Police in East New Britain are appealing to families and associates of suspects involved in the BNBM robbery in Rabaul to provide information on their whereabouts, as three suspects injured during the incident urgently require medical attention.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Amanda Kates in a statement said eight men armed with three homemade guns, bush knives and a flare stormed the BNBM Industrial warehouse on the eve of Independence Day.
Related news: https://news.pngfacts.com/2026/09/png-police-seek-public-help-after-bnbm.html
The suspects allegedly used a stolen 10-seater Landcruiser, registration HAT 739, to travel to Rabaul and carry out the attack.
During the robbery, the Branch Manager was assaulted with a bush knife, sustaining severe head and hand injuries. He was medically evacuated to Port Moresby for specialist treatment.
PPC Kates said stolen property was valued at approximately K20,000 and included two boxes of brand-new Samsung mobile phones and five staff phones.
NKCL armed guards responded swiftly and opened fire, injuring three suspects.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/police-shoot-armed-robber-as-three-suspects-remain-on-the-run/
The group fled in the stolen vehicle and was pursued by police and NKCL security to Tovuru, where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush.
Commander Kates appealed to the public to uphold law and order and immediately alert police if they witness or suspect criminal activity.