CATHOLIC Professionals Society of Papua New Guinea has strongly condemned the barbaric killing of a young mother of 2, Lina Numbalihi, at the hands of a soldier inside the military barracks.
In a statement, President of Catholic Professionals Society of PNG, Mr Paul Harricknen condemned the killing, and called for an action.
“In the strongest terms, we condemned the barbaric killing of a young mother of 2, Lina Numbalihi at the hands of a soldier inside the military barracks,” he said.
“This is outrightly unacceptable and unethical for our women and girls anywhere at any time,” Mr Harricknen stated.
“It is a serious cause for concern by the common people. If it is not safe in the military barracks, where else can it be secure?” the president asked.
“We join the Law Society of PNG, Churches, civil society, and law-abiding citizens of this country to demand the national government to seriously take heed of the issue at the military barracks,” he called.
Mr Harricknen said the commander of PNGDF must not wait but to take immediate action to apprehend the culprit and hand him promptly to the police to be charged and dealt with accordingly.
He said the accused soldier has no respect for the life of a very close friend, a partner whom he had 2 kids with.
The president said this shows no respect for life at all, therefore he (the soldier) should be treated the same way under the law.
“It is always wrong to take other people’s lives,” Mr Harricknen expressed.
He also pointed out that there is a total breakdown in the rule of law in this country.
“If killings can happen within a discipline force barracks and by so-called disciplinary personnel, what message are we sending to the public?
“The recent case in Madang, where a senior policeman pointed a gun at a doctor and publicly declared himself a murderer.
“How can we the common folk be told to behave well in petty crimes when they are supposed to lead by example?”
He said government presence seems absent and wanting, with leadership at all levels seems helpless and do not seem to care anymore or do not seem to know what to do.
“It is not safe to live in this country anymore. How can we deny this reality? Our institutions and towns are not safe. Our communities both urban and rural are not free and safe, especially for women and children,” the president stated.
“PNG celebrates 50th Jubilee anniversary this year. Are we ready to celebrate while we still have the memories of the Black Wednesday of 10 January 2024.
“The tribal fight killings in Enga, Southern Highlands, and Hela, violence and killings in Alotau, Rabaul, Madang, East Sepik, and recent savage killings in Goilala, Port Moresby, West Coast of Wewak.”
Mr Harricknen added that due to lack of vital government service, a young female teacher in her 7th month of pregnancy from the remote Josephstal Primary School in Madang province, succumbed to death on arrival while traveling on a deteriorated 2.5km road by foot to seek medical attention.
“There is grave concern enough, for the government to deal seriously with these matters, the lack of basic service delivery, and the escalating law and order situation in the country.
“It must restore people’s confidence before we truly come together as one people to celebrate the 50th independence anniversary of PNG.”
When the holy Father, Pope Francis, visited PNG in September 2024, he prayed for PNG to end tribal fights, violence and killings and respect for human dignity and human lives.
His central message was for the love of God and for each other to replace violence, hatred, indifference and killings.
In his meeting with the civil authorities, civil society and diplomatic corps at the APEC Haus on Saturday 7th September 2024, the holy Father prayed with hope that tribal killings and violence in general will end for peace and development.
He appealed to all citizens and authorities to stop the spiral of violence and to allow for fruitful cooperation for the benefit of all, for improved infrastructure, health and education needs for the population and increase in opportunities for dignified work.
The holy Father prayed that the love of Jesus Christ, close to the heart of the church, can permeate and nourish every culture and make the kingdom of God grow in the world.
“It is now for us leaders and people to take to heart the message and make these work for us,” said Mr Harricknen.
