Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF)

The newly promoted officers are Captain (Navy) Alexson Hanema promoted and confirmed as Lae Area Commandant, Colonel Rodney Yahamani promoted and appointed as the PNGDF Chief of Personnel and Lieutenant-Colonel Ezron Dekaetavara, promoted and posted as the new Commanding Officer for the First Royal Pacific Island Regiment.

The trio, bring with them a distinguished wealth of military and academic knowledge they acquired within the country and abroad.

In a steadfast display of vigilance, the PNGDF consistently conducted patrols within the National Capital District (NCI)) and adjacent areas bordering the Central Province following the commencement of the 2024 parliament session. This proactive approach underscores PNGDF's dedication to upholding peace and order, particularly amidst recent challenges.

Dr Billy Joseph in accepting the report from Chairman Colonel Malau and his board thanked his predecessor Win Bakri Daki for his wisdom in commissioning the General Board of Inquiry. 

Minister Dr Joseph said such a tragedy in peacetime training of the PNGDF requires an investigation to allow people to understand the circumstances that led to the tragedy, and enable closure to lives of friends and relatives of the deceased. 

The minister also expressed condolences to all those affected by the tragedy.

Commissioner Manning stated, “We need to inform the country what the current situation is in terms of us managing the law and order situation not only in Port Moresby but around the provinces, especially the regions that were very difficult and challenging for us to manage over the last decade.”

“Next week we will be collaborating with the PNGDF under the call-out arrangements to see how best we can and ensure that we successfully execute the task on hand.”

This was announced by Police Commissioner David Manning during a Police Press conference held today in Port Moresby.

Manning said the new arrangement was established and agreed upon by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to bring to an end the continuous tribal warfare in the affected provinces.

Troops have already been deployed and are working alongside the Royal PNG Constabulary to bring normalcy.

The PNGDF has now setup a task force group commanded by Task Force Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Douglas Vavar.

The PNGDF through the Task Force Group is to support RPNGC in securing Port Moresby from further looting and unrest to create conditions for re-establishing normalcy within the National Capital District.

Police officers on the Christmas and New Year police operations in Madang, code-named ‘Operesen Kisim Bek Hangu Panu’ caught the PNGDF officers during a roadblock on the 9^th of December on the RD Tuna Road along North Coast Highway.

According to the operations team, they were carrying out their normal operations by setting up the roa block when a route 100 PMV Isuzu truck overloaded with betel nut (buai) bags and unsecured passengers sitting on top of the bags came through.

Police officers on the Christmas and New Year police operations in Madang, code-named ‘Operesen Kisim Bek Hangu Panu’ caught the PNGDF officers during a roadblock on the 9^th of December on the RD Tuna Road along North Coast Highway.

According to the operations team, they were carrying out their normal operations by setting up the roa block when a route 100 PMV Isuzu truck overloaded with betel nut (buai) bags and unsecured passengers sitting on top of the bags came through.

This marks another milestone between the two nations in their growing defence aviation relationship.

Australian Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite joined Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, to formally hand over the aircraft.

 The PAC 750 aircraft worth AUD8.58 million (K20.4 million) was selected in consultation with the PNGDF because of its ability to take off and land from short and varied airfields, which is highly valued in PNG’s diverse terrain and geography.

He spoke to the Department of Defence staff and their families during a breast cancer awareness program on Wednesday 25th October at Murray Barracks.

Lt-Col Kaminiel told the women who attended, that monitoring their body and seeking examination and treatment early would increase the chances of beating the decease. He also encouraged men to provide assurance and support to their wives, mothers or daughters who fall sick with breast cancer.