Papua New Guinea: Police belatedly confirm arrests in murder of Philippine national in Port Moresby as of March 9

Event

Authorities belatedly reported that they had arrested four suspects in the kidnapping and murder of a Philippine national. Police say that the man left home in Moresby North-East with a friend around 16:30 March 5. Family members reported the man missing March 6, and officers were able to find the victim's body and abandoned vehicle in the Gereka Hills area of Moresby South later that day. Officials have not publicized any motive for the incident.

Context

Available details of the incident suggest the attackers may have targeted the victim, as police believe his friend was involved in his kidnapping. However, the kidnappers did not demand a ransom before killing the victim, and it is also possible that the murder resulted from a robbery attempt. The threat of crime is high across Papua New Guinea, and criminals can target foreign nationals. Reported attacks often affect residents of East Asian descent, perhaps due to perceived relative wealth.