AGP Executive Report

Security & Crime: A Cook Islands widow was arrested in Milne Bay’s Alotau after police seized 150 pieces of C-4 plastic explosives, 250 rounds of ammunition and a sniper rifle, following a robbery at her home. Digital Economy: PNG’s telecom regulator NICTA has cleared the way for commercial 5G, saying the legal and regulatory checks are complete for operators to roll out services using 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum. Infrastructure: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy along the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae through Gulf and Morobe. Public Safety: A wildlife park worker died after a crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby; the park has closed indefinitely as staff mourn. Politics & Energy: Opposition Leader James Nomane demands the Papua LNG Development Forum be moved back to the project provinces, saying consultations must follow the Oil and Gas Act. Environment & Science: Researchers report a new walking shark species off PNG, with a very small known range and conservation risks.

Infrastructure & Independence: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, naming the 168km link from Port Moresby to Lae (via Gulf and Morobe) and marking the 51st Independence anniversary. Public Safety: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a worker after he was mauled inside an enclosure; police reportedly shot the crocodile and the man was taken to 3 Mile General Hospital. Energy & Landowners: Opposition Leader James Nomane demanded the Papua LNG Development Forum be relocated back to the project provinces, saying consultations must follow the Oil and Gas Act and include landowners and local governments. Digital Economy: NICTA cleared spectrum for 5G in the 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz bands, opening licensing for qualified mobile operators. Disaster Readiness: An IOM-led El Niño assessment is rolling out across PNG to identify the communities most in need, covering water, food security, health, shelter and protection. Governance & Peace: Madang police urged residents to celebrate Independence peacefully ahead of September 16. Business & Research: Daltron PNG was named Gold Sponsor of IBS University’s PNG Global Connect 2027 in Port Moresby. Sports: Young Kapuls kept semi-final hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Samoa in the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship.

Prime Minister James Marape: Marape says he will make a “historic” drive from Port Moresby to Kaintiba in Gulf Province at 2am, marking PNG’s 51st Independence celebrations. Road Naming: He also revealed the new Port Moresby–Lae link will be called the Pangu Highway, framed as a symbol of national unity. Public Safety: Madang police chief Superintendent Robert Baim has urged residents to celebrate peacefully and avoid misinformation and violence ahead of Independence Day. El Niño Response: Health and National Emergency Services Minister Dr Billy Joseph says an IOM-led multi-agency assessment is underway to map El Niño impacts and target help where it’s most needed. Digital Push: NICTA has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum available for licensing, with rollout starting in urban areas. Corruption Case: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds. Wildlife Incident: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby left a worker badly injured; police shot the animal to free him. Sports: PNG’s Young Kapuls kept semi-final hopes alive with a 4-2 win over Samoa, and PNG U-16 women’s team begins OFC action in the Solomon Islands this week.

National Recognition: Nasfund CEO Rajeev Sharma received the 50th Anniversary King’s Medal for 25 years of service, with the Governor-General praising his role in strengthening PNG’s retirement security. Digital Push: NICTA has cleared the way for 5G by making 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum available for licensing, with rollout expected to start in urban areas. Sports & Youth: The NYDA backed a kickboxing tournament promoting discipline and character, while PNG’s U16 women’s team prepares for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship in the Solomon Islands. Culture & Tourism: Air Niugini and WR Carpenters Group are sponsoring the Hiri Moale Festival, including prizes for the Hiri Hanenamo quest and support for festival logistics. Justice & Corruption: ICAC arrested Deputy Police Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of RPNGC travel funds, and PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor Helen Roalakona urged stronger, evidence-based anti-graft prosecutions. Security & Regional Ties: Pacific leaders condemned a Chinese missile test over the region, calling for better notice and transparency. Environment & Discovery: A rare Spinach Pipefish was rediscovered in PNG’s Sepik after decades, and a “little mushroom man” story from Goroka highlights growing local mushroom farming.

Climate Finance: Green Climate Fund backs the Pacific Resilience Facility, saying it’s supporting the Pacific-led mechanism’s setup through readiness funding at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Diplomacy: DR Congo renews plans to move its Israel embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem after talks with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Digital Push: PNG clears the way for 5G as NICTA confirms 2.6GHz and 3.5GHz spectrum is ready for licensing, with Vodafone PNG planning rollout in NCD and other cities. Corruption Watch: ICAC arrests and charges RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds. Tourism & Sport: Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs Jarome Luai as a PNG Chiefs tourism ambassador, while Air Niugini sponsors the Hiri Hanenamo quest with winners travelling on a cruise. Health & Inclusion: PNG’s provincial health authority rollout is complete, and HIV services remain a challenge in remote areas. Regional Security: Pacific leaders condemn China’s missile test and demand at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM firings.

Governance Training: Kumul Consolidated Holdings and the Australian Institute of Company Directors wrapped a pilot “Directorship and Inclusive Leadership” programme in Brisbane and Canberra, building board and risk skills for PNG State-owned Enterprise leaders and NICTA staff, with mentoring to follow. El Niño and Climate Pressure: New Zealand-linked reporting says the current El Niño is intensifying and could bring record heat and shifting rain patterns, raising risks for drought, flooding and wildfires across the region. West Papua Rights: Indonesia says a UN human rights commissioner visit to West Papua is “on the right path,” while MSG countries warn they will review Indonesia’s MSG associate status if the visit isn’t facilitated by 2027. Pacific Ocean Push: Forum leaders in Palau backed stronger Pacific action on ocean sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s office for next steps. Police Corruption Case: ICAC arrested RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua and charged him over alleged misuse of official travel funds for family tickets, after a referral from Police Commissioner David Manning. PNG–New Zealand Links: Marape and Luxon agreed to deepen cooperation on education, jobs and transport connectivity as PNG prepares more people for work at home and overseas. Budget Tightening: DPM John Rosso defended belt-tightening in the 2026 supplementary budget to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressures and El Niño impacts, including election funding top-ups. NRL and PNG Chiefs: Benji Marshall defended Jarome Luai amid PNG-related controversy, while PNG Chiefs’ wider rugby league build-up continues toward the 2028 NRL debut.

El Niño Watch: Papua New Guinea is bracing for what Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says could be the strongest El Niño on record, with UN warnings of major hits to communities and economies. Earthquake Alert: A 5.7-magnitude quake struck PNG, reported at about 10km depth. Budget Pressure: Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso says belt-tightening in the 2026 supplementary budget is necessary to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressures and El Niño impacts, including extra funding for the 2027 election. Bougainville Decision: A call to “respect the referendum” is renewed as Parliament weighs how to respond to the 2019 Bougainville vote, balancing unity and sovereignty with Bougainville’s aspirations. Election Integrity Tech: UNDP-backed training stresses ethical election reporting, while debate continues over using biometrics to strengthen voter identity without undermining the secret ballot. Health Support: Catholic Church Health Services received portable ventilators to boost rural care and referrals. Security Cooperation: PNG police will operate under the RSIPF command structure for deployments in Solomon Islands, rejecting a PNG submission to Australia. NRL Build-Up: PNG Chiefs confirm major milestones—logo on Oct 21 and jersey on Oct 22—as they prepare for the 2028 NRL entry. Gold Drilling: Geopacific and Great Pacific Gold report new high-grade and shallow gold results from Woodlark and Wild Dog-linked targets. Climate & Carbon: PNG continues building carbon trading rules and REDD+ work, aiming to turn standing forests into a credible export economy.

PNG Chiefs launch: The PNG Chiefs will unveil their official logo in Port Moresby on Oct 21, followed by the inaugural jersey on Oct 22, with CEO Lorna McPherson calling it a “watershed” moment for rugby league and a symbol for the whole country. Anti-money laundering push: Justice Minister Pila Niningi tabled three bills in Parliament to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, with MPs linking reforms to getting PNG off the FATF “grey list” and improving jobs and services. Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Taiwan says it wants to keep attending the Pacific Islands Forum, while PM Christopher Luxon defends a shorter trip focused on fuel, El Niño risks and regional security. Major Port Moresby robbery: Police are investigating an early-morning heist where 10 armed men ambushed a private security convoy, stealing gold bullion, cash and firearms. Digital ID rollout: PNG has set a Dec 31 deadline for every public servant to get a digital ID, aimed at improving payroll integrity and cutting ghost records. Aviation skills milestone: Air Niugini praised CASA PNG after inspectors achieved Airbus A220 type ratings, boosting local regulatory capability. Sports and safety: PNG rugby league leaders say crowd violence is being treated seriously, urging fans to keep matches about the game, not attacks.

Gold Heist Probe: Police Commissioner David Manning says a major investigation is underway after 10 armed men ambushed a private security convoy in Port Moresby at about 4:30am, stealing 25 gold bars, K315,000 in cash and firearms; Deputy Commissioner Donald Yamasombi is leading the probe, with officers interviewing crews and firm management after police were not alerted. Justice Leadership: Helen Roalakona was sworn in as PNG’s first female Public Prosecutor, vowing to strengthen the office and push prosecutions as the country faces scrutiny over law and order. Public Safety at Sports: Police will be out in force this Sunday for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup semi-final at Santos National Football Stadium after an alleged assault on a Gurias supporter; bail was refused for a charged man and organisers reiterated zero tolerance for hooliganism. Pacific Security Push: PNG Police Chief David Manning called for stronger Pacific-led mechanisms and faster intelligence-sharing to tackle transnational organised crime, arguing current processes are too slow and fragmented. Regional Diplomacy: Marape urged Pacific unity at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, warning global instability and climate pressures hit small economies hard, while PNG and Niue signed a framework agreement to deepen development and technical cooperation. Media and Community: Revival Centres launched its Voice of Revival digital radio and TV station in Port Moresby, and journalists began a EU/UNDP-funded workshop on ethical election reporting and investigative journalism.

Election Integrity Training: Journalists across Papua New Guinea are strengthening skills in ethical election reporting and investigative journalism in a week-long Port Moresby workshop funded by the EU through UNDP, focusing on accuracy, fairness, voter education, and tackling misinformation, intimidation and vote-buying. Bougainville Decision Pressure: Opposition leader James Nomane is urging PNG MPs to slow down before debating Bougainville’s 2019 independence vote, saying lawmakers need more time to study the result and what independence would mean for the wider country. HIV Public Health Crisis: The government says PNG now has about 130,000 people living with HIV, with 11,000 new infections in 2025, and only around 30% of pregnant women living with HIV receiving prevention treatment—prompting calls for renewed national mobilisation. Consumer Protection Push: The ICCC plans to expand its presence to every province, using appointed agents to handle complaints and monitor compliance more closely. Sports and Security: Police will increase their presence at Santos National Football Stadium for remaining Digicel ExxonMobil Cup finals after violent spectator disruptions, with zero tolerance for abuse and intimidation. Finance Safety Move: Westpac PNG has signed the PNG Empower Finance Code, aiming to strengthen safeguards against financial abuse and improve consumer protection. Mining Update: South Pacific Metals extends the Megabe mineralised strike at its Osena Project to more than 300 metres, with drilling confirming continuity and targets at depth. Pacific Diplomacy Tension: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau opens amid controversy, with leaders missing and China reportedly furious over Taiwan’s participation.

Bougainville Patriotism Day: Bougainville marked its public holiday with parades and speeches in Buka, Arawa and Buin, with leaders stressing unity and history as the region’s future heads toward a final decision in PNG’s National Legislature. Pacific diplomacy tensions: The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau is already shaky, with China warning Taiwan’s participation will bring “consequences” and questions raised over no-shows by several leaders amid claims of foreign interference. Public health crisis: PNG’s government says HIV is now a public health crisis, citing about 130,000 people living with HIV and around 11,000 new infections in 2025, while calling for stronger action through prevention and better treatment coverage. Consumer protection push: The ICCC plans to place agents in every province over the next five years to handle complaints and monitor compliance more closely. Sports and security: Police will beef up presence at Santos National Football Stadium after violent spectator disruptions in the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup, with suspects charged and bail refused. Economy and LNG: PNG signed a revised Papua LNG gas agreement, setting a 15 December deadline for a final investment decision and giving the State a chance to buy more equity. Health system reform: Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph urged stronger Provincial Health Authorities and accountability, pointing to gaps in immunisation, TB rates and closed facilities. NRL and PNG Chiefs buzz: Jarome Luai was welcomed in PNG for the PNG Open and PNG Chiefs push, while PNG’s rugby league and football pathways keep drawing international attention. OFC U-19 football: Solomon Islands beat PNG 1-0 in the OFC U-19 opener in Samoa, with the Kapuls now chasing qualification spots for the U20 World Cup.

Pacific Politics & China-Taiwan Tensions: Australia and New Zealand are reacting to a wave of Pacific leaders skipping Palau’s Pacific Islands Forum, with officials saying attendance is up to each country while China warns of “consequences” tied to Taiwan’s presence. Election Integrity & Media: UNDP and the EU are running a Port Moresby election integrity workshop for PNG media, focusing on ethical, objective reporting and financial transparency. Local Governance Scrutiny: A Constitutional and Law Reform Commission review of the District Development Authority Act is underway in Gulf after complaints about weak accountability, poor finances, and staffing gaps. Police & Public Trust: Concerns are rising over alleged extortion at police checkpoints, with calls for unannounced monitoring and accountability. PNG Power Crisis: A fresh push for government action follows renewed criticism of PNG Power’s failures, with demands for a clear “prognosis” and plan. Disaster Readiness: UN urges stronger provincial disaster offices and investment in local capacity as El Niño risks and response gaps remain. Sports & Youth Pathways: Australia announces $15.6m to develop Pacific athletes for Brisbane 2032, while PNG Chiefs expand development opportunities through US-linked leadership training. Business & Regulation: The ICCC launches its 2026-2030 corporate plan to protect consumers, strengthen enforcement, and expand provincial presence. Port Moresby Economy: Apo Street Market reopens under NCDC approval for 75 informal vendors, with conditions on cleanliness and waste. Entertainment & Gambling: Papua New Guinea moves closer to opening its first land-based casino, Pacific Pearl, pending licensing.

Cybercrime Response: US Embassy and RPNGC have launched PNG’s first joint cybersecurity and digital forensics course, training 12 officers to handle digital evidence and tackle online scams and cross-border networks. Sports & National Identity: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed NRL star Jerome Luai at Jacksons International Airport, naming him “Player Number 1” for the PNG Chiefs’ Pacific talent pipeline and announcing more signings. APEC & Agriculture Exports: The US says biotech and harmonised food safety rules at APEC will help boost PNG’s agri-exports. Public Safety & Order: A 30-year-old man was refused bail after allegedly assaulting Rabaul Gurias supporters at Santos National Football Stadium. Local Livelihoods: Apo Street Market has reopened under NCDC approval for 75 informal vendors, with conditions on cleanliness, waste and small daily fees. Disaster Readiness: UN urges stronger provincial disaster management institutions as assessments show staffing, funding and equipment gaps across PNG’s disaster centres. Climate Pressure: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert as El Niño risk increases, adding strain to already vulnerable communities. Election Integrity: UNDP and EU launched an election integrity workshop in Port Moresby, focusing on ethical reporting ahead of national elections. Business & Finance Protection: Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to curb financial abuse and misuse, especially as digital services expand.

Fuel Crisis & Budget Moves: Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua declared a 30-day state of emergency over fuel shortages, directing the Bank of PNG to keep foreign exchange flowing to authorised dealers and ordering Puma Energy to maintain uninterrupted supply. Prime Minister Marape says a supplementary budget due in Parliament will prioritise fuel relief, El Niño response and 2027 election preparations. Bougainville Referendum Process: Bougainville referendum results have been tabled in PNG Parliament, with MPs debating how to handle the 2019 independence vote and stressing national unity and careful legal scrutiny before any decision. Hidden Valley Benefits Signed: The revised Community Development Agreement for the Hidden Valley Mining Project was signed in Lae, clearing the way for landowners and communities in Morobe to access development benefits. Financial Abuse Protection: Nasfund co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code with BPNG and other institutions to tackle financial abuse, coercion and misuse, including risks linked to digital channels. Sports & Tourism Spotlight: Rugby league star Jarome Luai was seen in Port Moresby amid leg-injury scans and is pushing PNG Chiefs and Pepsi PNG branding, while Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou prepares a 40-man World Cup squad. El Niño Drought Alert: Bougainville has been placed on drought alert due to high odds of below-normal rainfall, with warnings for water, food gardens and remote communities. Community Clean-Up: Kundiawa police led a town clean-up and public awareness drive in Simbu. Health Security Boost: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO to strengthen national health emergency preparedness. OFC U-19 Kick-Off: The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship begins in Samoa, with PNG in Group A alongside New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

Bougainville Referendum: Papua New Guinea’s Parliament has formally received the 2019 Bougainville independence result, with MPs set for a delicate debate after Opposition leader James Nomane called it the “most consequential question” and Prime Minister Marape stressed the outcome is not self-executing under Section 342. Health Security: PNG completed its first Joint External Evaluation with WHO, assessing national capacity to prevent, detect and respond to public health risks. El Niño Support: Australia backed PNG’s provincial disaster office capacity report, while the US announced a K15m-plus child nutrition project as El Niño preparations intensify. Hospital Upgrade: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8m to boost emergency and critical care. Education & Youth Justice: Seventy Port Moresby students were convicted for inciting fights, fined K200 each and placed on six-month good behaviour bonds. Sports & Community: PNG’s Pride of Women Awards 2026 gears up, and rugby league preparations continue as PNG names squads for the World Cup. Environment & Science: The Spinach Pipefish was rediscovered in the Sepik after more than 40 years.

Bougainville Vote Countdown: Opposition leader James Nomane says Parliament must set a clear timeline and hold the vote on the 2019 Bougainville referendum result, after the outcome was tabled in the House. Prime Minister James Marape also stressed the result is not “self-executing” and that MPs must study the referendum documents and consult before deciding. El Niño Pressure on PNG: The US has pledged over K15 million for child nutrition support in PNG as El Niño risks intensify, while PNG stakeholders are urged to keep preparing for drought impacts. Health Upgrade in Morobe: Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital received 36 portable ventilators worth about K1.8 million to boost care for critically ill respiratory patients. Court Sends Message to Students: Port Moresby District Court convicted 70 school students over city fight incitement, fining each K200 and placing them on six-month good behaviour bonds. Finance & Inclusion Moves: Nasfund is pushing for a Pacific co-investment framework at the PIIF conference and co-signed the PNG Empower Finance Code to tackle financial abuse. Sports & Youth: PNG Rugby League coach Jason Demetriou is set to name an extended 40-man squad for World Cup preparations, while Trukai signed Cooper Bai as a brand ambassador.