Hela to destroy surrendered firearms on amnesty deadline

Illegal firearms collected during Hela Province’s ongoing gun amnesty will be publicly destroyed on Christmas Day in Tari Town, Governor Philip Undialu announced on Wednesday.

The surrender campaign reached a significant milestone at Hiwanda Primary School, where members of the Hayapuga Local Level Government handed over 38 high-powered military-grade rifles, along with more than 100 homemade guns and other offensive weapons.

Governor Undialu clarified that the officially extended amnesty window will conclude on December 25.

On that day, all surrendered weapons will be cut into pieces using oxy-acetylene torches in full view of the public.

To permanently mark the occasion, the provincial government plans to construct a commemorative sculpture in the heart of Tari Town.

“This monument will serve as a lasting symbol of the decisive steps Hela is taking to eradicate gun violence,” Governor Undialu said.

“It ensures that future generations can see and appreciate the collective sacrifices made to make Hela safe again.”

With two months remaining before the amnesty expires, the Governor issued a final warning to individuals and tribes still holding illicit firearms.

He said the extension was granted specifically to give everyone sufficient time to voluntarily surrender their weapons.

“To those who continue to hold onto these weapons as if they are precious possessions: you will face severe consequences once the amnesty period ends,” Governor Undialu warned.

“You will have nowhere to hide. The very community members who have disarmed will come forward to identify you. The innocent mothers, children, and elders forced to flee their lands will point you out. The families of those you have killed will identify you, you cannot escape justice.”

The initiative is led by Governor Undialu as program chairman, with direct operational backing from police and PNGDF personnel.

Hela Provincial Police Commander Inspector Arau Mairi confirmed that joint security forces will launch a full-scale enforcement operation immediately after the amnesty deadline.

“Our formal operations begin on December 26, the day after the amnesty period closes,” Inspector Mairi said.

“The opportunity to surrender is right now. Moving forward, police will work closely with community leaders and those who have already disarmed to track down anyone still harbouring illegal weapons. You will feel the full force of the law.”