Media Statement: PNGUoT Clarifies Events Following Campus Security Commotion

The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) Management wishes to address concerns regarding security following an incident reported on the evening of Saturday, 25 July, and the early hours of Sunday, 26 July 2026.At approximately 10:27 p.m. on Saturday, University campus security received a report from the management of the University Adventist Residential College (UARC) regarding possible criminal activity in the area. In response, the Chief Security Officer immediately mobilized additional security personnel and proceeded to UARC and the Catholic Residential College to reinforce officers already deployed in those areas.

While security personnel were responding, they observed that there was a commotion outside the University's perimeter in the neighboring community. Importantly, there was no attempt to enter the University campus, breach the perimeter fence, or damage University property.

The incident, coupled with heightened concern following the security incident of 18 July 2026, understandably caused anxiety among students, particularly female residents. As information about the commotion and requests for assistance spread rapidly through messaging platforms and social media, a number of male students moved towards the female residential areas to offer support. The movement of students, together with the uncertainty surrounding the situation, contributed to confusion on campus.

While there was no confirmed security breach within the University, several female students reported observing unidentified individuals in the vicinity of the female residential areas. The University takes all reports made by students seriously and is committed to ensuring that every concern is thoroughly assessed and appropriately addressed. In response to these reports, campus Security personnel immediately conducted searches and inspections of the residential facilities and surrounding areas to verify the situation and ensure that there were no unauthorized persons within the dormitories.

We would like to confirm that following the incident on 18 July 2026, PNGUoT has been strengthening campus security measures. These measures remained in place during the latest incident and include:
- Increased security personnel around student residential areas;
- Enhanced overnight security patrols;- Strengthened perimeter monitoring;
- Closer coordination with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary; and
- Additional security presence around female residential colleges.

The University continues to work closely with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and other relevant authorities in relation to both the 18 July incident and the events reported over the weekend.

A comprehensive review of campus security arrangements is also underway to identify any gaps and implement further measures to strengthen the safety and security of students, staff and University property.

The University further urges students, staff, parents, guardians and members of the public to rely on verified information. During the incident, unverified reports and unrelated images were circulated widely on social media, including a photograph falsely claiming that a suspect connected to the University incident had been apprehended.

The University confirms that this image is not related to PNGUoT and the claim is false.We encourage everyone to exercise responsibility when sharing information, particularly during sensitive situations where misinformation can cause unnecessary fear and confusion.

The University Management wishes to assure parents, guardians, students, staff and the wider community that the safety, security and wellbeing of every member of the PNGUoT community remains our highest priority. We remain committed to working with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to further strengthen campus security and ensure a safe learning and working environment for all.

APPROVED FOR RELEASE:
Professor Ora Renagi OBE FPAS
Vice Chancellor