In the last few years, Papua New Guineans were told that the former head of the Finance Department, Steven Gibson, had passed on- deceased.
Even the courts accepted his passing despite minimal prove.
But now, a recent photograph that surfaced is raising troubling questions.
A man almost resembles Mr Gibson with other family members at his daughter’s graduation on November 17, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia
An image has emerged showing a man strikingly resembling Mr Gibson attending his daughter’s graduation at the University of Melbourne on November 17, 2025, just four months ago.
A closure look surely resembles Mr Gibson.
The photograph, unintentionally leaked on a LinkedIn page Chauka Ya, has reignited long-standing rumours that the former Finance Secretary may in fact still be alive.
Copy of the LinkedIn page where the photograph was published.
The doubts are not new. Despite Mr Gibson’s stature as a senior public servant who once controlled the nation’s purse, there has never been a public death notice, funeral announcement, condolence statement, or official record readily accessible confirming his passing.
Even a simple Google search yields no obituary, no media report of a burial, and no formal confirmation from authorities. For someone of his profile, such silence has always been unusual.
An election Poster of Steven Gibson when he contested the Manus Open in 2017.
The only widely cited reference to his alleged death came during the prosecution of Jacob Yafai. In that trial, senior prosecutor Linda Maru told the court while basing on an affidavit of a police officer, that Mr Gibson had died sometime back in his home province on Manus Island.
The information was disputed by the defense lawyer, saying there was no evidence to proof Mr Gibson’s death. However, Mrs Maru also stated that she had personal knowledge of Mr Gibson’s death because she was also from Manus.
However, no evidence including death certificate was formally produced in court to support the claim. Nonetheless, the court proceeded on the basis that Mr Gibson had died. That development had significant consequences. At the time controversial payments were made to Paraka Lawyers, Mr Yafai served as Deputy Secretary for Finance (Operations), while Mr Gibson was Secretary for Finance, the overall head of the department. Had Mr Gibson been alive, he would almost certainly have been called in as a State witness to faced scrutiny and possible prosecution alongside his subordinate. Instead, with the court nothing that he was dead, the spotlight fell squarely on Mr Yafai, who was subsequently convicted and jailed for failing to properly verify substantial public funds paid out as legal claims. Now, the resurfaced photograph threatens to upend that settled history.
The striking resemblance
Observers point to the strong resemblance between the man in the graduation photo and Mr Gibson’s earlier public images, including an election campaign poster from when he once contested national elections back in 2017. The facial features, his built and overall appearance appear consistent, prompting speculation that he may have deliberately remained out of public view to avoid prosecution over alleged misappropriation of millions of kina during his tenure. If the man in the photograph is indeed Steven Gibson, it would raise profound legal and constitutional questions. It would mean that a court accepted testimony of his death without documentary proof, and that a key figure in one of the country’s most controversial financial scandals was never brought to account. At this stage, the matter remains unverified. A photograph alone does not constitute proof of life. However, the renewed public interest demands clarity. It is now up to the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate and establish the truth: Is Steven Gibson alive? If he is, then the rule of law requires that he be brought before the courts to answer for decisions made during his time as Finance Secretary. If he is not, then official documentation should be made public to put the rumours to rest once and for all. Until then, the questions will only grow louder.
A leader of Southern Highlands, Peter Nupiri, today presented K100,000.00 as a show of sympathy to all affected families living in and around the Old Compound area in Mendi town. He said the contribution was a genuine expression of sorrow for the hardship and suffering endured during the 2022 election-related mayhem in Mendi. This presentation follows Mr Nupiri’s earlier compensation exercises, where he personally compensated families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured during the unrest. During today’s event, Mr Nupiri also extended an open invitation to the people and leaders of Tubiri village, saying he was ready and willing to sit with them, apologise to each other, and restore peace whenever they were prepared to do so. He affirmed that true leadership requires humility, responsibility, and the courage to make peace. Having already apologised publicly and compensated families months ago, Mr Nupiri said he wanted to go a step further before Christmas and bless the affected families with something they can share as they look toward the festive season. He said the contribution was a genuine expression of sorrow for the hardship and suffering endured during the 2022 election-related mayhem in Mendi. He concluded by wishing all families a safe and peaceful Christmas and urged everyone to continue upholding peace, unity, and respect in Mendi town.
Sinai Simon Sinai is yet to come to terms with his removal as the Electoral Commissioner of Papua New Guinea. He rushed to the National Court with an urgent application seeking interim restraining orders to stop his removal and the subsequent acting appointment, arguing that his removal was improper as he hasn’t reached his retirement age as yet. However, his bid was refused by the Waigani National Court yesterday afternoon. Sinai was removed as the Electoral Commissioner by the Electoral Commission Appointments Committee after the Committee was satisfied thathas reached his retirement age of 60. The appointing committee therefore appointed a Margaret Vagi as acting Commissioner. Prime Minister James Marape who is the Chairman of the appointing committee also confirmed that Sinai had reached retirement age, and therefore was replaced according to law. However, Sinai queries that he still hasn’t reached retirement age and that he still has some time left as per his contract. His first attempt in court was unsuccessful.
Mr Parua displaying his certificate and medal that was presented to him by Xing Qu, the Deputy Director General of UNESCO at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, French.
In a world where obstacles often appear insurmountable, the journey of one Papua New Guinean continues to illuminate the power of resilience, education, and service. For Mr Robert Parua, the path from a small village in Western Highlands to the grand halls of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris has been a long and inspiring one — marked by passion, perseverance, and purpose.
Last week, in a ceremony held on 18 October at the premises of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, Mr Parua was honoured with a medal and Certificate of Service Recognition by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for his 30 years of distinguished service. UNESCO a specialized and technical agency of the United Nations.
The gold medal awarded to Mr Parua.
The recognition symbolized more than personal achievement — it was a proud moment for Papua New Guinea and a testament to what commitment, dedication and belief in education can accomplish. Mr. Parus’s lifetime story offers a humanizing glimpse into Mr. Parua’s personal journey highlighting the balance between traditional expectations and the unconventional paths that redefine modern achievement. Mr. Parua was groomed and educated during the colonial era and he was shaped through the various stages of development and modernization in Papua New Guinea. Mr, Parua’s success is a reminder that humility, family and Christian values remain important to him despite the immense exposure and wealth of international experience and skills acquired over the 30 year career. Mr. Parua was breed of a home grown University of Papua New Guinea that was able to meet the demands of competitive globalized world.
Mr. Parua, who currently serves as Education Programme Advisor at the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, Egypt, flew from Cairo to Paris to receive his medal and certificate in person from the Deputy -Director -General of UNESCO. Standing in the same building where he began his UN journey three decades ago, he described the moment as both humbling and emotional — a full-circle reflection of service to humanity that began in 1994 when he was first appointed as a young professional at the Education Sector at UNESCO headquarters.
UNESCO Young Professionals recruitment in 1994. Parua is among them.
A Global Journey Rooted in Humble Beginnings
Born in March 1965, in Urunga Village, Kotna LLG, Dei District, Western Highlands Province, Robert Parua’s story is one deeply connected to Papua New Guinea’s post-independence aspirations. He grew up during a time of change and nation-building, witnessing first-hand his father, Parua Kuri, serve as the pioneer leader and three-term Member of Parliament (1972–1987) for Dei Electorate.
Despite his father’s prominence, Robert’s upbringing was modest and grounded in strong christian and cultural values. He attributes much of his discipline and character to the German and Australian Lutheran missionaries under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG who established Kotna Lutheran Primary School, Kotna Rural Health Cente and later Kitip Lutheran Secondary School, where he was among the pioneer students when it opened in 1979. “I owe much of my character to the moral foundation laid by the missionaries,” he often reflects. “They instilled faith, integrity, discipline and a belief that service to others defines true success.”
After completing high school, he pursued a Diploma in Secondary Teaching at Goroka Teachers College (then under the University of Papua New Guinea). Graduating in 1985, he began teaching at Malabunga High School in East New Britain in 1986 — far from home, but full of purpose. After three years, he transferred to Kombolopa High School in 1989, then to his alma mater Kitip High School in 1990. His passion for education was unmistakable; he saw teaching not just as a career but as a calling. Many of his former students hold senior positions in public and private sector in PNG.
In 1991, the Education Department selected him to pursue a Bachelor of Education (In-Service) degree at the University of Papua New Guinea. Upon completing it in 1992, he joined the International Branch of the National Department of Education (NDOE) — coordinating Papua New Guinea’s engagement with UNESCO and matters related to Commonwealth Secretariat. Mr.Parua holds the Commonwealth Executive master’s degree in development planning and administration from the University College of the Caribbean. A post graduate programme designed by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) based in Canada.
It was this appointment that opened the door to a career to the outside world that would take him far beyond PNG’s borders to the four corners of the world.
A young Robert Parua.
Breaking Barriers — Joining UNESCO
In 1994, Robert Parua became the first Papua New Guinean ever appointed as a Junior Professional Officer (JPO) at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris — a historic achievement since PNG joined UNESCO after Independence in 1975 no PNG national has worked at the UNESCO Headquarters. He joined under UNESCO’s Young Professionals Programme, which recruits promising young talents under 30 years of age from under-represented member states who have less staff in the organization’s bureaucracy.
His appointment was strongly supported by then Secretary for Education, Mr. Jerry Tetaga, in 1994 whose endorsement helped pave the way. At UNESCO Headquarters, Parua began his work in the Education Sector, focusing on teacher education, policy development, higher education programmes fostering, and international cooperation. He played a key role in facilitating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Papua New Guinea and UNESCO, covering collaboration in education, science, and culture — an agreement that still guides bilateral cooperation today. During his tenure at UNESCO Headquarters, Mr. Parua pushed for the ratification of World Heritage Convention by PNG that eventually led to the nomination and approval of Kuk as the first world heritage site for PNG. He also facilitated the education planning initiative that trained PNG education Planners at UNESCO.
A young Robert Parua serving the UNESCO in 1995.
A Career of Global Service
Over the past three decades, Mr. Parua has served in multiple UNESCO Regional Offices around the world:
1998 – Apia, Samoa: Regional Office for the Pacific region
2000 – Amman, Jordan: National Office for Jordan and Iraq)
2009 – Kingston, Jamaica: Regional Office for the Caribbean region.
2016 – Beijing, China: Regional Office for East Asia
2024 – Cairo, Egypt: Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan (current posting)
In the UN system each UN agency has a specific mandate and UNESCO has the global mandate in Education, Sciences and Culture since it was established in 1946. UNESCO turning 80 years old in 2025. Under the mandate of UNESCO in education Mr. Parua was assigned to work closely with Ministries of Education, UN agencies, and development partners to provide education policy advice, facilitated capacity building, promoted knowledge sharing of best practices, enhanced standards, and facilitated international cooperation among countries in education and used UNESCO’s global mandate in education to strengthen education systems, promote inclusive education policies, planning and support Member Countries achieve key targets of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) — which aims to ensure quality education for all by 2030.
His expertise spans diverse fields such education sector policy, teacher education, planning, TVET and skills development, higher education, ICT in education, education for sustainable development, Literacy and adult education and education for sustainable development. He has also in the many regional offices had contributed significantly to the expansion of UNESCO’s education knowledge networks, including ASPnet (Associated Schools Network), UNESCO Chairs, Community Learning Centres (CLCs), University networking, and TVET network (UNEVOC) promoting international best practices and international cooperation.
While based in UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia in Beijing for eight years,(2016-2024) apart from implementing UNESCO programmes in East Asia region, Mr. Parua also played a pivotal role in building academic bridges between Papua New Guinea and China institutions. He facilitated partnerships between the University of Goroka and several leading Chinese institutions such as the Open University of China, Beijing Normal University, Shanghai Normal University, Shenzhen Polytechnic, and Shenzhen Open University. He also strengthened ties with UNESCO Category II Centres in China — focusing on rural education, higher education, distance education and teacher education — laying a solid foundation for future collaboration and enhancing students and staff exchange programs.
At the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Honoured in Paris — A Moment of Reflection
Receiving his medal and Certificate of Service Recognition at the premises of UNESCO Headquarters in Paris marked an emotional homecoming for Mr. Parua. The ceremony was attended by the Director-General of UNESCO, Deputy Director-General of UNESCO colleagues and senior officials from UNESCO and the Education Sector — many of whom had worked with him at different stages of his long career.
“It felt like coming full circle,” he shared. “Thirty years ago, I walked into this building as a young professional from Papua New Guinea 30 years ago, unsure of what the future would hold. Standing here again, receiving this recognition, is indeed a great honor and reminds me of the value of persistence, faith, and humility.”
He also reflected on the challenges of representing a small island developing nation within the UN system, emphasizing that “commitment and competence always speak louder than background or nationality.”
His father viewed his appointment at a UN Agency as the culmination of years of hard work excellence, commitment and professional dedication and self-discipline. The 30 years of service to the United Nations and the world symbolized a traditional milestone of success and validation of his commitment to his profession. Despite Mr. Parua’s 30 years of service and success he admitted that his family’s initial pride was rooted in his determination and will to succeed despite all odds.
Mr Parua in Paris recently for his award.
Championing the UN and the Next Generation
Mr. Parua remains deeply committed to encouraging young Papua New Guineans to pursue international careers at the various UN Agencies and development agencies. He is among only a handful of Papua New Guineans currently serving across UN agencies worldwide — in Port Moresby, Geneva, Suva, Rome, and New York.
“There are many job opportunities in the UN system — from junior professional to senior expert and consultant levels,” he said. “Any PNG citizen with a postgraduate degree can apply. Our country is underrepresented in the bureaucracies of many UN Agencies, so I encourage young professionals to be bold, apply, and serve on the world stage.”
His message is clear and inspiring: “The sky is the limit for PNG youth. Stay focused, stay disciplined, and one day you too can work for the United Nations.”
Advice to Government and Legacy Ahead
With over three decades in international service, Mr. Parua believes the PNG Government can better utilize the technical expertise of UN agencies. He emphasized that the UN Sustainable development Cooperation framework (UNSDCF) in each country is very important for UN agencies to work closely with the Government to achieve the key target of the 17 SDGs by 2030. The next five years is an opportunity and critical for PNG to work closely with the UN to achieve the key social, economic, and environmental targets by 2030. The Government should partner with UN to design a comprehensive technical and vocational skills training Programme that could empower our unemployed youth to be productive in society.
He urges national leaders to strengthen collaboration and enhance the engagement with the UN system to improve policy formulation, institutional capacity, and governance frameworks — aligning national development goals with UN standards and protocols. Countries that have followed the UN advice and standards have brought prosperity to their people. During his 30 years Career, Mr. Parua in his capacity had contributed in the several field offices in achieving the education goals during the MDGs and now the SDGs period.
“As 2030 approaches, PNG must accelerate its partnership with UN agencies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he advises. “The UN’s technical expertise must be utilized to the fullest extent to ensure that PNG achieves the key targets of the 17 SDGs by 2030 to elevate PNG Middle Income Country. The PNG Government can rely on the UN as a source of inspiration and source of knowledge, innovation for socio-economic development” so no one is left behind.
Looking ahead to his eventual retirement, Mr. Parua hopes to return home to Western Highlands and dedicate his time to community-based education and skills empowerment programmes, particularly targeting rural children, youth and women. He envisions establishing local initiatives that integrate skills training, sustainable livelihoods, and lifelong learning — continuing his lifelong mission of using education as a tool for empowerment and development.
A True Son of Papua New Guinea
At 59 years old, with a distinguished record of global service, Mr. Parua remains as passionate about education as he was when he began teaching at Malabunga High School in East New Britian nearly forty years ago. His journey — from the classrooms of Kitip to the corridors of UNESCO — stands as a beacon of what Papua New Guineans can achieve through dedication, faith, and hard work.
As he walked through the UNESCO Headquarters premises in Paris after receiving his recognition, he paused to look at the familiar marble corridors and said quietly,
“This medal and certificate of recognition is not just for me — it is for my country, my family, my teachers, and every Papua New Guinean who believes that education is key and hope that can change lives.”
Indeed, Robert Parua’s name now stands among those who have dedicated their lives to building a better, contributing to humanity, more educated world — and his voice for education, equality, and opportunity will continue to echo long after his service ends.
The Marape government’s much-celebrated 2025 national budget has come under heavy fire, with strong criticism describing it as a “spectacular failure” marred by poor implementation, excessive borrowing, and inequitable distribution of funds.
Member for Chuave James Nomane launched this scathing attack on the government, branding the 2025 K28.357 billion “game-changer” budget as nothing more than another slogan-driven promise that has failed to deliver tangible outcomes for ordinary Papua New Guineans.
“In Parliament, I have said repeatedly that this 11th Parliament is overwhelmed with pleasantries, platitudes, and pollyanna,” the MP said. “Leadership has become superficial. Vanity, pride, and ego have replaced substance.”
He accused the Marape-led administration of starving districts and provinces of their rightful funds while promoting political favoritism and selective warranting. “Chuave has not received its K20 million DSIP, DIP, or Kina-for-Kina funds. The Simbu Provincial Government is still waiting for its K34 million functional grants. Why should we beg for money that rightfully belongs to our people?” he questioned.
Nomane said the 2025 budget failed because it was built on “unsustainable spending, unrealistic revenue projections, and weak fiscal management,” with political interference worsening the problem. “We must judge the Prime Minister and his Treasurer by results. If sectors, provinces, and districts miss out through selective warranting, then something is seriously wrong,” he said.
After six years of what he called “a pathetic Pangu-led government,” the Chuave MP declared the time had come to end “petty politics, cronyism, and favoritism.” He said the Prime Minister’s promises of one million jobs, agricultural revival, and foreign investment have not materialized.
“Where is the fiscal discipline? Where is the vision for youth, for rural development, for sovereign dignity?” he asked. “We are stuck with astronomical loans and inflation while government elites globetrot and perform for the cameras.”
Nomane announced he will seek Supreme Court enforcement of the Appropriations Act, citing inequities in the distribution of budget funds and the government’s failure to recognize the people of Chuave and Simbu.
“The people’s money is being plundered by a small kitchen cabinet. Effective budget implementation defines competent leadership — and this government has failed that test miserably,” he said. “Our national debt now stands at K65 billion, and we have no significant investment to show for it. Who will stop this madness?” Nomane asked.
In a landmark development following the signing of the historic Pukpuk Treaty, Papua New Guinea and Australia have agreed to establish a joint recruitment taskforce to create a pathway for PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Minister for Defence, Dr Billy Joseph, announced that the PNG–Australia Recruitment Taskforce will be jointly led by himself and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marle, and will comprise senior defence officials from both nations. The taskforce is expected to hold its first meeting before the end of 2025.
Dr Joseph described the initiative as a “historic step” in strengthening defence cooperation and deepening the bond between the two nations. “Since beginning this process in January, we’ve seen a transformation in our defence relationship through the signing of the Pukpuk Treaty,” he said. “This recruitment partnership marks a new era of cooperation and integration between our countries.”
The taskforce will develop a detailed framework to identify and process eligible Papua New Guineans to serve in the ADF, while upholding strict recruitment standards. It will also focus on creating new opportunities for PNG’s youth, ensuring that the program complements the growth and independence of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
The initiative builds on the recent announcement that eligible PNG citizens who are permanent residents of Australia will be able to apply for the ADF from 1 January 2026.
Both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable and mutually beneficial defence relationship — one that symbolises a new chapter of regional partnership, shared security, and trust between PNG and Australia.
A respected school headmaster and longtime teacher from Enga Province has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the wilful murder of a man whose left arm he chopped off during a violent confrontation last year.
This is despite the paying of 152 pigs and K125,000 in compensation to the victim’s family.
Justice Ellis of the National Court in Wabag handed down the sentence to Philip Minimao, 52, of Apaimas Village, Wapenamanda District, after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 299(1) of the Criminal Code Act.
The court heard that Minimao, accompanied by others armed with an axe and bush knives, attacked the victim following an argument between the deceased and a man Minimao regarded as his “son.” During the attack, Minimao severed the victim’s left arm and inflicted a wound to his leg. The victim bled to death while being rushed to hospital.
Justice Ellis said the attack was “grossly disproportionate” to the earlier dispute, describing it as a deliberate and vicious assault that showed “complete disregard for the sanctity of human life.”
While acknowledging that Minimao had expressed remorse, was a first-time offender, and had made substantial compensation, the court emphasized that “no amount of money or pigs can restore a lost life.”
“The sanctity and value of human life is more precious than wealth. Compensation cannot bring the victim back,” Justice Ellis said.
The court found that the offence fell within Category Two of the sentencing guidelines established in Kovi v The State, which prescribes penalties of 20 to 30 years for planned and weapon-assisted murders. Given the seriousness of the crime and Minimao’s role in leading the attack, the court set a starting sentence of 30 years, reduced by nine years for mitigating factors.
Minimao, a veteran educator with over 24 years of service, told the court he was “deeply sorry” for the killing, insisting the incident was not premeditated and occurred after the victim allegedly attacked him while drunk. He surrendered to police and later helped pay two rounds of compensation to the victim’s relatives.
Despite these efforts, the judge stressed that the prevalence of bush knife killings in Papua New Guinea demanded a strong deterrent sentence.
After deducting one year already served in remand, Minimao will spend 20 more years behind bars.
The Waigani Supreme Court has delivered a strong warning against the abuse of legal processes, dismissing an attempt to prematurely derail one of the most closely watched constitutional cases in recent years.
A full seven-man bench unanimously threw out an application by Justice Minister and Attorney-General Pila Niningi, who sought to have the case struck out on competency grounds. The judges ruled that the application was an abuse of process, noting that a similar objection had already been dismissed earlier.
“The court will not allow the process to be misused in this manner,” the bench stated, stressing that repeated and untimely objections only serve to delay justice and undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
At the heart of the matter is a Section 18 constitutional reference filed by the Opposition Leader on the legality of the government’s massive Connect PNG Program.
Popular Papua New Guinean singer and songwriter, Daniel Bilip, has passed away today after battling a short illness. His death was confirmed by his father, Robert Bilip, who made the heartbreaking announcement this afternoon.
Daniel, who captured the hearts of many with his unique voice and music that resonated across communities, died at 12:30pm at Angau Hospital in Lae. He had been bravely fighting mouth cancer, undergoing both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments in India and within PNG in recent years.
In a statement, his father expressed the family’s gratitude to the nation for the outpouring of support during Daniel’s struggle.
“I am deeply saddened to announce on behalf of my family the passing of Daniel Bilip, singer/artist just now at Angau Hospital at 12:30pm,” Robert Bilip said.
“He has been bravely battling mouth cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy in India and in the country. All the support either financially, prayer, food, well wishes etc has meant the world to him and our family. On behalf of me and my family, I thank you all. Very much appreciated. God will bless you abundantly accordingly. The endless names will fill numerous Facebook pages.
Thank you for standing by Daniel through thick and thin. May God continue to bless you all.”
Daniel’s passing has sent shockwaves through PNG’s music community and among fans who followed his career closely. Known for his heartfelt lyrics and strong stage presence, he had become one of the country’s most beloved local artists, inspiring a new generation of singers.
Tributes have already begun flooding social media, with many remembering not only his music but also his courage in the face of illness.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family.
A veteran police detective who claims he was forced out of the force for pursuing rape allegations against the country’s top cop is fighting back in court.
Former Senior Sergeant Detective Tinol Pakiapon, who served 38 years with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, told the Waigani National Court this week that his sacking was “unlawful” and amounted to punishment for doing his duty.
“I was sacked by the Police Commissioner for doing my job,” Pakiapon told presiding judge, Justice Susan Purdon-Sully, as he sought a judicial review of his dismissal.
But the case did not proceed. The matter was adjourned to October 24 because files were missing and neither Pakiapon’s lawyer nor the State’s lawyer was present. The court also advised him to consider refiling his application, pointing out discrepancies in the originating summons and stressing that judicial reviews are highly technical and must strictly comply with court rules.
Pakiapon, from Kundus village in Kompiam-Ambum, Enga Province, became the centre of controversy last year after he pursued allegations from a woman in West New Britain who accused Police Commissioner David Manning of rape and unlawful detention.
As an officer attached to the Boroko Family Sexual Violence Unit, Pakiapon applied for a warrant of arrest against Manning in March 2024. The District Court refused the application, and soon after Pakiapon himself was arrested, charged, suspended and eventually dismissed.
The dismissal letter, signed by Deputy Police Commissioner for Administration Philip Mitna, cited discreditable conduct, insubordination, and causing disaffection within the force.
At one point denied bail, Pakiapon was later cleared by the Waigani Committal Court of the charge of “causing disaffection,” with the court ruling the section of the Police Act used against him did not apply.
Now seeking judicial review, Pakiapon argues his termination was politically influenced, unlawful, and a breach of the Police Act. He maintains that the case he investigated had “ample evidence” and says the victim had been seeking justice for more than 20 years before turning to him.
The former detective also claims he and his family suffered harassment, intimidation, raids on his home, and defamation as a direct result of the investigation.
His legal battle continues later this month, as the court weighs whether the veteran officer was unfairly sacrificed in the pursuit of justice.
