Tonga

Viliami Kupu and Amoni Fifita aged in their 20s are considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached, police say.

Kaniva news reports they escaped from the Central Police Custody at around 5:30am on Tuesday.

With no fresh leads, police have made a new appeal to the public for any sightings of the duo.

The fugitives were last seen at approximately 3:00pm Monday at Kolovai, where they robbed a shop owner at gun-point, Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai said.

'Epeli Taione is a director of Tavake Tamafua which has submitted a proposal for a $US400 million tourism development that would include an airport hotel, shopping mall, luxury villas and a casino.

But the government has stated that gambling in Tonga is illegal.

Mr Taione said Tavake Tamafua and its foreign backers, Red Warrior Entertainment, were looking for a compromise to get the development up and running.

On January 31, a plume was seen emanating from a "submarine volcano" by University of Auckland geographers.

It is situated about 46km northwest of Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa.

Satellite images taken from the Tongan area proved the underwater eruption is underway - and still going.

RNZ reports Viliami Kupu and Amoni Fifita are aged in their twenties and are described as armed and dangerous.

The police said the two men escaped from the central police station in Nuku'alofa at about 5.30am on Tuesday.

They said the pair is then alleged to have robbed a shop owner at gun point in Kolovai at 3pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Deputy Commissioner Pelenatita Fe'ao Vaisuai appealed to the public for sightings of the men but warned they should not be approached.

"The two escaped prisoners are armed and dangerous. Do not approach them," he said.

Cook Islands champions Puaikura thrashed Veitongo FC from Tonga 4-0 on Saturday while Lupe edged American Samoa's Utelei Youth 4-3 in their opening encounter.

Puaikura coach Matt Calcott said his side was a bit rusty first up but should be better for the game.

"We're hoping to see an improvement in combinations, possession and probably a little bit more pressure. Our pressure lines need to be improved and we'll make sure they are given the work we've done in training this morning," he told OFC.

He said the whole squad knows how much is riding on today's game.

Radio Tonga reports the 60 year old father suffered wound to his head, neck and legs in the attack.

Superintendent of the Nuku’alofa Police Station, Tevita Vailea said, the incident happened at their home on Saturday morning.

Another son was injured in the attack.

Vailea said the 26 year old man has a history with the Psychology Department in Vaiola.

His is currently in police custody and is expected to appear in Court later this week.

Puaikura take on Lupe Ole Soaga in a top of the table clash before Veitongo FC and Utulei Youth battle for their first points at Loto-Tonga Soka Centre in Nuku’alofa.

Puaikura FC dominated hosts Veitongo FC 4-0 in the first day of action on 28 January and coach Matthew Calcott is confident they will continue that momentum in their match against Lupe Ole Soaga.

“A win always gives you a little bit of confidence and it’s been good to have these extra days to knit everything together. We just had a good session and I’m looking forward to tomorrow,” he said.

Last week, a native American company, Red Warrior Entertainment, claimed that it had reached an agreement to build a gaming resort in Tonga.

But the government came out to deny this, reaffirming that gambling is illegal in Tonga.

The chief executive of the Ministry of Revenue, 'Anisi Bloomfield, said he suspects the announcement was made to try and garner overseas financial support.

He said the government has responded by setting up a committee that all prospective investors and developers must now go through.

He made the statement during Thursday’s program to mark World Customs Day with the theme “Data Analysis for effective border management. “

DPM Sovalevi says we are living in a rapid moving world and globalization and movement of people is a challenge for small island states like Tonga where illegal activities are on the rise.

Radio Tonga reports this is due to lack of capabilities and funding for expertise and sufficient resources.

Lupe Ole Soaga, qualifiers in 2015, are hoping to repeat history with coach Paul Ualesi still at the helm. The Ualesi-led side enjoyed success not only in the 2015 qualifier but also the main competition, however two years on they will still be preparing for competitive opening match against Utulei Youth FC.

“We’ve really prepared hard for all of the opponents because we don’t want to underestimate any team,” Ualesi said.

“It’s the first game and we know it will be a big challenge for the team,” he added.