Rumours

Vaccination rumours dispelled

“Vaccination is voluntary and will depend on the Government’s plan to roll it out across the country,” Dr Kombra stated.

“Students and teachers will be informed accordingly but in the meantime, it is voluntary and the priority target group are the frontline health workers.”

The Secretary made this statement after receiving information about students in a certain province who panicked and fled their school after learning that they were going to be vaccinated.

COVID-19 rumours incite clashes

One of the families involved were the ones who were disputing that their loved one did not die from COVID-19.

The woman who passed away on March 18th at the ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital was a regular patient since 2016 as she had high blood pressure and also suffered back aches.

Rumours making villagers flee: MAF

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and its associated ministry, Christian Radio Missionary Fellowship (CRMF), have revealed that the Mt Bosavi eruption rumours in Southern Highlands Province are making people flee.

“This is false information. Scientists have been helicoptered in to view and study the volcano. They have declared that there is no danger from an eruption and have been to speak to people in the villages.

Digicel condemns withdrawal rumours

The telecommunication and entertainment company unequivocally refutes the false statements, which have been widely circulated on social media.

Digicel’s senior management team says: “Since launching its operations in 2007, Digicel has invested significantly in Bougainville and provided employment and other business opportunities, both directly and indirectly, to many individuals and businesses in Bougainville. 

“Digicel intends to continue investing in Bougainville and remains fully committed to the people of Bougainville.”

Gamato dispels rumours on extra ballot papers

This was the clarification from the Electoral Commissioner, Patilias Gamato, this morning.

Dispelling rumours on social media, Gamato said the extra papers are safe and secure.

Gamato assures the people of PNG that the ballot papers and boxes have not been tampered with, giving assurance that special joint forces in each of the provinces have been posted to guard the sensitive items up until polling day.

Meanwhile, he adds that the common rolls have all been updated, while most of the sensitive polling materials have been sent to all provinces already.

Manus police rule out ballot box allegations

With just five days away to the commencement of polling on June 24, Manus Provincial Police Commander, Chief Inspector David Yapu, is warning people from making false allegations or speculations.

“Such allegation is false and not true and will create doubts in the mindset of the voters,” PPC Yapu made these comments when ruling out rumours that seven ballot boxes were brought to the province and hidden away, awaiting polling.