CDF refutes food ration claims

The Commander for the PNG Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara has refuted claims made by soldiers that they have not been provided food for the last six weeks.

The commander says messing arrangements and catering facilities of units only serve single living-in members of the force and they have been put on an alternative catering plan since 17th March 2025 with all operations actively sustained.

He further stated that the welfare of the soldiers, including catering, are the highest priority of the Head Quarters of the PNG Defence Force. Hence, they are handling the catering issue in collaboration with relevant government agencies.

“Head Quarters of the PNG Defence Force is not ignorant nor turning a blind eye on the catering issue.
“We are managing that well whilst maintaining focus on our constitutionally mandated tasks.”

Meanwhile the Minister for Defence Dr Billy Jospeh did confirm with NBC News that PNG Defence Force owes the IPI Group of Companies K42 Million for providing catering services throughout all military establishments in the country.

Though the Government has paid K18 Million already, the IPI catering service has stopped all its services in the last six weeks.

The Minister for Defence and the Commander of the PNG Defence Force both responded to the media after soldiers staged a gathering on Wednesday complaining about the food rationing in the last six weeks.