PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Jeffrey P. Bomanak, an OPM TPNPB leader who identifies himself as the holder of the mandate under the July 1, 1971 Constitution, has issued a public statement demanding accountability and what he described as “authentic evidence” from the TPNPB National Commission (Komnas TPNPB), particularly its spokesperson Sebby Sambom, regarding the reported shooting of three civilians in Yahukimo.
The statement, received by the media via WhatsApp on July 23, 2026, questions the justification behind claims that the victims were Indonesian informants.
According to Bomanak, the killing of unarmed civilians who are not involved in armed conflict is contrary to the laws of God, Papuan customary law, the July 1, 1971 Constitution, and international humanitarian law.
He argued that if there were suspicions that the victims were acting as informants, they should have been arrested and interrogated to obtain information rather than being killed.
Bomanak further emphasized that the Papuan struggle should continue to uphold the principles of truth, customary law, and respect for the Papuan people. He therefore called on the TPNPB National Commission to present evidence supporting its allegation that Ade Kogoya and his wife, Wendagwe, were Indonesian spies.
In his statement, Bomanak said that, to the best of his knowledge, Ade Kogoya and Wendagwe were themselves fighters for the Papuan cause. He stressed that any action carried out in the name of the Papuan struggle must be accountable to the Papuan people.
The statement concludes by asserting that God, truth, customary law, and time will ultimately bear witness to every action taken in the course of the struggle.
The statement was issued from the OPM TPNPB Victoria Headquarters on July 23, 2026, and was signed by Jeffrey P. Bomanak in his capacity as Chairman of OPM TPNPB. (**)
