Minister for Defence

The inquiry will examine the administration, systems and processes of conduct of the military training in the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), especially in this particular training.

The Investigation Report commissioned by the Commander of the PNGDF will form the basis of the General Board of Inquiry.

The group includes men, women and children.

The West Papuans, from Boven Digoel village, are currently in North Fly District.

Pictures of the West Papuans who crossed over were shared with this newsroom by a reliable source on ground.

Michael Pius said the people began crossing the border in November.

Pius, who is from a mixed parentage of Western Province and West Papua, said their safety in West Papua was not guaranteed because state security cannot protect them.

He said they felt their lives were in danger and so fled across the border.

Minister for Defence and Telefomin MP Solan Mirisim, who officiated at the launch of Alicepit-Ambaga-Yetetkun (Indonesia) road project launch at the invitation of North Fly MP James Donald, assured the people this week that he would take the project to the Cabinet level for National Executive Council submission and endorsement.

He also took the opportunity to inform the people about the O’Neill-Abel government’s priorities, including connecting the missing links around the country by road.

Minister Mirisim said PNG Defence Force maintains zero tolerance towards violence and will work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary for justice to prevail.

The Ear, Nose and Throat registrar was attacked at North Waigani by a PNG Defence Force soldier and his cohorts on May 19.

Dr Wahembari sustained trauma to his right eye, loss of vision and a fractured nose.

Around 140,000 people living in the remote areas of the Highlands region were most impacted by the earthquake.

In a joint statement, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, said: “Continuing aftershocks have caused further damage in these areas, including a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on 5 March and a 6.7 magnitude earthquake this morning.