65 illegal guns surrendered in Hela

More than 60 illegal firearms were surrendered by residents of the Tagali local level government [LLG] in Tari-Pori District, Hela Province, on Saturday as the provincial gun amnesty continues.

The arsenal, comprising 35 factory-made firearms and 30 homemade guns, alongside a hand grenade and bows and arrows, was handed over at the Halongali ECPNG Mission Station.

Hela Provincial Police Commander [PPC], Inspector Arau Mairi, commended local leaders, youths, and factions across Tagali LLG for voluntarily relinquishing their weapons to foster peace.

Tagali is the second LLG in Hela to participate in the amnesty program, following a similar surrender by Tebi LLG on Thursday.

"All gun owners and holders are encouraged to come forward and hand over factory-made firearms, homemade guns, ammunition, hand grenades, and other offensive weapons," PPC Mairi said.

He assured gun holders that those surrendering weapons would not face arrest, personal searches, or community cordons on event days, adding that numbered receipts would be issued upon handover.

PPC Mairi said weapons could also be submitted through church or community leaders on behalf of individuals under the same immunity terms.

Acknowledging Hela Governor Philip Undialu for initiating the amnesty program, PPC Mairi warned that targeted law enforcement operations will commence once the immunity period ends on December 25.

"Hand your gun in. Protect your people. Choose Peace," he said.