19/08/2026
MEDIA RELEASE
RESPONSE TO FALSE AND MISLEADING ALLEGATIONS AGAINST WESTERN HIGHLANDS PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATOR MR. JOSEPH MANGBIL
Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province | 19 August 2026
Recent allegations circulated on social media concerning Western Highlands Provincial Administrator Mr. Joseph Mangbil and his private business interests have been rejected as false, misleading and unsupported by evidence.
For the purpose of providing clarity and ensuring the public is properly informed, the following facts are placed on record.
BUSINESS INTERESTS PRE-DATE APPOINTMENT AS PROVINCIAL ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. Mangbil has been involved in private business activities for approximately 16 years, well before his appointment as Provincial Administrator of Western Highlands Province in November 2022.
Kuluag Hire Car Company was registered in 2010, following earlier informal business activities undertaken at the village level. In 2013, Mr. Mangbil expanded his business interests into the guest house and lodge sector through Pima Holdings.
These businesses were therefore established many years before his appointment to public office.
Mr. Mangbil has declared his interests in the two companies to the Ombudsman Commission in accordance with applicable requirements.
According to his records, no funds from the Western Highlands Provincial Government have been paid into either of these two companies.
Furthermore, Mr. Mangbil has not registered any new business since his appointment as Provincial Administrator in November 2022.
CLARIFICATION ON THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS GOVERNOR’S CUP
Claims attempting to personally link Mr. Mangbil to the ownership or operation of the Western Highlands Governor’s Cup are also misleading.
The Western Highlands Governor’s Cup is not a private company or organisation owned or operated by Mr. Mangbil.
It is a provincial sporting program initiated under the leadership of Western Highlands Governor Hon. Wai Rapa to promote rugby league, identify sporting talent and encourage participation among young people and communities throughout the province.
The Governor’s Cup has its own office bearers, management arrangements and authorised signatories responsible for the administration and financial management of the program.
It is therefore incorrect to portray Mr. Mangbil as the owner or private operator of the Governor’s Cup.
CALL FOR EVIDENCE AND RESPONSIBLE PUBLIC COMMENTARY
Individuals making allegations against public officials have the right to raise legitimate concerns. However, serious allegations should be supported by credible documentation and evidence and referred to the appropriate authorities for proper investigation.
Publishing unsubstantiated accusations on social media without supporting evidence risks misleading the public and unfairly damaging the reputation of individuals concerned.
If any person has genuine evidence of wrongdoing, that evidence should be presented to the appropriate lawful authorities so that it can be independently assessed and dealt with through the proper processes.
Mr. Mangbil maintains that the allegations currently being circulated against him are without factual foundation and rejects attempts to associate his long-standing private business interests with his responsibilities as Provincial Administrator.
Those publishing or sharing allegations are also reminded to exercise care and responsibility, as false or defamatory statements may have legal consequences under applicable laws.
The public is encouraged to rely on verified information, documentary evidence and established legal and administrative processes rather than unsupported claims circulated through social media.
Blue Thunder Media Production
