300 rounds of ammunitions to a senior police officer in Mendi yesterday. Deputy state of emergency controller and assistant police commissioner (Highlands) Raphael Huafolo told The National that the leader also... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
More Guns Handed in Under PNG Southern Highlands Arms Amnesty
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
7 September 2006
Three high-powered guns were among seven others surrendered in the Southern Highland this week. The high-powered guns were two SLR and a 303 rifle, together with four other homemade guns were surrendered by the Peripi tribe in the Poroma district. A shotgun was also surrounded to police but was returned after learning the owner had a licence, while a public servant surrendered a pistol. This brings to 11 the number... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Cabinet Minister Robbed of Pistol, Cash After Falling Asleep in Car
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
5 September 2006
Thieves walked off with a pistol and a substantial amount of money belonging to Forests Minister Patrick Pruaitch at the weekend in Port Moresby. Mr Pruaitch reported the theft to police on Sunday morning. He told police that he fell asleep asleep in his vehicle along the Waigani Drive when thieves opened his car and stole his .9mm Glock automatic pistol and the money. Southern region police commander and assistant police... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Policeman Faked a Holdup, Sold His Assault Rifle to Tribal Fighters
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
5 September 2006
A high-powered weapon sold to a tribe in the Kagua area of Southern Highlands by a policeman was handed over to security forces in Mendi last Friday. A 52-year-old leader of the Uma tribe in Kagua district Mr Sipi Peagola handed over a Sig automatic rifle 5G 550-2 SP, which he bought from a policeman (known) in Kagua for K2155 five years ago to deputy controller of State of Emergency Mr Raphael Huafolo. Mr Peagola said... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Highlands Gun Amnesty Offers 'Dob In' Phone line for Tipsters
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
1 September 2006
Security forces in Southern Highlands Province expect to collect a lot of illegal firearms during the State of Emergency as the 30-day amnesty for firearms came into effect yesterday. Emergency controller Gari Baki could not disclose any numbers but he stressed that the issue of illegal firearms was sensitive in the province. Since the amnesty came into force yesterday, some people had responded by calling the toll free... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Police Urge Papua New Guinea Politicians to Give Up Their Guns
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
31 August 2006
The police in Papua New Guinea say politicians must show leadership over a gun amnesty in the Southern Highlands province. The three week amnesty for the surrender of illegal firearms comes a month after a state of emergency was declared in the province. The highlands are notorious for illegal firearms which are used in tribal fights, highway robberies and to intimidate during elections. PNG's deputy police commissioner,... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Gun Amnesty Launched in Tinderbox Papua New Guinea Province
Australian Associated Press
30 August 2006
A three-week amnesty for the surrender of illegal firearms in PNG's gun-ridden Southern Highlands province starts on Wednesday under a state of emergency in place there. PNG's Police Minister Alphonse Willie announced the amnesty in newspaper notices, calling for all illegal firearms to be surrendered within the set time and promising immunity from criminal prosecution if people did so. Prime Minister Michael Somare announced... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
In Papua New Guinea, MPs Should Give Up Their Guns Before People Will
National (Port Moresby)
29 August 2006
People in Southern Highlands province have called on their MPs to take the lead in voluntarily surrendering their firearms to security forces. The people said this when indicating their support for the surrender of firearms during several public awareness gatherings at various locations in the province. In one of the awareness programmes at Mendi High School last week, four students pleaded for their leaders to take the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Police, Soldiers Move In to Enforce PNG Southern Highlands Gun Amnesty
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
21 August 2006
Sixty police and PNG Defence Force soldiers were welcomed in Southern Highlands Province's Nipa District on Saturday despite initial fears of trouble orchestrated by suspended governor Hami Yawari's supporters. The district is considered a stronghold of Governor Hami Yawari but Saturday's deployment was trouble-free and completes the mobilisation phase of the State of Emergency (SOE) operations. About 800 police, PNGDF... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Gun Committee Organiser Insists Weapons Smuggled from Australia
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
17 August 2006
Reports of Australian guns being smuggled into Papua New Guinea and making their way into the Southern Highlands confirm the findings of the National Guns Control Committee made last year, committee chairman, Jerry Singirok said yesterday. Retired Major General Singirok said the Committee's findings, when presented to the National Guns Summit in July 2005, was hotly disputed by the head of the Australian Defence Staff at the Australian... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Another Stolen PNG Police Shotgun Seized from Village in Bougainville
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
10 August 2006
A gun was seized when villagers from Solos, Peit Constituency ransacked a settlement house outside the vicinity of Buka Town at the weekend. They recovered a police issued Manchester shot gun. This has prompted authorities from the area to call on youths who have in their possession firearms to surrender them to police or chiefs in the villages. Peit auxiliary police officer Bernard Hawai, Council of Elders member Gibson... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Govt Pins Hopes on Voluntary Handover of Guns
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
8 August 2006
The Papua New Guinea government is hoping that hundreds of guns, held by the community in Southern Highlands Province, will be surrendered in an amnesty. Last week, the government replaced the province's administration in an effort to restore public services and end graft. Hundreds of additional police and an army unit will be trying to recover an estimated 2,500 illegal weapons in the province in a three-month amnesty.... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Australia
Thugs Using Aussie Guns in PNG Crime
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
8 August 2006
Firearms provided by the Australian Government to police and military forces in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are used in most gun-related crimes in those countries. Sydney University associate professor Philip Alpers said his research implicated Australian firearms in almost all shooting murders in PNG's troubled Southern Highlands province. He said the Australian FN-FAL self-loading semi-automatic rifle was the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Australia
Australian Government Assault Rifles Become PNG Crime Guns
Austral Policy Forum, Nautilus Institute / Crikey (Australia), Opinion
7 August 2006
In the most volatile province of Papua New Guinea, tribal fighters, criminals and mercenary gunmen alike swear by the Australian-made SLR, or self-loading rifle. American made M-16s and AR-15s taken from military and police armouries are also popular, concealable handguns proliferate in the cities, and home-made guns are ubiquitous in PNG, but at least in the Southern Highlands, the Australian SLR remains the experienced criminal's assault... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Pacific, Australia
Guns Provided by Australian Government Commonly Used in Pacific Crime
Australian (Sydney)
7 August 2006
Firearms provided by the Australian Government to police and military forces in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are used in most gun-related crimes in those countries. Sydney University associate professor Philip Alpers said his research implicated Australian firearms in almost all shooting murders in PNG's troubled Southern Highlands province. He said the Australian FN-FAL self-loading semi-automatic rifle was the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Australia
Australia, Papua New Guinea Team Up to Curb Border Gun Running
Australian Financial Review
4 August 2006
Australia and Papua New Guinea are seeking to step up joint border patrols to cut the flow of illegal firearms into the country's lawless Southern Highlands after Prime Minister Michael Somare imposed a state of emergency on the oil- and gas-rich province. Port Moresby has also indicated it may request Australian police to help it disarm criminal gangs before elections due from May next year, despite the collapse of a previous Australian... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Australia
Threat of Illicit Guns Cited in Papua New Guinea State of Emergency
Australian (Sydney)
4 August 2006
The suspected smuggling of Australian weapons into Papua New Guinea has heightened unrest that threatens to derail a multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline project. The gun problem has become so serious that PNG wants cross-border Customs guards armed in a bid to stem illegal traffic. The governor of the Southern Highlands province has threatened to stop the $6 billion pipeline project after the PNG Government seized control... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
More Illegal Guns in PNG Southern Highlands Than Police, Military Combined
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
2 August 2006
Southern Highlands has more firearms than the Defence and the Police forces combined, Opposition leader Peter O'Neill said yesterday. Mr O'Neill told Parliament that most of these illegal firearms were intended for political purposes. And Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare said under the emergency powers, the Government will announce an amnesty for the surrender of weapons. Sir Michael said after the end of the... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Australia
Australian Military Interests Blamed for Destruction of PNG's Surplus Guns
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
13 July 2006
Is the destruction of 3400 out of 5700 weapons by the military within the interest of Papua New Guinea national security? PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) Commander Peter Ilau is affirmative it is. He has engaged a Weapons Disposal Team to collect, cut up and dispose 3410 such weapons from PNGDF units all over the country into the sea. That's millions of kina worth of weapons of which 1000 have been destroyed. It also includes left-over... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Police Say Bougainville-to-Highlands Election Gun Running Continues
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
13 July 2006
Police on Bougainville say there was nothing much they could do about the smuggling of firearms and ammunition out of the region. Police on the island also confirmed that more than 30 per cent of guns have being smuggled out of the region since the 2002 national elections. Buka Police station commander Sergeant Oscar Tugen confirmed that there was a high number of firearms leaving the shores of Bougainville and his men... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Prominent PNG Nationalist Slams Decision to Destroy Surplus Army Guns
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
12 July 2006
The PNG Defence Force and its Australian military advisers have come under fire on the decision and action to destroy and dispose of some 3400 military weapons. PNGDF Commander Commodore Peter Ilau released information on the weapons disposal initiative last week indicating it was "designed to dispose of unserviceable, trial, obsolete and surplus weapons that did not support the operational effectiveness of the PNGDF". But... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Destroys Surplus Army Guns, Shrinks Arsenal
National (Port Moresby)
7 July 2006
The PNG Defence Force lacks trained personnel to maintain the current stock of its weapons system, Commander Peter Ilau said. PNGDF commander said soldiers' lives had been put under risk from using weapons that are not being maintained correctly. He said this in his update of the current weapons disposal programme. Under the programme, out of 5,700 weapons, 1,000 have been destroyed from 58 different systems. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Guns Pose Threat to 2007 National Elections in Papua New Guinea
ABC Radio Australia (Pacific shortwave) / Pacific Beat, Audio
28 June 2006
In Papua New Guinea, the problem of illegal guns is threatening social and political stability. PNG community leaders are again calling on the government to take urgent action on the issue. It's believed thousands of illegal guns are being held by criminals, tribal chiefs, businesspeople, and politicians across the country. The government has yet to table a report submitted by a national guns control committee... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea, Australia
Papua New Guinea Destroys Surplus Military Guns With Australia's Help
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
27 June 2006
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) will dispose of more than 3000 military weapons at sea in a bid to standardise its arsenal. The force will ensure it complied with international small-arms conventions and keep the weapons out of reach of troublemakers who could disrupt next year's general elections. Army commander Commodore Peter Ilau denied any sinister motive behind the move, saying the decision to decommission... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Defence Force to Destroy 3,400 Surplus Guns
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
26 June 2006
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force, on advice from the Australian military officers, today will begin destruction of more than 3400 military weapons. It is a move the PNGDF headquarters says is to get rid of excess weapons and standardising the type of weapons to be used by the force. Army officers have expressed concerns about the role of the Australian Defence Force through its military advisers at Murray Barracks in... ( gunpolicy.org )
Papua New Guinea
PNG Army Officers Decry Destruction of Surplus Defence Force Guns
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
26 June 2006
More concerns are being expressed by soldiers over the Papua New Guinea Defence Force plans to destroy more than 3400 military weapons. The exercise will begin in Port Moresby today. A group of senior soldiers have expressed concern about the move saying it was aimed at disarming the PNGDF. The group has blamed Australian military advisers, accusing them of deliberately trying to weaken the firepower of the PNGDF. ... ( gunpolicy.org )
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