Police Minister Sir John Pundari says the official launch of the National Firearms Amnesty and Buy-Back Program is set on Friday, March 6, in Wabag, Enga Province.
He emphasized that this program, coupled with the compulsory extraction of illegal firearms, is set to strengthen law and order and is set to become a catalyst for peace and security across Papua New Guinea.
Related news: https://thepngbulletin.com/news/firearms-amnesty-buy-back-program-to-start-on-friday-pundari/
The National Executive Council (NEC) has endorsed this landmark initiative, which actually came into effect on 27 February, Minister Pundari said.
This initiative is intended to address the proliferation of illegal firearms and restore peace across our nation.
The program will run until August 26, 2026, aligning with National Repentance Day.
This extended timeframe reflects the government’s commitment to giving every citizen the opportunity to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms and contribute to a safer, more peaceful Papua New Guinea.
The main features of the program, he said, include:
■Voluntary Amnesty Citizens may surrender illegal firearms without penalty, incentivized by direct cash payments under the Buy-Back scheme.
■Compulsory Extraction
Following the amnesty, the RPNGC will recover all remaining illegal firearms through intelligence-driven operations supported by community informants, with rewards provided for information that directly leads to the retrieval of illegal weapons.
■Extended Timeline
From February 27 to August 26, ensuring maximum participation.
■Whole-of-Government Effort
Led by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), with support from the PNG Defense Force, Treasury, Justice, Community Development, Provincial Administrations, NGOs, and Churches.
■Community-Led Awareness
Provincial Police Commanders, supported by civil society and churches, will drive awareness at the local level.
■Transparency – Regular NEC updates every 90 days to ensure accountability.
This program is aligned with the Prime Minister’s clear roadmap for peace and enforcement:
●February 27, 2026, Official launch of the National Firearms Amnesty and Buy-Back Program.
●By May 30, 2026, awareness campaigns completed; voluntary surrender of firearms finalized within the Amnesty window.
●By August 26, 2026 (National Repentance Day) – Healing and reintegration led by churches and community leaders, surrendered firearms linked to education and SME opportunities.
●September 16, 2026 (Independence Day) – National declaration of Papua New Guinea free of illegal guns.
●September 17, 2026
Full Constabulary operations commence to hunt down and remove remaining illegal firearms.
This timeline reflects both compassion and firmness: compassion in offering an off-ramp for those weary of violence and firmness in ensuring that by September, illegal firearms will no longer be tolerated.
■National unity for peace
“I am making a call for national unity. This is not just a police operation – it is a national movement for peace that seeks the support and commitment of every Papua New Guinean.
“Unlike peace operations, this program will be driven at the provincial level, with Provincial Police Commanders working hand in hand with Provincial Governments, District Development Authorities, churches, NGOs, and communities,” he said in a statement.
“Policing is not the business of police alone. It is everyone’s responsibility.”
Every gun surrendered is a step toward ending tribal conflict, protecting families, and building a society where disputes are resolved through dialogue, not violence.
■Rebutting Critics
Some voices have sought to misrepresent this initiative. Let us be clear.
●On Ethics
The true ethical question is whether we allow tribal wars to escalate because we were too “principled” to offer an exit ramp. If this program prevents even one massacre, it is not a reward – it is a strategic investment in human life.
●On Families
This program is not about enrichment. It is about empowerment. By removing guns from our communities, we create space for families to thrive in agriculture, small business, and education.
●On Reform
Far from ignoring past recommendations, this initiative creates the peace required to finally implement them.
For two decades, reports have gathered dust while blood has been spilled. This amnesty is a catalyst for action, not a substitute for reform.
●On Enforcement
Enforcement without community cooperation is just more conflict. By reducing the number of high‑powered rifles in circulation, this program makes policing safer and more effective.
●On Solutions.
This program is not the long‑term solution. It is a catalyst for change.
This policy is a testament to the government’s dedication to saving lives and restoring peace.
By combining voluntary surrender, community awareness, and compulsory extraction, we are taking decisive action to eliminate illegal firearms and protect our people.
Waiting until September without immediate action risks, creating a “lame duck” period where criminals know a crackdown is coming but have no incentive to disarm.
A buy-back now signals that the government is moving from talk to action and provides hope for communities under siege.
To the people of Papua New Guinea:
This is your moment to choose peace over violence, unity over division, and hope for recovery.
“Call upon all Papua New Guineans, from the ordinary grassroots to ward councilors, council presidents, provincial and national leaders, businesspeople, public servants, and people of the clergy to make guns your number one enemy. Lay down illegal guns.”
“Stand with your government. Stand with your families. Stand for a safer future for your children. Volunteer in your own space to save your country from the evil of illegal firearms,” said Sir John.
“We all have to rise up now with one voice as patriotic Papua New Guineans like never before to stabilize and reset PNG on the path to peace and prosperity for the next 50 years.”
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/nationwide-illegal-gun-amnesty-to-start-this-week/
Action is the only policy now. We must save lives today rather than wait to perfect an administrative model tomorrow.”