Provincial Police Commander (PPC) for Southern Highlands, Chief Inspector, Kelly Sombe has confirmed that 40 high-powered firearms were voluntarily surrendered so far to the state by the people of Southern Highlands since the gun amnesty and surrender program was officially launched on 23rd September 2026.
PPC Sombe also confirmed that 221 live ammunition and eight (8) factory magazines were surrendered together with the firearms where the initial public awareness drive commenced across all five districts following the launch of the gun amnesty and surrender program.
PPC said the gun amnesty has been extended to 25th December and the extension offers a critical window for citizens, tribal leaders, and armed factions to voluntarily surrender their illegal firearms without risk of criminal prosecutions.
PPC Sombe said upon expiration of the December 25th deadline, legal immunity cease entirely and under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 2022 and the Counter Terrorism Act 2002, post-amnesty operations will enforce severe statutory penalties.
“I am pleased that Southern Highlands Province is achieving positive, and measurable progress in the execution of the National Firearm Amnesty Program.
“Our tribal leaders, church networks, local authorities, and citizens across all five districts are showing respect for the law and actively supporting the gun amnesty awareness and surrender program.
“The communities are actively working alongside the police by voluntarily surrendering firearms and ammunition into the police stations across the province concurrently,” PPC said.
PPC Sombe said thatpeople are really cooperating well in surrendering those illegal weapons. He said it was good to see people coming forward and take ownership by working closely with the security forces, particularly the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC).
PPC said they have visited all five districts in the province and conducted public awareness following the launch of gun amnesty in September.The local leaders and and youths were instructed on the surrender protocols prior to the deadline in December.
The awareness was backed by the rapid response capability of the specialized Kumul 23 tactical units to deter non-compliance. The five districts are scheduled between November and December 2026 to surrender their illegal firearms before 25th December.
PPC is calling on those people who are still holding onto the illegal firearms to voluntarily surrender to the state before the gun amnesty period expires in 25th December 2026. PPC Sombe said after 25th December 2026, the Southern Highlands Provincial Police Command alongside Mobile Squads, Kumul 23 task force and PNGDF elements will target cordon and search sweep by executing warrants on warlord compounds and illegal gunsmith workshop.
Picture 2: PPC Sombe, PSC Mendi receiving a short gun from David Epi at Walum Junction in Imbongu District.
