76 guns, two grenades surrendered in Enga amnesty exercise

A total of 76 firearms, including two hand grenades, have been surrendered to police in Enga Province under the ongoing gun amnesty program.

The weapons were handed over at the Enga Provincial Police Station in Wabag on Monday, following a recent ceasefire agreement between warring factions in Wapenamanda District.

Police Minister Sir John Pundari witnessed the surrender, along with Acting Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Glen Finniss, ACP Joseph Tondop, members of the Provincial Law and Order Division, PNG Defence Force personnel, and Wapenamanda MP and Transport Minister Miki Kaeok.

The surrender follows fighting in parts of Wapenamanda, including Middle Lai and Tsak Valley.

In Middle Lai, the Sawalep faction surrendered 21 guns and two grenades, while the Yangakun tribe handed in 13 firearms. The Yakuman tribe has yet to surrender its weapons.

Sir John has called on the Yakuman group to hand in their weapons during the amnesty period, saying peace has already been agreed to.

Wapenamanda MP, Miki Kaeok also urged the group to hand over their weapons to police.

In Tsak Valley, the Palinau group surrendered five high-powered firearms, in addition to three guns handed in earlier. The Yopo faction, which had previously surrendered 13 guns during the launch of the amnesty program, was present during the exercise.

Meanwhile, 35 home-made guns were also surrendered by communities from the Walu Talu area in Kompiam-Ambum.

Authorities say the surrender is part of the ongoing program to restore peace and law and order in Enga Province.

The national gun amnesty program will end on September 16, but in Enga Province it is expected to end in the second week of June.