PNG SUN, Port Moresby (2025)

11/10/2025

: Manila Bulletin has reported that the University of Santo Tomas students evacuated their buildings after an earthquake was felt in parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.

According to PHIVOLCS a magnitude 5.0 quake struck Cabangan, Zambales today at around 5:32 p.m.

📸The Varsitarian/Facebook

11/10/2025

By MIRIAM MANDIBI |PNG SUN|

: TWL Western Energy Ventures (TWLEV), a resource landowner company from the PNG LNG-impacted provinces, is pioneering the domestic gas market through the Western Energy Project in Western Province.

A subsidiary of Wonderland Limited Group (TWL Group), TWLEV has also acquired full ownership of Arran Energy, positioning itself as a key player in the country’s energy transition.

TWL Group’s vision is to harness local gas resources to power industries, cut reliance on costly fuel imports, and create long-term wealth for Papua New Guineans.

Speaking at the PNG Petroleum and Energy Conference 2025 this week, TWL Group’s Rupa Mulina highlighted the transformative potential of the Western Energy Project — from phased gas developments at PDL10 Stanley and APDL12 to replacing diesel with cleaner-burning LNG at Ok Tedi Mining Limited.

The project is expected to inject over USD $3.5 billion into PNG’s economy, create more than 1,500 local jobs in Western Province, and ensure 70% PNG equity in upstream operations, he told the meeting.

It will produce condensate and LPG for both domestic and export markets while supporting data centers, AI, and cloud computing through reliable energy supply.

Leveraging modular small-scale LNG technology, TWLEV will develop marginal gas resources efficiently and sustainably.

Mr Mulina said TWL Group is proud to be a leading landowner-driven energy developer aligning with the Marape-Rosso Government’s Take Back PNG vision — transforming communities, empowering landowners, and preserving the nation’s environment for future generations.

11/10/2025

By MIRIAM MANDIBI |PNG SUN|

: The PNG Petroleum and Energy Conference 2025 (PEC25), hosted by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, was held on October 8–9 at the Stanley Hotel, Port Moresby.

The event brought together government leaders, investors, and industry experts to discuss progress and reforms in the petroleum and energy sector under the theme “The Next 50.”

Petroleum Minister Jimmy Maladina opened the conference this week,

Minister Maladina announced the government’s approval of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC) Framework, marking a major policy reform.

He said the new system will ensure greater national equity and fairer benefit distribution.

The reform also includes the creation of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), replacing the old Department of Petroleum and Energy to create a more commercial, transparent, and efficient regulatory body.

“These changes will allow Papua New Guinea to gain maximum value from its petroleum and gas resources,” Minister Maladina told the conference.

Kumul Petroleum Acting Managing Director Dr. Luke Liria urged stronger partnerships between government and industry to ensure long-term benefits for future generations.

“The oil and gas sector is finite. We must make decisions today that secure a sustainable future,” he said.

Dr Liria highlighted its investments in health, education, and infrastructure.

They include cancer units in Port Moresby and Lae, rural electrification in Hela and Southern Highlands, and the upcoming Kumul Petroleum Training and Fabrication Facility, he told the conference.

Major players like ExxonMobil PNG, TotalEnergies, Santos, and others participated, emphasizing collaboration for sustainable industry growth.

11/10/2025

By MIRIAM MANDIBI |PNG SUN|

: Despite being an oil and gas–producing nation, the country continues to face persistent power outages, particularly in rural and remote areas.

Speaking at the Papua New Guinea Petroleum and Energy Conference 2025 this week, Managing Director of the National Energy Authority (NEA), Mr. Meketa, challenged major oil and gas developers to help provide sustainable and affordable power to remote landowners as part of their corporate social responsibility.

“Take, for instance, the remote areas of the Angore gas field in Hela Province — home to the multibillion-kina LNG project operated by ExxonMobil PNG — yet the local people still live without reliable power. That is unacceptable,” he said.

“We cannot continue to hand out mosquito nets and solar lamps. What our people need is a sustainable, cost-efficient, and reliable power supply that connects every household.”

Mr. Meketa highlighted NEA’s successful Baluan Island Solar PV Mini-Grid Project (pictured) in Manus Province, developed in partnership with the Baluan Development Association.

The project delivers 100 kilowatts of solar electricity supported by a 215-kWh battery energy storage system, supplying over 300 households, schools, and clinics with clean, reliable power.

Despite challenging logistics, volcanic terrain, and poor communications, the project was completed on time and officially commissioned on September 9, 2025, he told the meeting.

He said the project serves as a pilot model for expanding similar off-grid power systems across Papua New Guinea, demonstrating NEA’s commitment to achieving the government’s target of 70% electricity access by 2030.

Mr. Meketa also launched the country’s five new Renewable Energy Sub-Sector Policies (2025–2030):

1. National Hydro Energy Policy

2. National Solar Energy Policy

3. National Wind Energy Policy

4. National Bio Energy Policy

5. National Geothermal Energy Policy

He encouraged developers, investors, and stakeholders to seize opportunities within PNG’s growing renewable energy space and thanked international partners, including the Asian Development Bank, provincial governments, and other key stakeholders for their ongoing support.

11/10/2025

𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬!

The National Capital District Commission (NCDC), in partnership with the Active City Development Program and Amazing Port Moresby, invites everyone to join the 2025 PINKtober Walk — a city-wide event dedicated to raising awareness and support for breast cancer.

🗓 Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Route: From Murray Barracks to Sir Hubert Murray Stadium

NCD Governor Powes Parkop says: “Breast cancer is not just a women’s issue – it affects families and our city. Let’s unite, raise awareness, and save lives.”

💗 Walk alongside survivors, enjoy awareness sessions, SME stalls, and live entertainment!
Wear pink to show your support — together, we stand in hope and action.

👉 For registration or sponsorships:
📞 7424 1055 | ✉️ [email protected]

10/10/2025

: Renowned singer Daniel Bilip of Enga passed away today, a source at his Avi Block in Western Highlands confirmed but more details were not disclosed.

The story is still developing.

Late Bilip was widely respected in the local music scene for his powerful voice, soulful lyrics, and contribution to PNG’s contemporary music culture.

His songs have inspired and touched many across the country.

Fans and fellow musicians are mourning his loss, describing him as a true legend whose legacy will live on through his music.

10/10/2025

PNG Power CEO Paul Bayly has condemned the attack on one of the company’s operators, Lenny Igondo, in Kundiawa last night.

The attack occurred around 10 PM while Mr. Igondo, a Power Station Operator from the Goroka Centre, was on duty in Kundiawa assisting with power restoration efforts.

Two suspects hit him on the head with stones, causing him to fall unconscious. The suspects immediately fled the scene.

Mr. Igondo was in Kundiawa to help generate electricity at the emergency shutdown station.

His work had been crucial: he assisted in generating temporary power to light up Kundiawa since last Thursday.

This temporary measure was put in place while the team waited for the transformer team to install transmission for the burned parts that caused the initial power failure.

Kundiawa power station has been without power since September 28, 2025, when a fire destroyed vital equipment used to generate electricity.

Mr Bayly stressed that the attack on the officer, who was on duty to restore a vital service, was not in the best interest of the company or the community.

He is now calling on locals and police to work together to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the power restoration efforts.

CEO Bayly emphasized the importance of community support in maintaining these vital services and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

10/10/2025

: WABAG MP Dr Lino Tom has announced that the Birip Aiyale Valley Road will be the first road sealing project under the Wabag District Development Authority’s Rural Road Network Program.

He said on a Facebook post that the second project will be the Kungu-Yanaitin Road, which will connect Wabag to Ambum Valley via Aipinamanda. Each end of this road has linked his mother and father’s villages.

Dr Tom thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for providing K5 million under the Kina-for-Kina Infrastructure Grant last year.

He said the funds have been committed to the Birip Aiyale Valley Road project.

“We hope this will give assurance to our district constituents that all the roads we have constructed will eventually be sealed,” Dr Tom said.

“It’s done by the district using its own sealing equipment to cut cost.”

He also thanked the project team and local communities for their support.

“We thank our project manager Mr Dep Kutao and field engineer Robin Pawa for the great work they’ve done. We also thank Benny Wais, Bruce Ambotane, the Lialikin clan and the greater Dep tribe,” Dr Tom wrote.

“Every development project is a partnership between government, the people and the project management team. We thank all the local workers.”

Dr Tom said road sealing will begin soon and the district plans to seal at least two roads every term.

“It looks easy but the work behind the scenes is quite difficult, even insurmountable at times in a place like Enga,” he concluded.

09/10/2025

: Chief Censor Jim Abani has called for stronger digital literacy programs to help young Papua New Guineans use the internet responsibly and avoid exposure to harmful content.

Mr Abani was speaking yesterday in Parliament’s State Function Room during a parliamentary inquiry into online safety and censorship,

Mr Abani said the rise of smartphones and social media has left many parents and teachers unprepared.

“Technology is here to stay,” he said. “We must teach our young people to use it responsibly. Censorship starts at home and in our communities through self-control and awareness.”

He said the Office of Censorship is working with schools, churches and community leaders to promote responsible online behaviour and explain the dangers of explicit and violent content.

“Parents must be aware of what their children are watching or sharing online,” Mr Abani said. “The family unit plays a key role in guiding our children.”

He added that provincial censorship committees will be rolled out in Milne Bay, West Sepik and other provinces to strengthen community-level awareness.

“Our young people are the future,” Mr Abani said.

“If we educate them well about the power and danger of digital technology, we will build a safer, more responsible online generation.”

09/10/2025

BY WANPIS AKO | PNG SUN |

Papua New Guinea continues to grapple with the growing flood of illicit, violent and explicit material circulating on social media and online platforms, the Office of Censorship has told a parliamentary inquiry yesterday at Parliament in Port Moresby.

Chairman for the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications Marsh Narewec enquired about why there is still flood of illicit, violent and explicit contents still being found online and what must be done to prevent or remove them from the digital sites.

Responding to the questions, Chief Censor Jim Abani said that more than 33,000 web addresses (URLs) containing offensive or harmful material have been identified but remain active.

“Facebook, for example, operates beyond PNG’s jurisdiction,” Mr Abani said. “We classify and report the content, but enforcement depends on external platforms and agencies.”

He said PNG lacks the technological capacity to monitor and remove harmful online content.

“We are a small office with a big mandate,” he said. “Our role is to safeguard moral values, but our resources are very limited.”

Mr Abani urged stronger collaboration among law enforcement agencies and greater public responsibility. “Technology is here to stay,” he said.

“Our people must learn to use it responsibly and begin exercising self-censorship at home.”

Meanwhile, he said the Classification of Publications (Censorship) Act 1989 is outdated and still awaiting legal clearance.

09/10/2025

The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is entering new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with provincial governments to strengthen local radio station operations.

NBC Managing Director Kora Nou said five provinces including West New Britain, Morobe, and Manus have already signed MOUs, with others soon to follow.

Mr Nou was speaking during a parliamentary inquiry yesterday at the State Function Room of National Parliament.

“These partnerships are crucial. Provincial governments contribute to operations and logistics, while NBC provides technical expertise and content. Together, we can sustain provincial broadcasting,” Mr Nou said.

Asked whether NBC generates its own revenue, he said that NBC generates its own revenue through advertising but that is not sufficient.

“NBC is a corporation, and we have the mandate to raise our own revenue. Our corporate plan includes new strategies to make us more financially independent,” he said.

Mr Nou said modernization, ethical journalism, and digital adaptation will remain the pillars of NBC’s transformation.

“For over 50 years, NBC has served as the voice of Papua New Guinea. Through partnerships and innovation, we aim to keep that voice strong and self-sustaining,” he said.

09/10/2025

By WANPIS AKO |PNG SUN|

: Papua New Guinea now has mobile phone coverage reaching almost 78 percent of its population, according to the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA).

NICTA Chief Executive Officer Kila Gulo-Vui said this percentage accounts for about six (6) million users based on 2011 Census with the number expected to increase in the new census report.

CEO Gulo-Vui was speaking during an inquiry yesterday in Parliament’s State Function Room of Port Moresby.

He said the country is preparing to phase out 2G and 3G networks while paving the way for 5G rollout by early next year.

“The radio spectrum planning is complete. We aim to issue 5G licences to operators by the first quarter of next year,” Mr Gulo-Vui told the inquiry.

Chairman for Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Communications, Marsh Narewec enquired why these outdated 2G and 3G networks were still in use.

He said they should have been decommissioned long time ago.

“You cannot assume that our rural people are using one-bank mobile phones. In my own electorate, I have seen my people using expensive phones bought from selling cocoa, gold or other cashcrops.”

“Can you set a deadline for decommissioning the networks? asked Chairman Narewec.

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