Marape commends Undialu for successful gun amnesty in Hela

Prime Minister James Marape has commended Hela Governor Philip Undialu for his leadership in successfully retrieving illegal firearms across the province.

Marape said the outcome demonstrates that peace, law and order can be restored when political and community leaders work in partnership.

The Gun Amnesty Program — a key initiative of the Marape-Rosso Government — was introduced to address persistent tribal conflicts and gun-related violence in parts of Hela. The exercise resulted in the voluntary surrender of several high-powered firearms.

“I want to commend Governor Philip Undialu for his leadership and his efforts in encouraging our people to surrender guns and choose peace,” Marape said. “I also praise the tribes and community members who turned in their weapons. You have made the right decision. Having surrendered these firearms, let us not return to violence, but anchor peace in our communities.”

The Prime Minister called on local councillors, church leaders, youths and tribal leaders to maintain support for the provincial government's ongoing peace initiatives.

“The National Government, our districts and provincial leadership must work together so that the surrender of guns is not simply the end of a process, but the beginning of a better life for our people,” he added.

Marape said his Tari-Pori District Development Authority will complement the Hela Provincial Government’s efforts by linking former combatants who surrender firearms to opportunities in education, vocational training, small-and-medium enterprises [SMEs] and productive community programs.