Gun Policy News
Firearm violence, gun control and small arms
Guns in High Demand in Papua New Guinea
19 October 2021
Post-Courier (Papua New Guinea)
As the 2022 National General Election looms, firearms are being smuggled into the Highlands region from various parts of the country, says an identified firearms dealer.
According to the dealer who is from the Southern Highland's upper Mendi area who agreed to speak to the Post-Courier anonymously, the demand for firearms has increased significantly –– especially from intending candidates from the Highlands.
The dealer said that most weapons are supplied from... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Gun Running, Drug Smuggling, says Own Minister
18 September 2020
Guardian
Papua New Guinea's police force is the most corrupt public agency in the country, engaged in drug-smuggling, gun-running, and land theft, and beset by "a rampant culture of police ill-discipline and brutality", its own police minister has said, in an extraordinary condemnation of his own force.
Police minister Bryan Kramer used the occasion of PNG's independence anniversary to launch a swingeing attack on the police force, saying its endemic corruption would take... (GunPolicy.org)
Bougainville Secures Strong Independence in Referendum
11 December 2019
New York Times
SYDNEY, Australia — The region of Bougainville, a collection of islands in the South Pacific, has voted overwhelmingly to become independent from Papua New Guinea, aiming to become the world's newest nation.
In a referendum linked to a peace agreement that ended a civil war between separatists and Papua New Guinea security forces nearly 20 years ago, nearly 98 percent of those who voted supported becoming an independent nation.
Excited voters gathered in Buka to... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Gun Dealer's Licence Cancelled for False Declarations
22 November 2019
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Acting Police Commissioner David Manning has cancelled a PNG dealer's license [sic] for making false declarations in the end user certificate.
Documents held by the Royal PNG Constabulary indicated that the PNG firearms dealer had imported high powered firearms specifically for the exclusive use of the Royal PNG Constabulary and not for sale or transfer to a third party.
However, a review recently carried out by the Royal PNG Constabulary and international partner... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearm Disposal Issues in Bougainville
6 June 2018
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The non-disposal of all weapons on Bougainville may be the only major obstacle in the 2019 Bougainville referendum.
This means if all weapons are not completely destroyed or accounted for, which allegedly poses a threat, the referendum will not go ahead.
This was highlighted during the Bougainville referendum three-day conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
Serious issues confronting Bougainville's journey to referendum on independence also took precedence at the... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Seizes Undeclared Guns Intended for Police
13 October 2016
Pacific Islands Report
PORT MORESBY – Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari, pictured, says a shipment of police firearms sent from South Korea to Port Moresby was impounded in Lae by Customs because they were not properly declared.
Lupari, the National Security Advisory Council chairman, was commenting yesterday on the 280 semi-automatic guns seized by Customs in Lae and locked up at the Defence Force's Igam Barracks.
"Those were ordered by police through the private sector," Lupari told The... (GunPolicy.org)
Caribbean,American Samoa,Niue,Palau,Northern Mariana Islands,Nauru,Cook Islands,Fiji,Micronesia,French Polynesia,Marshall Islands,Kiribati,Papua New Guinea,Samoa,Solomon Islands,Tonga,Tuvalu,Vanuatu,New Caledonia
Addressing Gun Violence in the Caribbean and the Pacific
15 July 2016
The Diplomat (Japan)
"The seas bring us together, they do not separate us."
–Constitution of the Federated States of Micronesia
The Caribbean and the Pacific each offer a unique and contrasting perspective toward addressing armed violence. Despite sharing similar challenges as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), each region faces very different circumstances on the ground. In light of this, each region has taken a different approach toward addressing armed violence. The Pacific stands... (GunPolicy.org)
Hired Mercenary Shoots, Kills 3 at Papua New Guinea Funeral
4 March 2016
Pacific Islands Report, Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea – Southern Highlands police yesterday appealed to businesses and the better educated to stop financing, supplying and smuggling high-powered weapons to villages for tribal warfare.
Provincial police commander Sibrom Papoto made the call from Mendi after a tribe engaged a mercenary to kill three men at a funeral ceremony this week.
The three were gunned down at point-blank range in what police described as "barbaric, cruel and... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Pacific Islands Report, Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The Costs of Crime and Violence in Papua New Guinea
15 August 2014
World Bank News
Reports in both the national and international media and anecdotal evidence indicate that the prevalence of crime and violence is high in Papua New Guinea (PNG). It has become an important obstacle to long-term development. At the request of the Government of PNG, the World Bank conducted a study to better understand the social and economic costs of crime and violence to households, business, government and civil society, and to inform policy directions in managing... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia,New Zealand,Solomon Islands,Papua New Guinea
Why Australia is Gunning for the Illegal Trade in Weapons
2 June 2014
Australian (Sydney)
Canberra, A.C.T - Illegally traded conventional weapons claim more than half a million victims every year. These weapons kill, maim and disable, undermine economic prosperity and development, and keep millions of people, especially women and children, trapped in fear.
Australia will this week ratify the first legally binding instrument ever negotiated in the UN to establish common standards for the international transfer of conventional arms, the Arms Trade Treaty.
In... (GunPolicy.org)
Firearms Traded for Drugs in Papua New Guinea
9 May 2014
West Papua Daily
Jayapura, (Jubi) – The Papua Police said a marijuana syndicate from Papua New Guinea often exchanged their products with the firearms from Ambon for a transaction around six hundred thousand rupiah.
"This inter-state syndicate often used the route of Jayapura, Serui, Sorong to Ambon and Makassar," the Director of Narcotics Crime and Investigation Department, the Commissionaire Senior Police Tornagogo Sihombing told in the press conference on Thursday (8/5).
In the... (GunPolicy.org)
Solomon Islands,Australia,Papua New Guinea,Timor-Leste
Spread of Guns a 'Disease at the Heart of Society,' says Australia
12 November 2013
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says the international humanitarian system must improve its efficiency, quality and reach.
Ms Bishop told delegates at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent societies conference in Sydney that the system is being increasingly stretched by conflicts and crises.
The new types of conflict are leading to more attacks targeting aid workers.
Ms Bishop says the independent non-combatant status of the Red Cross and Red... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Authorities Worried About Arms Smuggling
18 April 2013
Pacific Islands News Association (Fiji)
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), Australian Federal Police and PNG Customs are very concerned about the high number of illegal firearms entering the country.
Former senior police officer Chief Superintendent Donald Yamasombi made this comment following a joint Police and Customs bust of a huge quantity of firearms, gun powder and accessories late last year.
Yamasombi said despite the bust involving a large quantity of illegal firearms, prominent... (GunPolicy.org)
All Guns Recovered After Break-In at PNG Police Headquarters
18 April 2013
ABC News (Australia)
PORT MORESBY - Papua New Guinea police have recovered a number of weapons stolen from the force's national headquarters in Port Moresby.
Papua New Guinea police have recovered a number of weapons stolen from the force's national headquarters in Port Moresby.
A total of fifteen handguns or pistols, a .22 rifle shot gun and 150 rounds of ammunitions were stolen from the firearms registry office in the PNG Police Headquarters.
Police say most of the guns were recovered... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Government Buys 32 'High-Powered' Guns, for Guards
25 January 2013
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Papua New Guinea's acting Clerk of Parliament Simon Ila has purchased 32 high-powered guns and about 10,000 ammunition for Parliament security guards at a cost of K556,000.
This is on top of side-arms for some Ministers and Members of Parliament who also have armed personnel from the Special VIP protection Unit.
Among the purchase was a very high-powered weapon only issued to the military and for special forces – the HK MP7 A1 which cost K38,500 for one, with its 30... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Parliament Denies Buying Guns After Alleged Security Threat
25 January 2013
Business Spectator / Australian Associated Press
Papua New Guinea's parliamentary speaker has denied reports the acting clerk has bought $A250,000 of machine guns for parliamentary security.
The Post-Courier on Friday carried a front-page story citing a letter by acting clerk Simon Ila to police officials advising of the purchase despite the objections of police commissioner Tom Kulunga.
PNG's parliamentary speaker, whose office denied knowledge of the purchase on Thursday night according to the paper, cancelled a... (GunPolicy.org)
Marijuana Found at Airport, PNG Police Suggest Gun Running Plot
5 December 2012
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
PORT MORESBY – In Papua New Guinea, a major drugs-for-guns trade syndicate operating between Tari in the new Hela province and Daru in the Western province involving the use of light aircrafts was uncovered last Tuesday in Tari, Hela province.
Third level airliner Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF) workers in Tari become suspicious when two youths fronted up in the morning with their bags to travel to Balimo in Western province.
Tari MAF port manager Mr. David... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Govt to Address Illegal Gun Issue, Assault Weapon Ban Considered
24 October 2012
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has assured the people of Papua New Guinea that the government will act on recommendations of a public inquiry to outlaw firearms in the country.
Mr O'Neill said this when responding to questions during Question Time in Parliament yesterday by Enga Governor Peter Ipatas about law and order problems and the use of illegal firearms.
Governor Ipatas said law and order had become a serious problem in the country and asked why Parliament should... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Finds Success with Restorative Justice After War
28 September 2012
Science Magazine
Papua New Guinea has a fearsome reputation for violent conflict. Between 1991 and 2010, about 500 clan wars killed about 1% of the Enga, the nation's largest linguistic group. But on page 1651 of this issue, researchers document an astonishing turn toward peace among the Enga. Starting around 2005, the people began to rely on compensation in village courts to resolve offenses that once might have triggered war, and by 2011, few Enga waged war. "Now people don't want... (GunPolicy.org)
Singapore,Indonesia,Australia,Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Gun Smuggling
14 September 2012
Pacific Islands News Association (Fiji) / Post Courier
A substantial amount of gun powder, live bullets, firearms and accessories were seized by the National Criminal Intelligence Unit (NCIU) of Lae police and Border Security officers in Lae recently.
The weapons and gun powder were confiscated following a police intelligence report of alleged gun smuggling into the country, and especially through the Lae port.
On Tuesday this week, police arrested an Indonesian man and charged him with four counts of unlawfully dealings... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Pacific Islands News Association (Fiji) / Post Courier
Melanesia,Papua New Guinea,Australia,Solomon Islands,New Caledonia,Oceania
Concern in Papua New Guinea Over Gun-Related Crime, Trafficking
3 September 2012
Inter Press Service News Agency
BRISBANE - In Papua New Guinea, the largest island nation in Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, where more than 60 percent of major crimes involve guns, a burgeoning illegal arms trade is associated with lack of employment growth and low human security, with vulnerable communities suffering the consequences.
This is the case in the autonomous region of Bougainville in the east of the country, where disarmament remains elusive more than ten years after a civil war... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Politician Arrested for Illicit Firearms
14 June 2012
Islands Business International (Fiji)
PORT MORESBY, PNG - Election security forces in the Papua New Guinea Highlands have taken a candidate into custody after they say they uncovered a cache of guns in his house. The Post Courier newspaper reports soldiers and police raided the candidate's home near Mount Hagen in Western Highlands Province and confiscated several weapons and ammunition. The candidate, a leading businessman, voluntarily surrendered to police and was released after being questioned. But... (GunPolicy.org)
Indonesian Students Call for a Gun Registry
14 June 2012
Antara News (Indonesia)
JAYAPURA, Papua - The Indonesian Papuan University Students Movement (GMPI) has requested that local police again compile an inventory of gun ownership by civilians in Indonesia's eastern most province of Papua.
The security authorities must address security problems by establishing an inventory of firearms ownership in Papua, GMPI Chairman Habelino S Sawaki said here Thursday.
He made the statement following shooting incidents in Papua during the last few... (GunPolicy.org)
Warn of Increase in Guns in Papua New Guinea Ahead of Elections
4 May 2012
Pacific Islands News Association (Fiji)
At least three current Members of Parliament from the Enga Province and their people have been amassing guns in preparation for the general elections, the head of the Gutnius Lutheran Church said yesterday.
The Gutnius Lutheran Church is based in the Enga Province. "I know them," he said. Bishop David Piso said supporters of the three MPs are saying they are gathering guns to use against their political opponents.
"This is very frightening and I am now thinking very... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea MPs Urged to Set Example by Handing In Their Guns
2 May 2012
Pacific Islands News Association (Fiji)
Gun smuggling in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a multi-million kina business which police are powerless to deal with, Deputy Police Commissioner Simon Kauba says.
And he had suggested that parliament implement the recommendations of the guns summit committee to address the problem to some extent.
Parliamentarians raised concern last week over the serious issue of firearms build-up in the country, especially in the highlands provinces, on the eve of the national... (GunPolicy.org)
Sudan,Syria,Russia,China,Papua New Guinea,Fiji,Oceania
Pacific Nations Push for Global Arms Trade Treaty to Curb Gun Trade
19 March 2012
ABC News (Australia), Transcript
Every year illicit trade in small arms results in thousands of deaths. Most of them in developing countries, including the Pacific, where the impact of gun violence has been devastating.
Now the international community is to meet at the United Nations to finalise the first ever global arms trade treaty.
HELEN HAKENA, WOMEN'S RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER: I was seven months pregnant when gunmen came into our village terrorising the entire village community. My house was burnt to... (GunPolicy.org)
More Rumours, No Evidence of Indonesia-Papua New Guinea Gun Running
19 March 2012
Pacific Islands News Association (Fiji Islands)
There is an arms build-up between Vanimo and Green River in the border areas of West Sepik province, a Papua New Guinea Customs official said.
He said intelligence indicated that guns were being smuggled into the country from five locations in Indonesia.
While there were customs operations in Vanimo and Wutung, "there is none in Bewani, Imonda, Kembratoro in Amanab and Green River".
"These are strategic locations, including open jungle where illegal trade and... (GunPolicy.org)
Proliferation of Home-Made Guns Out of Control in Papua New Guinea
31 October 2011
Radio New Zealand International (Shortwave)
A member of the Pacific Small Arms Action Group says the proliferation of home-made guns in Papua New Guinea is out of control and requires a multi-agency approach to deal with it.
John Toguata, a former PNG police commander and a spokesman for the Coalition Against Gun Violence, says weapon parts are readily accessible in PNG, especially in the Highlands where stockpiles are growing.
He wants the government to allocate sufficient funding and resources to reduce the... (GunPolicy.org)
On Peace Day, UN Notes Papua New Guinea's Gun Control Problems
21 September 2011
Radio New Zealand International (Shortwave)
The United Nations resident co-ordinator to Papua New Guinea, David McLachlan-Karr, says gun control in the country is a matter of urgency.
Marking International Day of Peace, Mr McLachlan-Karr, says PNG is no stranger to conflict, with competition over land, resources and local political tensions often leading to violence.
He says the most affected by fighting are very often the most vulnerable - the women, children and the elderly - who are least able to defend... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Island Authorities Powerless to Deal With Illegal Guns
25 April 2011
ABC News (Australia)
Recently we reported on the stalled efforts to dispose of the weapons that fuelled the decade-long civil war on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.
Ten years after a peace agreement ended the conflict, hundreds, possibly thousands of weapons are still in the hands of former combatants and criminals.
Bougainville's government says it doesn't have the money or expertise to solve the problem and has called for international help.
The issue's importance has... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Gun Culture Threatens Security in Run-up to Elections
6 April 2011
IRIN (UN News)
PORT MORESBY - The proliferation and use of illegal guns in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is threatening security ahead of parliamentary elections slated for June 2012, and causing misery and trauma to gun crime victims, says the government.
The police, the PNG Electoral Commission and the Inter Department Election Committee (IDEC), a government body overseeing election preparations, are aware of the risks in the run-up to and during the elections.
"We are very much aware of... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Runners Pose 'Major Security Concern' in Fragile Papua New Guinea
4 March 2011
Torres News (Queensland)
The police commander of Papua New Guinea's Western Province says high-powered weapons are regularly being smuggled into the country from the Torres Strait in exchange for drugs.
Commander Peter Philip says not enough is being done to prevent the illegal trade in arms ranging from high-powered, semi-automatic weapons to small arms and shot-guns.
Two weeks ago, a man who attempted to smuggle three firearms from Saibai Island to Daru has been sentenced to 18 months in... (GunPolicy.org)
Indonesia,Papua New Guinea,Australia
Claim: Indonesia, Australia Sources of Gun Running to Papua New Guinea
21 February 2011
BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific / National (Port Moresby)
Western law enforcement authorities have raised concerns about arms smuggling into the province from Australia and Indonesia, saying it is a threat to national security.
Provincial Police Commander Peter Philip said his men had confiscated arms ranging from high-powered semi-automatic weapons to small arms and shotguns.
He also raised concerns that Operation Sunset Merona refugees had been flown into East Arwin refugee camp without consultations with provincial... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific / National (Port Moresby)
Gun Violence Seen as Sign of Growing Disparity in Papua New Guinea
28 October 2010
Radio New Zealand International (Shortwave)
A spokesperson for Papua New Guinea's Coalition Against Gun Violence says the proliferation of guns in the community is symptomatic of a growing social disparity.
There are calls for action amid fears the presence of guns could undermine development projects.
A former senior police officer, John Toguata, was part of the gun control committee, which toured the country several years ago garnering people's views on what to do about guns, but so far the government hasn't... (GunPolicy.org)
Drinking PNG Policeman Opens Cell, Shoots, Kills Imprisoned Teen
26 October 2010
ABC News (Australia)
A 15-year-old boy is dead after being shot several times by a policeman while in custody in Papua New Guinea.
The teenager was arrested last Friday after the armed robbery of a store in Popondetta.
Local reports say the arresting officer was drinking with the store's owner yesterday when he armed himself with a rifle and went to the police station.
Reports say he then got into the cell where the 15-year-old was being detained and shot him several times at close... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea,New Zealand,Oceania,Australia
Lack of Legislation Leaves Pacific, NZ Wide Open to Illegal Arms Trading
20 October 2010
ABC News (Australia), Transcript
A new report on illegal arms trading has singled out New Zealand as an example of a country where weaknesses in company law allow the trade to proliferate.
The report, Brokers without Borders, by the international aid organisation Oxfam, draws on the example of a shipment of conventional weapons that was intercepted in Thailand en route from North Korea to Iran in December last year.
It transpired that the plane chartered to carry the illegal shipment had been leased... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea: Minister Must Clear Air on Guns Purchase
6 October 2010
Transparency International
Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) Chairman Peter Aitsi, is calling on the CS Minister Hon. Tony Aimo to fully disclose the commitments made in relation to the K9m firearm purchase from Australian firearms manufacturer Metal Storm.
TI PNG is making this call after the Minister and Commissioner's media statement in the daily papers (Monday 04/10/2010) seems to be contradicted by an official press release from Metal Storm that says a purchase contract was signed by... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Blamed for Death, Lack of Gun Control in Papua New Guinea
5 July 2010
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Post-Courier reporter Sent Timbi was laid to rest at his village, Puntpulg, yesterday amidst a cry for strict gun control and an attack on Government failure in addressing illegal firearms by leaders.
Mr Timbi was allegedly gunned down by relative and Yamka coffee businessman Dokta Maip and his son David on the previous weekend near his village in Ogulbeng, outside Mt Hagen.
During an emotional burial ceremony, lawyer Paulus Kunai and businessman Michael Makop, who... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Commissioner Approved 'Smuggled' Assault Weapons
4 November 2009
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
Papua New Guinea's Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, says he authorised the importation of illegal firearms seized by Customs officials at Jacksons international airport, Port Moresby, last month.
PNG customs officials seized four high-powered assault rifles and a nine millimetre semi-automatic pistol from a passenger on an Air Niugini flight from the Philippines.
The passenger claimed he was working for an arms dealer.
But PNG Customs officials maintain the... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Boss 'Forgot' Signing Import Permit for Assault Rifles, Pistol
30 October 2009
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
We are flabbergasted by Police Commissioner Gari Baki's attitude towards the high-powered guns which Customs seized at the Jackson International Airport over the weekend.
First he said he was not aware of having signed any approvals for the importation of the weapons. Later, he reversed his statement to say he remembered approving the importation of the gun.
He promised to do something about it as soon as he has seen the Customs report on the issue.
Read together,... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Commissioner Admits Approving Assault Weapon Imports
29 October 2009
National (Port Moresby)
Confusion surrounds the ownership and importation of an assortment of deadly weapons that were confiscated by Customs officials from a man coming from the Philippines on an Air Niugini flight into Port Moresby.
On Sunday at 5am, Customs officers seized four high-powered Colt assault rifles and a semi-automatic Glock 9mm pistol from the man after he disembarked PX011.
Customs officials believed the import and luggage declaration documents held by the man were not in... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Assault Rifles Seized from Club Shooter at Port Moresby Airport
28 October 2009
National (Port Moresby)
Four high-powered Colt assault rifles, designed for military use, and a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol were seized by Customs officers from a passenger arriving from the Philippines on Sunday morning at Jackson International Airport.
Two assault rifle parts were also found in the man's luggage.
The man (named) claimed he was transporting the weapons for a licenced arms dealer, but Customs officers say the man is no longer employed by the firm.
"It is very unlikely... (GunPolicy.org)
Report Finally Tabled: Gun Culture 'Almost Cripples' Papua New Guinea
12 August 2009
Islands Business (Suva)
Three years and 10 months after a government committee looked into the gun issue in Papua New Guinea, Sir Michael Somare's government has finally tabled the committee's report in Parliament.
Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi when tabling the report with its 244 recommendations admitted the country has a very serious gun problem that needs to be tackled as a matter of urgency. The widespread use of illegal guns throughout PNG has affected every sector of the... (GunPolicy.org)
Four-year Delay, 'No Real Progress' in Papua New Guinea Gun Control
16 July 2009
National (Port Moresby)
There has been no real progress towards the implementation of recommendations from the PNG Guns Control Committee.
This is why the report has also been allowed to gather dust.
Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi said this yesterday in presenting his statement, "Recommendations consequent to the nationwide consultations and the PNG Guns Control Summit", in Parliament.
He said 244 recommendations were contained in the guns committee report.
The recommendations... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Parliament Tables 4 Year-old Gun Control Report
16 July 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
More than 1400 individuals and their families have been hurt or traumatised in instances where guns were reportedly used to commit crimes in the country.
Guns are used to kill people, commit rape, robberies, used in tribal fights and other violent crimes where these weapons play a major role.
Many people in PNG are victims of gun-related incidents while many more have lost loved ones, family members and properties in gun-related incidents.
The widespread increase of... (GunPolicy.org)
Grandmother Shot Dead in Bed as PNG Police Chase, Shoot Suspects
13 July 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Three young people lost their sole parental figure, grandmother Taita Kiroki, to a stray bullet in a gun battle between police and alleged car thieves in a Port Moresby settlement early Saturday.
Bubu Taita, as she was known, heard gunshots, raised her head to see what was happening and was struck by a bullet in the neck. Family members say her head dropped to the pillow.
Her three grandchildren had been reared by "Bubu Taita" since their single mother died seven... (GunPolicy.org)
Industry Watchdog Worries About PNG Security Guards Shooting Wildly
10 July 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The Security Inspection Authority (SIA), the body in charge of looking after security companies operations in the country has raised concerns about the use of firearms by security companies.
Alphonse Krau manager for licensing enforcement in SIA, yesterday expressed his concern and that of the authority that many firearms, especially high powered ones allowed by the firearms and licensing arm of the police themselves, had been abused.
"Security companies who apply... (GunPolicy.org)
Most MPs Are Perpetrators in Gun Trafficking, Says PNG Security Minister
26 June 2009
National (Port Moresby)
PORT MORESBY — Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi has called on all parliamentarians, especially MPs from the Highlands, to support him when he presents the gun committee report to Parliament next month.
The report, with 244 recommendations on how to stop the escalation of gun violence, was completed in 2005 — and still remains outside Parliament four years later, according to Mr Rambi.
He claimed said some Members of Parliament would not support him because... (GunPolicy.org)
Oceania,United Nations,Australia,New Zealand,Fiji,Solomon Islands,Papua New Guinea
United Nations Gun Chief Says Pacific Has Illicit Small Arms Problem
25 June 2009
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave), Audio
The United Nations is working to halt the daily toll of one-thousand people around the world killed by small arms. The job of halting the toll taken by small illegal weapons has now been placed in the hands of United Nations Ambassador, Pablo Macedo. Ambassador Macedo is Chair Designate for next year's United Nations Biennial Meeting of States on Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Speaker: United Nations Ambassador, Pablo Macedo
Windows media (audio... (GunPolicy.org)
Oceania,Australia,Solomon Islands,Papua New Guinea,Fiji,United Nations
Guns Threaten Pacific Stability, Ammunition Controls on Way, UN Told
24 June 2009
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
Guns in the Pacific region have the potential to create chaos, economic damage and social disruption, a conference has been told.
The meeting of Pacific Island officials in Sydney was sponsored by the United Nations Disarmament Office and the Australian Government.
The two-day event, which has just wound up, looked at the scale of the problem and initiatives to tackle it.
It was chaired by Mexico's Pablo Macedo, at his first meeting in charge of steering UN... (GunPolicy.org)
Youths Said Trading Drugs for Assault Rifles in PNG Logging Camp
17 June 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Youths allegedly crazed by drugs in Pindiu are selling their illicit cargo to logging camps near Finschhafen on the Morobe Coast to get high powered firearms.
To date, they have obtained a M16 rifle, a pistol and 30 home made guns, Burum Kuat Local Level Government president Dicks Iwong reported yesterday.
Mr Iwong, who is in Lae to plead with authorities to send a police task force to his LLG, said his councillors had told him the youths were gathering a powerful... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Police Minister Mulls Costly Buyback of Illegal Guns
5 May 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
High-powered firearms will not be surrendered to police as they are viewed as tools for defensive reasons.
This was the sentiment shared by Police Minister Sani Rambi when asked about the possibility of high-powered firearms ever being surrendered in relation to the idea of the guns buyback strategy implemented by him last year.
When asked how far he was with a draft on the guns buyback strategy, he said that he was yet to draft a submission as it required a... (GunPolicy.org)
WWII US Army Dumps Still Yield Papua New Guinea Gun Crime Ammo
12 March 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The people of Torokina have been assured the issue of selling World War II ammunition will be dealt with by the Autonomous Bougainville Government.
The chiefs in South Bougainville are happy with the response from the Bougainville Executive Council (BEC).
Torokina district, the place that hit the headlines when youths turned to selling World War II ammunition to the public and business houses, has been assured the ABG will deal with the issue and some projects there... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Violence a 'Way of Life' in Papua New Guinea, Women Badly Affected
12 March 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The use of guns to commit crimes such as murder and rape has become a way of life in many parts of the country and something has to be done about it.
Eileen Kolma, country representative for Oxfam International, said this when addressing International Women's Day celebrations in Port Moresby yesterday.
The event, organised by the Australian High Commission as part of Australia Week and attended by women from all walks of life, heard that guns, which were used for... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal WWII US Ammo Sales 'Rife' in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
26 February 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Illegal sales of wartime ammunitions is rife in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
World War II ammunition left over from the Bougainville crisis are being dug up from old bunkers in one of the United States' biggest WW2 bases in Torokina, and sold openly on the streets of Buka.
Self loading rifle (SLF) bullets are going for K10 a piece and M16 bullets are selling for K20 each.
Reports reaching the Post-Courier office in Buka say bullets have also been traded for... (GunPolicy.org)
13 Guns, Drugs Seized Near Papua New Guinea Border with Indonesia
7 January 2009
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
A local businessman from Daru in the Western Province supporting the anti-gun coalition assisted police during the Christmas and New Year periods by airlifting 10 high-powered rifles.
Provincial police commander Peter Philip who arrived in Moresby late Monday afternoon said despite a trouble free festive season, the guns trade between the Indonesian and PNG-Australian treaty villages (Maputawan, Sikabaduru and Kunini) was still going on due to the lack of... (GunPolicy.org)
Grenades, 'Rocket Launcher' Found in Papua New Guinea Plane Luggage
6 January 2009
Australian Associated Press
A rocket launcher and nine grenades have been found in the luggage of a passenger on a flight in Papua New Guinea.
The unnamed man was being questioned at the Mt Hagen police station, PNG's National newspaper reported today.
Police seized the weapon and ammunition after discovering them at the Mt Hagen airport in PNG's Highlands region last Wednesday.
They also discovered a scope that is believed to be part of the rocket launcher.
Police arrested the Southern... (GunPolicy.org)
Youths Raid Police Armoury in Papua New Guinea, Steal 17 Shotguns
18 December 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Police in Northern Province have arrested two suspects in connection witth the break in at the Popondetta police armoury where 17 shotguns were removed in the early hours of last Thursday morning.
Provincial police commander Supt Micah Anaiwe has confirmed police recovered eight firearms the following day and they have stepped up operations and were on full alert.
Supt Anaiwe said yesterday from Popondetta that of the 17 shotguns stolen, nine were operational while... (GunPolicy.org)
Islands 'Traumatised by Gun Culture,' Gun Control Urged in Bougainville
26 November 2008
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
There has been a call for the government of Bougainville and the international community to do more to deal with the gun issue in the south of the autonomous PNG region.
Three residents of south Bougainville involved in peace-building work in the region have told a seminar at the Australian National University in Canberra the south is being traumatised by the weapons culture.
Unresolved conflicts from the region's civil war and the breakdown of traditional authority... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns, Armed Violence Still 'A Major Problem' for Bougainville
20 October 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The presence of weapons throughout the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is a major problem for the Autonomous Government.
Ministers Joseph Watawi (Trade and Industry, Tourism, Customs, Quarantine, Port Services Micro Finance), Ezekiel Massatt (Police, Public Service, Planning) and Glynne Tovirika (Veteran Affairs) and Gerard Sinato (Health) attended a reconciliation ceremony at Sanakova village in the Selau/Suir District of North Bougainville.
The same sentiment was... (GunPolicy.org)
Plundered Police, Army Guns Fuel Violent Crime in Papua New Guinea
12 October 2008
ABC News (Australia)
The Papua New Guinea Government is set to make sweeping changes to the country's guns laws to curb violent crime.
For many years, criminals have had easy access to factory-made weapons to commit crimes.
They are the weapons of choice for Papua New Guinea criminals — standard police and army issue high-powered rifles.
Over the years, PNG's armoury has been plundered to such an extent, no one really knows how many guns are in criminal hands.
This is how former... (GunPolicy.org)
Tougher Gun Control Needed to Curb Violence in Papua New Guinea
9 October 2008
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
The Papua New Guinea government is being called on to make sweeping changes to the country's guns laws to curb violent crime.
For many years, criminals have had easy access to factory made weapons to commit crimes.
Former Defence Force Commander Jerry Singirok now heads up the country's gun control commitee.
He's calling on parliament to introduce changes to PNG's gun laws, particularly looking at better mangaging the firearms registry and keeping tabs on who owns... (GunPolicy.org)
Leaders Who Carry, Condone Guns in Politics Obstruct Peace in PNG
22 September 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
A "Peace Meal" to remember the victims of gun violence throughout the country was hosted by the Coalition to stop Gun Violence in Port Moresby last Friday.
Deputy chairwoman of the coalition, Vavine Gabi said the peace meal was also to reach out and hold hands with the community — the public and private sectors as well as individuals — to share its experiences and to say no to guns.
The peace meal coincided with the global week of action against violence and the... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Minister Reckons Most Crime in Papua New Guinea Involves Guns
18 September 2008
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
Papua New Guinea's police minister Sani Rambi says 60 per cent of crimes committed in PNG involve small arms and light weapons.
The National newspaper quotes Mr Rambi as saying the government needs to create incentives for people to voluntarily hand in their weapons.
He says tougher legislation is needed to control their use and removal from communities.
Mr Rambi says small arms and light weapons are fast becoming a means of security and protection as well as a... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Control for Police, Prisons, Weapon Buyback in Papua New Guinea
16 September 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi returned from participating in the United Nations summit on Arm Violence and Development in Geneva.
The summit was a follow up of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Conference held in New York earlier this year which he attended with Police Commissioner Gari Baki.
Mr Rambi who arrived very early yesterday morning, attended the third bi-annual meeting mid July this year in which his idea before Parliament on the buying back of guns,... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Licensing, Ownership to Be Audited, Tightened in Papua New Guinea
19 August 2008
National (Port Moresby)
All firearm licence transfers and renewals will go through a stringent screening process consistent with the Firearms Act chapter 310, police Commissioner Gari Baki announced yesterday while reaffirming the constabulary's commitment to tackle crime in the country.
Mr Baki, who is also the registrar of firearms, said gun holders wishing to renew or transfer their firearm licences, especially handguns and pistols to new owners, would have to conform to Government... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Officers Charged Over Armed Bank Robbery in Papua New Guinea
22 July 2008
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
In Papua New Guinea, four police officers have been charged with being in possession of firearms while in the company of a known bank robber.
Our reporter in PNG, Firmin Nanol, says one officer was in police uniform when he was arrested.
The four officers have been remanded in custody after being denied bail.
Police have also arrested another key suspect behind a series of armed kidnappings and bank robberies.
The suspect has been on the run since escaping from... (GunPolicy.org)
UN to Spend up to US$5 Million on Gun Control in Papua New Guinea
22 July 2008
National (Port Moresby)
The United Nations would make available up to US$5 million to combat and eradicate illegal guns in Papua New Guinea, Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi said at the Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby yesterday.
Mr Rambi, Police Commissioner Gari Baki and PNGDF officer Capt (navy) Max Aleale had just returned from an international conference on small arms and light weapons in New York.
Mr Rambi said PNG was among 140 nations that attended the meeting as a... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Chief Issues 'Shoot to Kill' Order, Urges Critics Not to Overreact
15 July 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 criminals are clearly demonstrating their... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Tells UN of 'Radical Action Plan' to Curb Illegal Guns
14 July 2008
Pacific Magazine
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 and Light Weapons in New York City,... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea,United Nations
Papua New Guinea, Commonwealth Discuss Global Gun Trade Treaty
13 July 2008
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave)
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 of weapons in the PNG highlands, and that arms... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia Sponsors PNG Police Minister to UN Gun Control Talks in New York
11 July 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi will soon announce a plan to deal with the illegal guns issue in the country.
Mr Rambi will announce the plan soon after attending the Biennial Meeting of States on Small Arms and Light Weapons in New York, America next week.
Mr Rambi, with his delegates, will leave the country over the weekend to present the position of the Papua New Guinea Government in dealing with illegal guns in the country and also to explore practical ideas... (GunPolicy.org)
Licensed Gun Owner, PNG Leader Twice Raided by Police Before Murder
29 June 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Mt Hagen police conducted a couple of raids between 2007 and 2008 in search of illegal firearms in the house of the suspect in the killing of Post-Courier reporter Sent Timbi.
Police are still holding onto three high-powered weapons which were taken during a raid at the suspected businessman's homestead, acting Metropolitan Superintendent John Kale said yesterday. The raids were conducted following tip-offs of a pile of illegal high powered weapons.
Highlands... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Appeal for Gun Information, Surrender of Weapons in Chimbu
26 June 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Chimbu police are appealing to the public to give information on illegal firearms in the province.
Provincial police commander Chief Superintendent Joseph Tondop made the call during an agreement signing ceremony in Kumbal near the Western Highlands-Chimbu provincial borders on Saturday.
Mr Tondop commended local leaders for taking the initiative to broker peace and bring development by signing such pacts for peace and unity for member groups, which included more... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Opposition Praises Minister for Gun Buyback Plan, Urges Much More
24 June 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The Opposition has praised Internal Security Minister Sani Rambi for taking a bold move to start acting on the recommendations of the National Guns Summit in dealing with the illegal gun issue.
Member for Dei Puri Ruing commended Mr Rambi for taking the initiative even though the Government had not acted to take follow-up actions since it was presented with the report in 2006.
However, Mr Ruing suggested that the full implementation of recommendations should be done... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Minister Plans Buyback of Illegal Guns in Papua New Guinea
23 June 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The Government is willing to buy back illegal guns from the possession of the ordinary Papua New Guinean Minister for Internal Security Sani Rambi has said.
Mr Rambi recently said unlawful guns in the hands of wrong people with criminal instincts must be removed as they were doing lots of damage and holding back the positive development progress of the country.
"As Minister responsible, I'm for the idea of buying back guns from people who illegally possess them," Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Minister Vows Action to Curb Proliferation of Guns, Gun Crime
23 June 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Minister for Internal Security Sani Rambi is looking at curtailing organised crime and the guns issues in the country.
Mr Rambi made it clear last Thursday the Government was fully conscious of the recent rise in organised crime together with the increasing number of illegal guns threatening the internal security of the country.
He said the Police Department was addressing these issues which were the major threats to the internal security of the country.
"As Minister... (GunPolicy.org)
National Gun Buyback Planned to Curb Crime in Papua New Guinea
23 June 2008
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
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 idea of buying back guns from people who illegally... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
Police 'Check' Gun, Bullet Pierces Courtroom Wall in Papua New Guinea
20 June 2008
TVNZ News / AAP
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.
PNG's National newspaper reported... (GunPolicy.org)
Fraud Boss Pans Parliament for Neglecting 3yr-old PNG Gun Summit Report
17 June 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Worries have been raised over the delay in the tabling of the guns control report in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters in Madang yesterday development practitioner of the fraud and corruption activity management team John Toguata said while the guns control report had been completed in 2006, and a copy of the report given to the Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare, it had yet to be tabled.
Mr Toguata said the police review had been conducted at about the same time as... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Smuggling Said 'Rife' in Papau New Guinea, But Evidence Still Absent
21 May 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Guns are brought into the country in logging ships and exchanged with locals for money and animal species in the country.
This was revealed by a project officer in Kikori, Gulf Province yesterday while listing the items confiscated by the Internal Revenue Commission team from a Chinese logging ship bound for Kikori.
The officer, Max Malau, who has several health projects in Kikori and who travels there frequently, said the items like liquor, cigarettes, fertilisers,... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Gun Control Coalition Deplores Government Inaction
19 May 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 very important issue of guns and their widespread illegal... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Politicians Must 'Deal with Gun Issue as National Crisis'
9 May 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 in the media. "Is this the kind of legacy we... (GunPolicy.org)
Authority Pleads with Bougainville Businesses to Surrender Illegal Guns
15 April 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Businessmen in Kokopau at the northern tip of Bougainville Island have been called on to surrender their illegal firearms.
The warning was issued by district manager for the Selau Suir based at Kokopau, Anthony Tsora.
"There are certain business people here in Kokopau who are holding on to unregistered firearms and discharging them at will," he said.
"Let it be known that guns are not firecrackers that you could just own to make a loud noise. I have names of business... (GunPolicy.org)
Bougainville Residents Want 'Outside Force' to Seize, Destroy Illegal Guns
10 April 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
A concerned citizen says a majority of the people from Central Bougainville want an intervention force to deal with the weapons issue.
The citizen, a long-time resident of Arawa Town who did not want to be identified, said the silent majority of Bougainvilleans were fed up with the Autonomous Bougainville Government's claims the weapons disposal issue could be solved by Bougainvilleans themselves.
"This is an outright lie by the ABG. Bougainvilleans are dying as a... (GunPolicy.org)
Three Years On, PNG Gun Summit Report Remains Unread by MPs
8 April 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
More parliamentarians need to lend their support to remove the threat of illegal firearms presented to Papua New Guinea, the chairman of the Gun Coalition, Oseah Philemon said yesterday.
While congratulating Justice Minister Dr Allan Marat and Enga Governor Peter Ipatas on their comments on the issue in Parliament last week, Mr Philemon said the Gun Committee's report and recommendations were the property of the Government and it alone could do as it wished with the... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Deports Australian 'Illegal Immigrant' on Gun Charges
21 February 2008
Sydney Morning Herald / AP
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, PNG's National newspaper reported.
"He was... (GunPolicy.org)
Criminals 'Borrow' Police Guns to Commit Crimes in Papua New Guinea
15 February 2008
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
A police firearm from a police station in Port Moresby was allegedly borrowed by criminals and used in a recent robbery.
The policemen are also known to be working with criminals in crimes in the city and throughout the country.
While supporting Police Commissioner Gari Baki's announcement of an investigation into crooked policemen and women, three retired chief sergeants said there was huge corruption in the police hierarchy.
The three retired chief sergeants —... (GunPolicy.org)
Owners of Illicit Guns in Papua New Guinea Suggest Buyback, Death Penalty
23 November 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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 National Government imposed death penalty on any... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Gun Control Coalition Urges Ban on Toy Firearms
7 November 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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, a survivor of gun violence who lost her mother in 1999,... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Coalition for Gun Control Calls on Govt to Ban Toy Guns for Christmas
6 November 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 for parents not to buy toy guns or any... (GunPolicy.org)
Main Papua New Guinea Newspaper Pushes for Gun Control, Toy Gun Ban
6 November 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
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 culture parents are trying to engrain in the minds of... (GunPolicy.org)
I Wanted UN Ambassadors to Know How It Felt When My Mother Was Shot
23 October 2007
Control Arms Weblog (New York), Web Page
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 by Control Arms to highlight the... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Gun Control Coalition Urges Politicians, Leaders to Give Up Their Guns
17 October 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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, human rights groups and development agencies,... (GunPolicy.org)
Former Army Boss Warns Gun Violence 'Out of Hand' in Papua New Guinea
17 October 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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 would fall victims to this helpless situation... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea,United Nations
I Watched a Gunman Shoot My Mother: PNG Survivor Lobbies at the UN
16 October 2007
Age (Melbourne), Opinion
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 working with policy experts from Control... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Violence in PNG: UN Hears Local Woman Who Saw Mother Shot Dead
15 October 2007
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
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 would such people have any interest in the plight of... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG's Coalition to Stop Gun Violence Attracts Strong Line-up of Supporters
12 October 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 said the report also indicated that... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea,United Nations
At UN in New York, PNG Shooting Survivor Pushes Global Gun Trade Treaty
12 October 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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.
Vavine said she was still sitting in the vehicle... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Violence Destroying Papua New Guinea: What Is Government Doing?
12 October 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
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 if she had anything else that they should... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Gun Violence Survivor Joins UN Gun Trade Treaty Talks
10 October 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 Small Arms (IANSA Pacific).
She will join... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Registers Increased Use of Illegal Guns
11 September 2007
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
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 in Enga.
Major General Singirok says apart from... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
Political Will Needed for Papua New Guinea to Tackle Illegal Gun Issue
11 September 2007
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
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 in terms of security and threats to the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
Papua New Guinea Police Officers Implicated in Smuggling Guns for Drugs
24 August 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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 officers were implicated by anti-narcotics detectives... (GunPolicy.org)
Leaked Weapons Feed Gun Culture's Deadly Toll in Papua New Guinea
23 July 2007
Al Jazeera (Qatar)
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 a part of life.
For tribal fighters,... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Member of Parliament Slapped with Gun, Ammo, Drug Charges
12 July 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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.
Mr Henao said the MP was slapped with... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Warriors Pose for Photos With Assault Rifles Stolen from Police, Army
9 July 2007
Sydney Morning Herald
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 and their fellow tribal warriors took about 60... (GunPolicy.org)
Two Men Shot in 'Assassination Attempt' on PNG Deputy Prime Minister
13 June 2007
Xinhua
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 who whisked him away in a car.
In a separate... (GunPolicy.org)
Unless Gun Violence is Addressed it Will Destroy Papua New Guinea
17 May 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 and urged the new government to treat the... (GunPolicy.org)
Government's 'Singular Lack of Action' Spurs PNG Gun Control NGO
3 May 2007
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
The group that gathered for the launch of the Coalition Against Gun Violence on April 30 numbered less than 20. Certainly, there was none of the excitement or the six-digit funding that accompanied the launch of the Gun Control Committee and the nationwide Gun Road-Show culminating in the Gun Summit in Goroka in July 2005.
What the group lacked in numbers, they made up for in the import of their mission and by the size and importance of the organisations they... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Women Link Tribes, Decry Guns, Prevent Tribal Wars
1 May 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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.
Many adults in the area today, she said, had... (GunPolicy.org)
Cost of Gun-related Injuries 'Bigger than AIDS/HIV' in Papua New Guinea
1 May 2007
ABC News (Australia)
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 that gun-related injuries are costly to treat and... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Related Injuries Cost Papua New Guinea US$7 Million Each Year
1 May 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 because doctors have seen that... (GunPolicy.org)
Government Fails to Stop Illegal Guns in Papua New Guinea
1 May 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
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 urgency.
Early in 2005, both the... (GunPolicy.org)
Uproar Over Gun Violence in Papua New Guinea: Civil Society Wants Action
1 May 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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 Ombudsman Commission said the Government and... (GunPolicy.org)
My Tribe Wants Me to Buy Guns for Them. In PNG, This is a Real Dilemma
26 March 2007
National (Port Moresby), Column
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," he told me recently. "They ask when they need it.... (GunPolicy.org)
Voting Under the Barrel of a Gun Predicted for Papua New Guinea Elections
12 February 2007
National (Port Moresby), Editorial
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.
This is despite the best efforts of those... (GunPolicy.org)
Some 15,000 Guns in Hands of Papua New Guinea Highlanders
10 February 2007
National (Port Moresby)
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 holding them being prosecuted. But the... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Battle Rages Near Lumusa, in PNG's Western Highlands Province
8 February 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 they do not support the fighting and have... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Criminals Dressed as Police Raid Armoured Car With AR-15s, M-16s
7 February 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 ahead and stopped in front of the armoured... (GunPolicy.org)
Stolen PNG Police AR-15 Assault Rifle Now Killing in Highlands Tribal Fight
26 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 said his enemy tribes had taken advantage of... (GunPolicy.org)
Villagers Warned to Surrender Guns in PNG's Garaina Sub District
25 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 voluntarily surrender these illegal fire arms... (GunPolicy.org)
'Nothing Illegal' About 1m Kina Cheque for Missing PNGDF Ammunition
24 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 Secretary Steven Raphael to fund the... (GunPolicy.org)
Unlicensed Australian Firm Took 1m Kina for Missing PNGDF Ammunition
22 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 was prohibited unless the Minister for... (GunPolicy.org)
Illegal Guns, PNG Government Inaction a Worry to Chimbu Tribe
18 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the biggest threat to law and order in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Airports Crack Down on Passengers Carrying Guns
17 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 clearance and lodgement points. CAA... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Robbers Ambush Police, Steal AR-15 Assault Rifle in Nebilyer Valley
15 January 2007
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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.
In early 2006, Mendi-based mobile squad 10... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Deputy PM Calls Once More for Highlanders to Surrender their Guns
19 December 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 and surrender all weapons to the State of... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Pose Serious Threat to 2007 General Elections in Papua New Guinea
18 December 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 years. I fear it is going to become a reality,... (GunPolicy.org)
Tribal Feud Out of Control: Gun Killings Escalate in Papua New Guinea
13 December 2006
Australian Associated Press
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 into open warfare again in recent... (GunPolicy.org)
Former PNG Defence Chief Urges Halt to Surplus Gun Disposal, Downsizing
8 December 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 report (Eminent Persons Group report), which... (GunPolicy.org)
Four Robbers Armed With PNG Ex-Army M-16s Steal, Strip School Bus
5 December 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 in their direction so they could not do anything.
Mr... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Amnesty Crucial to Avoid Highlands Anarchy in PNG Elections
1 December 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
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 they have been denied or failed by... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns, Rampant Corruption Reduce PNG's Southern Highlands to Anarchy
23 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Opinion
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 500,000 people of Southern Highlands Province... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Children Learn to Use Guns in Nebilyer Valley Tribal Fights
23 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the fight in the neighbouring province was a... (GunPolicy.org)
Stolen Police, Army Guns Underpin Threat to Sabotage PNG Elections
22 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 in the area, so we want two things... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Justice Minister Laments the Human Cost, Waste of Gun Violence
14 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 with the problems associated with illegal... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Gun Surrender 'Path to Freedom from Threat, Oppression, Poverty'
9 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Opinion
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 structure in the Southern... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Threaten Peace in Bougainville, 'More Now Than During the Crisis'
6 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 that exercise of arms surrender by the former... (GunPolicy.org)
'Inside Job' Sees 3 Crime Guns Stolen from PNG Police Station
2 November 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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.
The police armoury and magazine are housed in the... (GunPolicy.org)
Bougainville Rebel to Disarm 'Royal Guards,' Hand in Guns for Containment
31 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the government was making arrangements to... (GunPolicy.org)
MP Sees no Signs of Progress in 'Financially Rich' PNG Southern Highlands
30 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 can use for other essential development in... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Southern Highlanders Want to Get Rid of 'Dictatorial' Gun Culture
26 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Opinion
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.
"People were living oppressed lives, one... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Runners Fuel 'Arms Race,' Bring New Weapons to Papua New Guinea
25 October 2006
Courier-Mail (Brisbane)
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 into Papua New Guinea, where they are... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Southern Highlands Gun Amnesty Should Be Extended, Say Police
24 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the Firearms Act, ammunition were part and... (GunPolicy.org)
136 Guns Surrendered in PNG Southern Highlands Weapon Amnesty
23 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 a self loading automatic rifle, a 303 rifle, a hand... (GunPolicy.org)
Soldier, Wife Caught Smuggling Stolen Military Weapons in PNG Highlands
23 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 Baiyer River in the Western Highlands... (GunPolicy.org)
'Still a Lot of Guns Around' in Bougainville, Says PNG Police Chief
20 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 holding onto guns not because of wanting to start a... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Bougainville Chiefs Demand Govt Gun Confiscation in 'Failed State'
17 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 in their district and Bougainville as a... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea MP Accused of Firing Handgun, Pistol-whipping Wife
10 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 club when the incident happened.... (GunPolicy.org)
Gunshots, Armed Robberies Worry Tinputz Chiefs in PNG's Bougainville
4 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 in cash was taken away by the... (GunPolicy.org)
Retrenched PNG Soldier Jailed for Smuggling Stolen Ammo to Highlands
2 October 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 of 7.62 calibre bullets, two live rounds... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Deny Machine Guns Surrendered in Amnesty Were Inoperable
28 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the amnesty, you cannot ask for them... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Policeman Robbed of AR-15, Pistol, Truck in Capital City
28 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the residence of the officer being dropped off... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Highlands Tribal Fighters Surrender 2 Machine Guns in Amnesty
22 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 clan Unjamap villagers to SoE controller and deputy... (GunPolicy.org)
Leader in Violence-torn PNG Province Surrenders M-16 in Gun Amnesty
13 September 2006
National (Port Moresby)
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 requested anonymity and police had to respect his... (GunPolicy.org)
More Guns Handed in Under PNG Southern Highlands Arms Amnesty
7 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 of firearms surrendered to police since the firearms... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Policeman Faked a Holdup, Sold His Assault Rifle to Tribal Fighters
5 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 in 2002 during a tribal fight between the Kome... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Cabinet Minister Robbed of Pistol, Cash After Falling Asleep in Car
5 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 commissioner Tony Wagambie yesterday confirmed... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Highlands Gun Amnesty Offers 'Dob In' Phone line for Tipsters
1 September 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 telephone number (1805001) with information... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Urge Papua New Guinea Politicians to Give Up Their Guns
31 August 2006
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
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, Gari Baki, says the amnesty is a bid to break... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
Gun Amnesty Launched in Tinderbox Papua New Guinea Province
30 August 2006
Australian Associated Press
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 the emergency provisions for the... (GunPolicy.org)
In Papua New Guinea, MPs Should Give Up Their Guns Before People Will
29 August 2006
National (Port Moresby)
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 lead in surrendering their weapons so that the... (GunPolicy.org)
Police, Soldiers Move In to Enforce PNG Southern Highlands Gun Amnesty
21 August 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 and Correctional Service officers will be based... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Gun Committee Organiser Insists Weapons Smuggled from Australia
17 August 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 High Commission.
The committee... (GunPolicy.org)
Another Stolen PNG Police Shotgun Seized from Village in Bougainville
10 August 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 Jimmy and youth co-ordinator Stanis Sabuin who... (GunPolicy.org)
Thugs Using Aussie Guns in PNG Crime
8 August 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 favoured weapon of criminal gangs in rural PNG... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Govt Pins Hopes on Voluntary Handover of Guns
8 August 2006
Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
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.
After that guns are to be seized by force.
The... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Radio New Zealand International (Pacific shortwave)
Australian Government Assault Rifles Become PNG Crime Guns
7 August 2006
Austral Policy Forum, Nautilus Institute / Crikey (Australia), Opinion
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 weapon of choice.
In the... (GunPolicy.org)
Read More: Austral Policy Forum, Nautilus Institute / Crikey (Australia)
Papua New Guinea,Oceania,Australia
Guns Provided by Australian Government Commonly Used in Pacific Crime
7 August 2006
Australian (Sydney)
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 favoured weapon of criminal gangs in rural PNG... (GunPolicy.org)
Australia, Papua New Guinea Team Up to Curb Border Gun Running
4 August 2006
Australian Financial Review
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 operational policing effort... (GunPolicy.org)
Threat of Illicit Guns Cited in Papua New Guinea State of Emergency
4 August 2006
Australian (Sydney)
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 of the province on Tuesday in an effort to... (GunPolicy.org)
More Illegal Guns in PNG Southern Highlands Than Police, Military Combined
2 August 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 amnesty, the security forces will conduct a special... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Police Say Bougainville-to-Highlands Election Gun Running Continues
13 July 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 couldn't do much about it.
He also admitted... (GunPolicy.org)
Australian Military Interests Blamed for Destruction of PNG's Surplus Guns
13 July 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 ammunition purchased for use on... (GunPolicy.org)
Prominent PNG Nationalist Slams Decision to Destroy Surplus Army Guns
12 July 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 an irate Morobe Governor Luther Wenge, upon... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Destroys Surplus Army Guns, Shrinks Arsenal
7 July 2006
National (Port Moresby)
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.
The army will be left with only 2,300 from 11 different... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Pose Threat to 2007 National Elections in Papua New Guinea
28 June 2006
ABC Radio Australia (Shortwave) / Pacific Beat, Audio
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 last November, which includes more than 200... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Destroys Surplus Military Guns With Australia's Help
27 June 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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 the weapons was made by a PNGDF small-arms... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Army Officers Decry Destruction of Surplus Defence Force Guns
26 June 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
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.
The soldiers spoke of "lack of consultation" on the... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Defence Force to Destroy 3,400 Surplus Guns
26 June 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
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 this exercise.
The officers see this as a... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Army to Destroy 3400 Weapons, More Than Half its Gun Inventory
23 June 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
More than 3400 military weapons will be destroyed starting next week in what has been described as a move to standardise weapons to be held by the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
Documents from the Defence Force headquarters show a wide range of weapons, many high powered, bought by the force over the years now held by its various units around the country have been listed for destruction.
They include high-powered Israeli-made weapons as well as grenade launchers... (GunPolicy.org)
Guns Will Rule the 2007 Election in Papua New Guinea
17 June 2006
National (Port Moresby)
Guns will rule in the 2007 general elections because the Government has done little to address the growing problem of illegal firearms and violence associated with guns, the Opposition has warned.
"We all know how the gun culture had permeated and penetrated society, especially in certain parts of the country, yet the Government had done nothing to address this very serious problem," Opposition leader Peter O'Neill told The National this week.
"We all know how... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Soldiers Acquitted of Arms Theft
9 June 2006
National (Port Moresby)
Ten Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers who were charged with allegedly stealing high-powered weapons and ammunitions to send to Mendi were acquitted yesterday by the Waigani National Court.
In the same court, a policeman who was charged with two counts of allegedly stealing and selling a police-issue pistol and ammunition was also acquitted.
Justice Nicholas Kirriwom set all the disciplined officers free after the state prosecutor was unable to produce evidence... (GunPolicy.org)
Papua New Guinea Bishop Urges Gun Control
6 June 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
PORT MORESBY — Gutnius Lutheran Church head Bishop David Piso yesterday renewed his call for the Papua New Guinea Government to table the gun committee report in Parliament immediately.
Speaking from Wapenamanda in the Enga Province where the church is based, Bishop Piso said the Government's delay in tabling the report in Parliament and taking action to minimize the spread and build-up of illegal weapons is a serious worry for the nation.
"The National Guns... (GunPolicy.org)
Lack of Evidence Frees 10 PNG Soldiers Accused in Theft of 6 Assault Rifles
11 May 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
A lack of evidence has prompted the National Court to acquit 10 Papua New Guinea Defence Force soldiers charged with the alleged stealing of high-powered weapons and ammunition.
The soldiers acquitted were Nicholas Haiyufa, Gibson Nakia, Philip Foieke, Peter Umba, John Suri, Benjamin Philip, Henry Kemo Kurina, Timon Soka Otango, Jacob Tinol, and Terry Gaso.
Sam Auka, the prosecutor from the Public Prosecutors office, was unable to produce witnesses to bring evidence... (GunPolicy.org)
Soldier Claims Torres Strait Gun Smugglers Aided by Corrupt Officials
24 April 2006
National (Port Moresby) / PacNews
A member of the PNG Defence Force Intelligence Service has revealed on ABC's Lateline programme that people of many nationalities, including Indonesians from Papua, are regularly being smuggled across the Torres Strait.
He claimed that corrupt Australian officials were involved in the trade.
The intelligence officer, whose identity has been concealed, said Australia's northern border was porous.
"People are being smuggled through Indonesia into Australia. The border... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Army Predicts Gun Smuggling Will Increase Over Indonesian Border
28 March 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) believes there will be an increase in the trade of firearms across the PNG/Indonesian border in Western Province, the Post courier reports.
PNGDF chief-of-staff Captain Urr Tom revealed this yesterday at PNGDF headquarters in Port Moresby.
In light of increased "illegal" border movements into the Papua New Guinean territory, Capt. Tom expressed concerns that the border was "open" and as a result the country was exposed to... (GunPolicy.org)
Over 25,000 Rounds of Ammunition Still Missing from PNG Armoury
22 March 2006
National (Port Moresby)
Police yesterday revealed that 26,673 rounds of ammunition were stolen from the Defence Force Goldie River Barracks armoury early last month.
The ammunition comprise 13,768 calibre of 7.56 bullets, 5,790 of 7.62 bullets, 2,407 9mm bullets, 4,670 12 gauge shot gun cartridges and 38 chain .50 link calibre bullets.
Police only recovered 1,500 rounds of ammunition which was part of the old ammunition stockpile that was consigned for demolition. They were confiscated at... (GunPolicy.org)
Arrested Fugitive Says Bougainville Enclave Still Has Plenty of Guns
22 March 2006
National (Port Moresby)
PORT MORESBY — The Me'ekamui army in the "No-Go Zone" on mainland Bougainville in Papua New Guinea is still heavily armed, according to Australian Jeffrey Richards, who was convicted and fined PGK2,500 [US$863] by the Boroko District Court on Monday after overstaying his visa.
Richards, who has been living at Guava village, said he has seen the firearms they have in their possession.
He was caught with Englishman James Rex Nesbitt in Buka — an island just north of... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Gun Runners Caught With 1500 Rounds of Stolen Govt Ammunition
16 February 2006
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
Mount Hagen Police on Tuesday confirmed a woman was involved in the illegal smuggling of more than 1500 live ammunition into Mt Hagen from Port Moresby. She is being questioned while police continue investigations.
Police said she was questioned and then released but would be a key member of a group of suspects who are being questioned in connection with the investigation.
Mt Hagen officer in charge of prosecutions Martin Kigare said there were many people involved... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Policeman Steals, Sells Gun, Ammo
4 January 2006
National (Port Moresby)
A policeman in Kiunga has been suspended from duty for allegedly stealing and selling a .22 rifle and 115 rounds of ammunition to a businessman last week.
Southern regional police commander John Marru said disciplinary and criminal actions would be taken against the policeman.
Mr Marru said Kiunga policemen and members of a police mobile squad conducted a raid on a store last week after a tip-off, and recovered the stolen items including two telescopic lenses, a false... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Gun Registry Records 'Secret'
10 November 2005
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
The Papua New Guinea Guns Control Committee did not inspect the records of the firearms registry in order to protect the identity of gun holders.
This is despite the fact that the committee's terms of reference included an inspection of the registry.
Committee chairman and retired Papua New Guinea Defence Force commander Major-General Jerry Singirok said yesterday that if there had been more consultation with Police Commissioner Sam Inguba, who is the only authorised... (GunPolicy.org)
Indonesia, Papua New Guinea Agree Measures to Curb Firearms Smuggling
31 October 2005
National (Port Moresby)
Indonesia would provide a list of firearms it manufactures to help Papua New Guinea tackle the growing guns and drugs trade between the two countries. In return, it has asked PNG to furnish serial numbers of confiscated Indonesian-made firearms allegedly smuggled across the border in the past few years. The data would help Jakarta determine how many firearms were being smuggled through Indonesia from a third country and what countermeasures to take.
The understanding... (GunPolicy.org)
PNG Villagers Surrender Arms, Drugs
27 October 2005
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
More than 10 factory-made firearms and 40 home-made guns were surrendered to law and justice authorities in Bulolo, Morose Province last Friday.
Also surrendered at a ceremony held in Gawapu village, outside Bulolo, were marijuana plants and home-brew equipment.
A jail escapee who has been on the run for seven years also surrendered to the authorities.
Village leaders told the authorities the escapee had returned to his home, had married, had a child and became a... (GunPolicy.org)
Soldier, Cop, Magistrate Shot Women, Man in Drunken Revelry
20 October 2005
National (Port Moresby)
A soldier, policeman and a magistrate were involved in an incident in Kagua district that led to the death of a man while others received serious injuries.
Southern Highlands police boss Superintendent Simon Nigi said yesterday he would send a letter of complaint to the Police and the PNG Defence Force hierarchy recommending disciplinary actions for their behaviour.
Supt Nigi said the soldier, a sergeant in the army, his policeman brother and a magistrate had gone... (GunPolicy.org)
'Big People' Linked to Ammunition Theft from PNG Defence Force Armoury
3 October 2005
Post-Courier (Port Moresby)
It is believed "big people" were behind the break-in at the ammunition storage at the Lombrum Naval Base.
This was revealed by Papua new Guinea Defence Force commander Commodore Peter Ilau when briefing Defence Minister Matthew Gubag on his arrival from China last Friday.
"We are checking people in Lae and Madang, there were people sighted prior to that. We are also checking some people in Port Moresby who were known to have flown out of Port Moresby to Manus during... (GunPolicy.org)
Stolen Navy Ammo Recovered by Cops
29 September 2005
PacNews
PORT MORESBY — About 99 per cent of the ammunition stolen from the Lombrum Naval Base magazine storehouse in Manus in Papua New Guinea a month ago was recovered yesterday morning by police.
Five suspects, aged between 18 and 26, were also arrested and are now behind bars, the Post Courier reports.
Manus Provincial Police Commander Inspector, Alex N'drasal said his men raided Lolak and Chicago villages on Los Negros Island yesterday morning at around 4:30am and... (GunPolicy.org)
Ammunition Theft from PNG Defence Force Base Another 'Inside Job'
26 September 2005
Post-Courier (Port Moresby), Editorial
The break-in at the Defence Force Naval Patrol Base at Lombrum and the theft of a large amount of ammunition is a matter of grave concern.
The Defence Force should provide a full report — and release it publicly — on how the break-in happened and who was responsible.
Police have issued a nationwide alert to all police around the country to be on alert for possible sightings of the missing ammunition.
This major theft is further confirmation of the public concern... (GunPolicy.org)
Police Kill Gunmen Said to Have Robbed PNG Guns Committee Chairman
12 September 2005
National (Port Moresby)
Two members of an armed gang were shot dead by police yesterday in Nondugl, Western Highlands Province. The two were part of a 10-man gang, who allegedly held up former PNG Defence Force commander, Jerry Singirok and his wife at Kurumul along the Highlands Highway yesterday morning.
General Singirok is chairman of the National Guns Committee, an organisation carrying out a campaign to rid illegal guns from the community.
Witnesses said that the gang set up a... (GunPolicy.org)