Southern Highlands Province

One female hostage has been released by the armed criminals in Mt Bosavi, Southern Highlands Province.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and Chief of Operation Dr Philip Mitna confirmed the Papua New Guinean female was released to police on Wednesday afternoon.

She (name withheld) is now with police whilst negotiation is ongoing to secure the release of the other four.

Police Commissioner David Manning reiterated that police are authorised to use full force of the law to secure the people being held, and to immobilise and apprehend the criminals.

Prime Minister James Marape made these remarks when addressing the Southern Highlands Provincial Assembly meeting in Mendi on Thursday.

Marape said he was pleased to see reconciliation between the provincial leaders, during the Provincial Assembly swearing-in of MPs; and said this would enable their people to promote and maintain peace and unity.

The Prime Minister also appealed to the leaders of the province to return home and promote vital sectors such as agriculture, health, infrastructure and education, among others.

Prime Minister made this announcement when addressing the people of Southern Highlands at Momei oval in Mendi on Thursday.

The Prime Minister also delivered K4m for the completion of the Mendi Airport.

He also thanked Governor, William Powi for the Southern Highlands Provincial referral hospital to be completed by 2027.

Marape further announced that the Government stands ready to support the provincial government in completing high impact projects.

Sepik Pride Chairman, Bradley Simon has assembled players this week as they kick off their journey to Digicel Cup. 

Players from Port Moresby and East Sepik will travel to Ialibu for a week preparation where players From Lae, Goroka and SHP will join the group before the SHP 9s kick off. 

Simon said: “As we await the decision by PNG National Rugby League Competitions, EMK Sepik Pride has taken a bold step on our first mission, and that is to take part in the SHP 9s.”

The UPNG Southern Highlands Student Association are offering their sincere condolences to the families and tribesmen of those who have lost loved ones when Mendi was turned into a battlefield by supporters of rival Southern Highlands Regional candidates.

The tragic event happened on the morning of 18^th of August 2022. Government services such as hospitals and schools were disrupted due to the intense counting period.

In an earlier call, Powi requested the PNG Electoral Commission to move counting location for Southern Highlands Regional to a neutral location, which is far from the realities on the ground.

The candidates’ spokesperson and current leader for the SHP provincial race, Peter Nupiri in a statement said the call is nothing short of seeking attention and public pity to some extent.

“It must not happen this time around and he must learn how to win elections the democratic way, through the ballot.

PPC Yangen said he did not receive any major incident and people have demonstrated that they wanted a peaceful, free, fair, safe and corruption-free election.
 
He said the candidates, supporters, and the public cooperated and behaved well during polling. PPC Yangen is expecting the same for counting leading up to declarations.
 
He was impressed when the people cooperated with electoral officials and security personnel to ensure the boxes were brought safely into Mendi Town for storage.
 

The boxes are currently being held at the Mendi Police Station in Southern Highlands Province, along with additional non-sensitive election materials.

Commissioner Sinai said, “I confirm that on 22 June 2022, I instructed that the PNGEC logistics convoy redirect two containers of empty metal ballot boxes from Southern Highlands to Hela and Enga Provinces for the following reasons:

The plans were launched, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), to assist communities in strengthening and sustaining local capacities for peace as well promoting sustainable development.

“This plan is the first of its kind and a useful tool for the community and the provincial government in our efforts to build peace in this province,” said Ambros Arima, Local Level Government Manager for Kagua.

From that moment on, his fascination of flying and all things, aviation became a lifelong passion. As Edward Matane aka ‘Eddie’ or ‘Dude’ discovered, his passion became a vocation.
“I loved watching pilots operating aircrafts in what was then, a tough operating environment but that set the scene for my future aspirations,” Edward said.