Defence Minister denies PNGDF recruitment interference after viral video

The Ministry of Defence has come under immense scrutiny for alleged influence over the PNGDF's 2026 recruitment process.

The allegations stem from a video circulating on social media about a recruit claiming he entered the recruitment through assistance by Minister Dr Billy Joseph.

Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph has denied this claims.

The controversy surrounding PNGDF's 2026 recruitment and the alleged involvement of the Defence Minister, Dr Billy Joseph, has taken another sour turn for the minister, with a viral video leaked on social media on Tuesday.

The Video shows an overage recruit mentioning the Defence Minister's involvement during an internal screening process.

Responding to this newsroom on the serious allegation, Dr Billy Joseph denied his involvement, described the videos as a politicisation of internal defence matters, and condemned them.

He says recruits should not be subjected to torture and forced to lie and admit by guided interrogation techniques while it is recorded and leaked to main stream media.

Dr Billy says no minister or civilian is involved in the recruitment or training of recruits, and matters of PNGDF are handled by the Commander alone, including recruitment and discipline of unprofessional and illegal actions.

While PNGDF is conducting its internal investigation into this matter, the opposition has described the Minister's alleged involvement as a breach of the leadership code under Section 25 subsection [1].

This section states that a leader must not use their office for personal benefit or gain, or for the benefit of a relative or associate.

The opposition has revealed its intention to call on the Prime Minister to sack the Minister for defense.