19/01/2026
Fi****ms in Highlands Provinces to Be Prosecuted
Monday, 19 January 2026 – PNG Daily Fact News
Highlands provincial leaders have agreed to crack down on illegal fi****ms to stop ongoing gun violence in the region.
Provinces identified as hotspots—Mt Hagen (Western Highlands), Mendi (Southern Highlands), Enga, and Tari (Hela)—will begin a voluntary firearm surrender ahead of the next National General Election. Leaders made it clear: illegal guns will no longer be tolerated.
Kumul Taskforce 23 has already seized illegal fi****ms and arrested offenders, especially in Enga Province. The operation has been praised for delivering real results. In the next phase, the taskforce will deploy surveillance drones to track fi****ms and criminal hideouts in remote Highlands areas.
Authorities have warned that anyone who fails to surrender illegal fi****ms will face prosecution under PNG law. Community leaders, churches, and youth groups have been urged to support the initiative.
The government says peace, development, and fair elections are impossible while guns remain in the hands of criminals.