Illegal guns are not just a criminal issue, but a serious threat to national security, says retired Major-General Jerry Singirok.
Singirok, who chaired the 2005 PNG Guns Control Committee, said successive governments over the past 25 years failed to take illegal firearms seriously.
He said this neglect had allowed weapons to spread into tribal conflicts and criminal networks, making violence worse across the country. And while the Government’s new national gun amnesty and buyback programme is a positive step, long-term reforms are urgently needed to stop the spread of illegal firearms.
The amnesty will allow people to surrender illegal guns without fear of punishment.
It is part of an effort to restore law and order and reduce violence, especially tribal fighting in parts of the
country.
Singirok said that although the amnesty was important, it was only a temporary measure.
“Lasting reforms in legislation, enforcement, and oversight are necessary to ensure that firearms do not continue to endanger communities.
“The amnesty must also be part of a broader strategy that includes reviewing the Firearms Act, Police Act, Defence Act, and Criminal Code.”
Singirok added that modern technology should be used to track state weapons and ammunition, command structures should be strengthened, and harsher penalties imposed on anyone misusing firearms, including members of the security forces.
Singirok said the safety of PNG communities depended on strong enforcement, community cooperation, and long-term reforms.
He said the Government must take this opportunity to ensure that guns do not continue to threaten lives.
He also called on leaders, women, youth groups, churches, NGOs, and international partners to work with the Government to make the initiative successful.
“Only with lasting reforms, strict enforcement, and community engagement could the amnesty programme help create a safer Papua New Guinea,” he said.