PORT MORESBY, 14 AUGUST 2026 (THE NATIONAL)—Papua New Guinea Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) officers will continue to investigate corruption allegations against public servants, politicians and others despite threats and intimidation against them, says acting commissioner Don Sawong. “Icac will treat any threats, harassment and intimidation to its officials with utmost seriousness,” he said. “I want to emphasise that anybody who does anything harmful to investigating officers will be arrested, charged and prosecuted so that it serves as a deterrent to other members of the public.” Sawong, a retired judge, issued the warning after Icac prosecutors and investigators were attacked in Minj, Jiwaka, last month while dealing with the case of the provincial finance manager. “Anyone from the public who threatens, intimidates or obstructs the work of Icac officials during their investigation duties will be arrested and charged,” he said. Sawong said the threats and intimidation would not stop Icac officers from investigating, arresting and charging public servants, politicians and others on allegations of misconduct and misappropriation of public funds. He said the attack on the Icac officials happened after the bail hearing of provincial financial manager Siwi Taka and provincial finance officer and examiner Kelly Kumasan in a District Court in Minj. “Icac officers were confronted by an associate of Siwi and Kumasan who allegedly drove his vehicle aggressively towards them in an apparent attempt at intimidation, before verbally threatening the officers and demanding them to leave the province and cease their investigative activities,” Sawong said. “Police officers on duty at the scene responded promptly and intervened.” He said the man was charged with obstruction and threatening Icac officers from performing their duties. In a related case, Securities Commission of Papua New Guinea (SCPNG) legal officer Tony Kawas was charged by Icac officers for allegedly obstructing them from performing their duties on June 30. “He was charged under Section 158 of the Organic Law on Icac,” Sawong said. “The matter is scheduled for trial in the Waigani District Court from 05-07 October.” The Icac officers were trying to execute a search warrant inside the premises of the SCPNG. Sawong advised lawyers to understand the roles and functions of Icac, and to assist where needed. He said the search warrant was part of Icac’s ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of public funds at the SCPNG. Sawong warned lawyers that Icac would not be deterred by such resistance, whether from public officials, institutions, or legal practitioners acting on behalf of clients. “Obstructing a commissioned officer in the course of a lawful investigation is a serious offence, and Icac will pursue all legal avenues to ensure that they carry out their statutory functions without interference,” he said. Meanwhile, New Ireland acting administrator Richard Andia was charged by Icac on Tuesday in Kavieng over the alleged misappropriation of K85,000 of public funds. Sawong said Andia was charged with one count each of abuse of office, misappropriation of public funds, and false pretence. It was alleged that he facilitated and received a payment of K85,000(US$19,127) to himself for purportedly hiring out his vehicle to the provincial administration. He appeared in a Committal Court in Kavieng . He was released on a bail of K9,000(US$2,025)….PACNEWS