Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, has issued a strong warning to anyone planning to disrupt the 51st Independence Milestone celebration, urging residents to respect the occasion and allow the people of Madang to celebrate peacefully.
In his address to the people of Madang, Superintendent Baim emphasized that this milestone marks not only a national achievement, but also a reminder of the sacrifices made by our forefathers and the responsibility of today’s generation to protect the peace they fought for.
“I want people of Madang to celebrate this first year of another fifty years to come. Some of us won’t be around to see it come to pass, so let’s all celebrate with oneness. Let us remember that Independence is a gift, and we must guard it with unity, discipline, and respect,” said PPC Baim.
Superintendent Baim called on all walks of life – including churches, schools, youth groups, community leaders, women’s associations, and business houses—to come together in one spirit of unity and to ensure the Independence anniversary is marked by good conduct and lawful behavior.
“Let us celebrate as one people. We should not allow misinformation, hate, or bad intentions to create problems during this special time. Our celebration must reflect the unity of Madang and the strength of Papua New Guinea as an independent nation,” he said.
PPC Baim reminded the public that independence was achieved without any bloodshed, and therefore citizens must honor that legacy by maintaining peace throughout the event period.
“We got independence without any bloodshed. Let us all respect our forefathers who had very little education status but with vision and wisdom, they fought for our future and achieved what they set out to do. Their efforts should inspire us to behave responsibly and uphold the law,” he stated.
He further reiterated that anyone attempting to interfere with the celebration, cause disturbances, or incite violence or disorder will be dealt with seriously according to the law.
“Those who are thinking of disrupting the celebration should think twice. Police will not ignore any unlawful action. We will respond firmly to any person or group that disobeys instructions or threatens public safety,” PPC Baim warned.
PPC Baim also confirmed that police operations to flash out OBT rumours will continue during the Independence celebration period and beyond, in order to ensure that misinformation does not spread and that public order is maintained.
“Police operations to address ongoing OBT rumours will continue into the Independence celebration. Anyone who defies the laws, spreads harmful rumours, or encourages people to act unlawfully will be seriously dealt with. Police will not tolerate anyone who disobeys simple instructions,” he said.
Superintendent Baim stressed that maintaining law and order is not the responsibility of police alone but of every citizen and every stakeholder in Madang.
“Law and order is everyone’s business. If each of us plays our part by staying calm, reporting suspicious activities, and respecting security instructions – we will successfully celebrate our anniversary peacefully,” he added.
PPC Baim urged all business houses and private sector partners to support police operations by cooperating with security arrangements, adhering to event rules, and helping to ensure that businesses contribute positively to a safe Independence celebration.
“I urge business houses to support police operations. Your support will help us maintain peace, protect lives and property and ensure that the celebration brings unity and pride to Madang,” said PPC Baim.
