BOAT SURVIVORS REMAIN IN TOWN

The six boat survivors remain in town, pending a police investigation and security clearance for them to go back home, a government source told PNG SUN.

The survivors consist of five men and one mysterious boy of the Southern Highlands origin.

They were flown back to Port Moresby from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in an Air Niugini plane recently due to high security risks at the Buka Airport.

They are still under the custody of PNG and AROB authorities in the city.

Earlier, after interrogations were concluded, they were cleared to have traveled back to the island on the plane with ABG leaders but relatives of two missing passengers, who fronted at the Buka Airport, demanding answers on the whereabouts of the duo. They threatened to retaliate on them. The armed relatives destroyed properties and threatened the relatives of the survivors.

Reports say there were eight passengers on board an ill-fated dinghy destined to AROB from New Ireland. Due to bad weather maneuvering, the boat ran out of fuel. They were drifted on sea for nearly a month until a Chinese fishing vessel salvaged them to safety in Kiribati.

PNG Authorities including Department of Foreign Affairs, PNG Immigration and Citizenship, and National Disaster Office facilitated their return to the capital city from Kiribati via Fiji.

The source informed that police were communicating with the relatives of the duo to ease the tension before the six travel back to the island.

WANPIS AKO
WANPIS AKO
Managing Editor who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Papua New Guinea. He possesses additional Diploma each in Marketing and Business Management.

━ Related News

Marimari Lutheran Church prepares to bid farewell to historic church after 52 years

Tears, memories, thanksgiving and anticipation filled the air at Marimari Lutheran Church on Sunday as worshippers gathered for their final regular service inside one...

Secretary Leo urges neutrality among Provincial Monitoring Officers ahead of Election

The Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLLG) Secretary Philip Leo has urged newly appointed Senior Provincial Monitoring Officers to remain politically...

Governor Parkop urges Parliament to prioritize peace, constitution in Bougainville decision

PNG Parliament must uphold peace and stability, respect the Constitution, and honor the Bougainville Peace Agreement when determining the future of the Bougainville Referendum,...

PM Marape calls for unity, respect and constitutional process as Parliament begins historic Bougainville discussions

PNG Prime Minister, James Marape has called on Papua New Guinea to approach the Bougainville question with wisdom, respect, and unity as Parliament begins...

Secretary Leo calls for Public Service reset through discipline and accountability

Secretary for the Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLLGA) Leo has called on public servants within his department to embrace a...