PNG Defence Force (PNGDF)

Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma from the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) will become deputy commander of 3rd Brigade in Townsville, Australia's largest garrison city, from next year.

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso has extended his warmest congratulations and commendations to Lieutenant Colonel Boniface Aruma for his historic appointment.

This groundbreaking move aims to strengthen the military ties between PNG and Australia, enhancing collaboration and regional security.

“Their death is a tragic loss to all. Those who were injured are our highest priority of support, and will remain so as we support their speedy recovery,” said Major General Goina.

MAJGEN Goina revealed the names of the two deceased, stating that their families and next of kin have all been informed. However, the names of the injured have been withheld at this time to protect their privacy.

The names of the deceased are:

Their collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the PNGDF under the #PNGAusPartnership initiative.

Second Lieutenant Alvirah Bunemiga, one of the two female graduates from the PNGDF in 2022, had the privilege of being taught by Major Lachlan McAuliffe during her time at RMC-D.

Reflecting on her experience, 2LT Bunemiga expressed gratitude for the invaluable advice she received, which she intends to carry throughout her military career.

A statement released by the PNGDF this morning stated, “The headquarters PNG Defence Force has been made aware of the incident involving drunk soldiers at the Port Moresby General Hospital on Sunday.

“The Chief of Defence Force has ordered an urgent investigation into this matter and to ensure those involved are dealt with under the Code of Military Discipline and appropriate actions taken to ensure no repetition of such ill-discipline behavior occurs again.”

Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent John Sagom said the security personnel are ready and looking forward to the polling.

He said the Quick Response Force comprising PNG Defence Force and Police Mobile Squad personnel and the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF) will help the Western Highlands Provincial Police Command to deliver a free, fair and safe election.

PNGDF Task Group 2 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Isidore Tobias in Madang last week said, “There will be no room for soldiers who are caught drinking beer and fraternizing while on operation. If you are found to be drinking in this place, you will be charged and deported on the spot.”

Lt-Col Tobias warned the engineer platoon to be more professional as they are representing PNGDF in this election and their conduct must be of the highest standard.

Assistant Commissioner Operations Samson Kua corrected this saying  police have in fact confiscated one blue field uniform, three police long pants with a boot as well as one set of PNG Defence Force camouflage uniform, one shirt and one short trouser. 

He said these items are now in police custody and investigations are being conducted into their origins.

In a post on Facebook page “PNG Political Limelights”, the author claimed that a flight chartered by a regional candidate for the Hela Province contained boxes of police and PNG Defence Force uniforms.

Chief of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina said the Australia - PNG Defence Relationship is at the highest level. Adding that it is the most enduring security partnership, founded on shared geography historical links and cultural ties.

Commander Goina said the project of securing the vessel was initiated through the combined capability assessment program that saw the decommissioning of HMS Buna and Salamaua, and the subsequent agreed purchase of Niuship Cape Gloucester, now the commissioned HMPNGS Cape Gloucester.

Representatives from the Wisconsin National Guard traveled to Papua New Guinea in March to strengthen their partnership with the Papua New Guinea Defense Force under the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program.

The Wisconsin National Guard and PNG Defense Force partnership began in 2020 and supports U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command efforts to strengthen a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Marape attended the Commissioning ceremony yesterday, Tuesday December 28, at Murray Barracks to witness the appointment of Major General Mark Goina as the new PNGDF Commander.

As part of his address, he thanked Major General Toropo for is commendable service to the force.

Outgoing retired Major General Gilbert Toropo served many years in the force and for the past seven years was the Commander. During his term as Commander, he managed to accomplish the game changing tasks that were required of him.