Madang police protest over unpaid 2025 festive season operation allowances

Frustrated police officers blocked the entrance to the Madang Provincial Treasury Office this afternoon, protesting weeks of unpaid allowances for the Special Christmas and New Year operation, code-named Sain Abe 3.

The protest came nearly two months after Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa launched the operation on December 1, 2025. At the launch, Pariwa announced a commitment of K500,000 from the provincial government to cover operational costs and personnel allowances. Despite a ceremonial cheque being presented to Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Robert Baim at that time, officers have yet to receive their payments.

A potential confrontation was avoided, thanks to the quick intervention of Acting PPC, Inspector Patrick Wallis, and several sectional heads. The leadership team met immediately with the Provincial Accountant to address the delay.

Following the meeting, Wallis addressed the gathered officers, relaying the Treasury’s explanation.

"The boys are frustrated, which is why I came to the Treasury Office to check the status again," Wallis said. "I have checked several times, and they continue to tell me that the Finance Secretary has yet to sign the approval letter required for the bank."

Wallis said provincial accounts are now open for the new year, but the delay has persisted since December.

"They were promised this last year. It is now the end of January and they still have not been paid. This is the result of that frustration," he said.

Madang treasury office informed police leadership that the provincial finance manager was unavailable, but an officer from Madang is currently in Waigani to follow up on the approval process. The accountant has reportedly assured the force that allowances should be settled by late this week or early next week.

The protest occurred at a sensitive time, falling on the eve of a visit by Prime Minister James Marape. The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive tomorrow at the invitation of Sumkar MP Alex Orme to officiate the launch of two major government projects on Karkar Island.