Enga police are planning to destroy illegal firearms publicly to coincide with the National Repentance Day on August 26, 2026, according to Police Minister and local Ambum-Kompiam MP Sir John Pundari.
These illegal firearms were surrendered by tribal communities in the province not just for an exchange of payments but for better future. Others have not surrendered theirs yet as the National Firearms Amnesty program continues.
To dismiss claims of confusion, Police Minister and Kompiam-Ambum MP Sir John Pundari has strongly defended the National Firearms Amnesty Program.
He made a heartfelt appeal to Engans to embrace peace and reconciliation ahead of the planned destruction of illegal firearms.
In a WhatsApp message, Sir John made it clear that the Government’s policy on the surrender of illegal firearms remains straightforward and transparent.
“There is no confusion whatsoever. How much more transparent can we be in public spaces?” Sir John said.
“It is surprising that some still argue against the National Firearms Amnesty, which has already seen a good number of high-powered weapons willingly surrendered across the country after five months.”
The Police Minister said the Government had widely communicated every step of the program and that Police Operational Orders had already been distributed to all Provincial Police Commanders and relevant leaders throughout Papua New Guinea.
“Our plan on the surrender of guns is simple, and we have shared the information far and wide,” he said.
“Surrender your illegal gun. The police will collect and store it under the leadership of the Provincial Police Commanders. Police Operational Orders were sent out together with letters to all leaders. “
“Awareness is widespread, and the Police Commissioner has directed all 22 Provincial Police Commanders to implement the policy within all 22 provinces of Papua New Guinea. The way forward and clear pathways have been communicated.”
Sir John stressed that funding concerns should not be used to delay or undermine the implementation of the amnesty.
“Lack of funding must not be used as an excuse or obstacle to block progress, frustrate the gun surrender, or question implementation costs,” he said.
“All data recorded for surrendered weapons will be used for payment. It is straightforward.”
“The Government will honour its policy to pay for all illegal guns that are surrendered, based on the data collected for firearms handed in. We will pay after the amnesty period following due processes of law.”
The Minister described the National Firearms Amnesty as an important first step toward rebuilding peaceful communities rather than a complete solution to law-and-order problems.
“This National Firearms Amnesty is not a permanent solution, but a vital catalyst to change mindsets and rid communities of illegal weapons,” he said.
“We have been aggressive in Enga, including a good number of discussions with the Provincial Administration.”
“Enga Province has demonstrated to the people of Papua New Guinea, with the amount of guns surrendered, that our people are sick and tired of the gun culture and want peace and prosperity.”
“We should not be talking down a simple, well-planned approach that is working and is critical for the people of Enga.”
Sir John appealed to leaders at every level to support, rather than discourage, the ongoing peace initiative.
“Let us work together and not allow personal interests to jeopardize the good work and progress already started,” he said.
As preparations continue for the August 26 ceremony, Sir John also made a heartfelt appeal to the people of Enga to embrace peace and reconciliation.
The public destruction of illegal firearms surrendered or confiscated through ongoing law enforcement operations is expected to take place in the presence of church leaders, students, youth representatives, government agencies and members of the public as a powerful symbol of the province’s determination to end gun violence.
In his message, Sir John reminded Engans that they are a proud people blessed by God with fertile valleys, majestic mountains, rich river systems, gold, coffee and a unique cultural heritage founded on love and forgiveness.
However, he acknowledged that the province continues to suffer from tribal violence and lawlessness fueled by the widespread use of illegal firearms.
“Our peace is broken. Social disorder fueled by illegal guns has taken too many lives. Schools are closing, businesses are shutting down, and our young men are being lost,” he said.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:11, Sir John encouraged the people to believe that God has a greater purpose for Enga.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
He said God has not forgotten Enga and urged every family, clan, tribe and district to unite in restoring peace.
He called on mothers and elders to continue guiding families through wisdom and prayer, fathers and tribal leaders to demonstrate leadership by resolving disputes peacefully, and young people to reject violence and illegal firearms.
“Your lives are far too precious. Enga needs your hands to build, not to destroy,” he said.
Sir John said Enga’s future would not be determined by illegal guns but by the willingness of its estimated 600,000 people to choose unity over conflict.
He also appealed to the National Government to further strengthen policing capacity in Enga by increasing police personnel, recruiting more officers, providing additional police vehicles, and supplying adequate uniforms and operational resources to enable police to effectively maintain law and order across the province.
The planned destruction of illegal firearms on National Repentance Day is expected to bring together all major church denominations, schools, youth groups, government agencies and community leaders in a united stand against gun violence and in support of peace, reconciliation and a safer future for Enga Province.
Meanwhile, speaking at Sari Village last week, Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas while supporting the program, called on the National Government to make public details of the cabinet decision which has validated the amnesty program.
He said his Provincial Government must be informed of the program’s terms of references in writing, not stuffing them to follow their orders.
Sir Peter continued to enquire about who is going to pay for the guns surrendered.