50-Year sentences for homemade gun manufacturers in Hela

The ongoing illegal firearm surrender program across the Tari-Pori District of Hela Province has successfully yielded.

Hela Governor Philip Undialu said nearly 500 homemade firearms have been surrendered across three Local Level Governments

​During the third official gun surrender event for the Hayapuga LLG, held at Hiwanda Primary School, Governor Undialu issued a stern command to local covert gunsmiths, demanding an immediate end to the production of illegal weapons. He urged communities to report directly to law enforcement.

​"Under Section 21 of Papua New Guinea's Counter-Terrorism Act 2024, individuals implicated in manufacturing firearms face up to 50 years in prison," he said.

He made it clear that tribal warfare, murder, and weapon fabrication are now legally classified as acts of terrorism, stripping warlords of local status and marking them explicitly as criminals.

​The Governor noted that while individuals handing over weapons displayed genuine remorse and a commitment to reform, local arms manufacturers threaten to undermine peace by dragging former combatants back into violent conflict.

He said those involved in past tribal fights and have surrendered their weapons are encouraged to actively join church ministries to aid their transition into civilian life, backed by coordinated assistance from government bodies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders.

​“The Marape-Rosso Government will provide Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) funding support specifically for individuals who surrender military-grade or high-powered weapons,” he said.

​Governor Undialu stressed that his focus will now shift heavily toward expanding education, fostering SME growth, and advancing agriculture activities.