By GINNAH MINI
Member for Kerowagi Open, Hon. Francis Siune, has raised concern over the Defense Force recruitment scandal, stating that many candidates were genuine, mature, and had met all requirements of the recruitment process, yet became victims of a failed system.
Siune said that most of these candidates were not Port Moresby residents and had flown in from provinces at their own expense. “These people have become victims and are now stranded on the streets of Port Moresby,” Siune said.
He questioned whether these innocent candidates would be allowed to continue their training once the investigation is completed, or if the recruitment process would be reset.
In response, Prime Minister James Marape asked the Kerowagi MP to submit his questions in writing for a detailed reply at a later sitting.
Following the recruitment saga, the Papua New Guinea Defense Force suspended its 2026 program and released more than 300 recruits from Murray Barracks. The suspension came after allegations were raised regarding the first batch of 2026. On May 27, 2026, Prime Minister
Marape told Parliament that the investigation was nearing completion, examining the full scope of the scandal.
Siune said that the issue is of national interest, noting that only about 7% of recruits were implicated in the scandal, while the majority of eligible candidates have unfairly suffered as victims.