Peaceful Christmas in Western Highlands

Tuesday, 30 December 2025, 7:20 pm

Police Show of Strength around Mt Hagen City for the Christmas/New Year (2025-2026) Operations (NBC News)

Western Highlands Province recorded a peaceful and calm Christmas celebration this year, with no major incidents reported during the festive period.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom has commended his men and women for their dedication and hard work in maintaining law and order, especially during the busy Christmas period.

Chief Superintendent Sagom said the peaceful outcome was the result of effective planning and the successful implementation of the Christmas/New Year Police Operations across the province.

He added that the calm Christmas was also largely attributed to the liquor restrictions imposed in the province, which was different from previous Christmas and New Year celebrations where alcohol-related disturbances were common.

" Western Highlands has experienced a very quiet Christmas due to the fact that we have the liquor restrictions in place so that actually helps my policemen, Commanders here and troops we haven't encountered like what we used to encounter before," Sagom stressed.

PPC Sagom (middle seated) poses for a group photo with his Divisional Commanders, showing coordination and oneness, thus the outcome of a quiet and peaceful Christmas celebration in Western Highlands (NBC News)

Chief Superintendent Sagom thanked the public for their cooperation and support and encouraged continued partnership between the police and the community to maintain peace and security as the province moves into the New Year.

" I wish to appeal to our people in Western Highlands to continue to maintain that same level of order that we have seen in Christmas into the New Year. Don't try to cause problem. Don't drink and drive as well. Try to stay at home during the New Year period as well to avoid problems."