Domestic Terrorism Act enforced in Madang as police crack down on Bunu unrest

Police in Madang have classified the ongoing roadblock and unrest along a section of the North Coast Road as an act of domestic terrorism, warning that offenders face severe penalties under the new Domestic Terrorism Act.

Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, has issued a public statement confirming the incident, which involved the deliberate cutting of coconut trees to block the road between Matugar and Wara Market; endangering public safety and disrupting essential services.

Commuters on both sides of the road remained stranded overnight until clearance efforts started this morning.

The unrest was sparked off by the death of man whom police said was involved in a series of serious crimes, including robbery and murder. He was shot during a police pursuit and died later.

Following his funeral yesterday, frustrated villagers blocked off the highway and attacked policemen who were attending to the situation late yesterday afternoon.

Baim said the whole Bunu village mobilised at the beating of a garamut by their leaders and attacked the policemen with home-made guns, wire catapults, stick, stones, iron and any other offensive weapons they could lay their hands on.

Policemen withdrew at nightfall and were stationed overnight at the Talidig Police Station until dawn today when they regrouped and cleared off the roadblock.

“This reckless and criminal conduct will not be tolerated. No group or individual is above the law,” Baim said.

PPC Baim explained that the Domestic Terrorism Act, recently passed by the National Parliament, empowers security forces to respond to organized acts of violence, intimidation, or disruption of services with full legal backing.

These offences include blocking roads, damaging infrastructures, threatening civilians, and obstructing access to services.

Police have also revealed that penalties for domestic terrorism include 15 years to life imprisonment, asset forfeiture, and no bail for serious offences.

Acting Superintendent Baim said organizers and financiers of such acts can be prosecuted even if they were not physically present at the scene.

“This incident is not an isolated case. We are seeing similar behaviours across communities in Papua New Guinea. It must stop,” said Baim.

He is also urging local leaders and residents to assist police in identifying those responsible.

Police personnel are on the ground at Talidig Police Station, continuing to assess the situation.

Madang police are appealing for public cooperation and urging communities to reject violence and uphold the rule of law.

“Together, we must stand for justice, peace, and law and order. Let us restore calm and build a safer Madang for all,” Baim said.