PNG Minister appeals for surrender of firearms

Papua New Guinea Finance Minister and Member for Tari Pori, James Marape has appealed to people who are illegally possessing guns in Hela to surrender the firearms to police.

The appeal comes as the Government-sanctioned nationwide firearms moratorium started over the weekend.

There's an amnesty in place to allow people who have guns without a license, to hand them in to police, until the end of February 2017.

Mr Marape said on social media, police and military have intelligence on who has heavy firearms in Hela and the Highlands region, and the long list includes youths, leaders, public servants and businessmen.

He says after February 2017, police and military will search areas for guns, and he has asked they start in several of his villages.

Mr Marape is expected to launch the call-out in Tari this week.

He's also appealed to MPs from the province to work with him to restore law and order there.

NBC New/PNG Today