PNG Government Buys Back M16s and AK47 in Enga Gun Amnesty

The Papua New Guinea Government has begun buying back illegal firearms in Enga Province, with 24 weapons including M16 rifles and an AK47 surrendered to police during a gun amnesty programme in Wabag on Friday.

The weapons were handed over by members of several tribal groups as part of a government initiative aimed at reducing the growing number of illegal firearms circulating in the province.

 PNG Government Buys Back M16s and AK47 in Enga Gun Amnesty

Police Minister Sir John Pundari directed officers to properly register each firearm and collect the bank account details of those who surrendered them so payments could be made directly.

He said the money would be deposited into their accounts under a development-focused programme designed to encourage communities to give up illegal guns.

“Government will deposit the money into the accounts, for sustainable development, and not (for) anything else,” Sir John said.

Among the firearms surrendered were eight M16 rifles, one Galil rifle, three pump-action shotguns, one self-loading rifle, one .22 rifle, one AK47 assault rifle, two .303 rifles and seven Manchester single-shot shotguns.

Police also received four tear gas canisters and two 8C explosives during the surrender.

The weapons were handed over by men from the Yop and Palinau tribes of Tsak Valley, the Yangukin tribe from Wapenamanda and groups from Porgera and Kompiam-Ambum.

Tribal leaders told the minister more firearms would be handed in as the amnesty programme continues across the province.

Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, who attended the event, said the province required additional support to strengthen policing and had requested three Australian police officers to assist in building local capacity.

“I need three more (police officers from Australia) to build capacity in the province,” he said.