Transparency International PNG says reports nine Defence Department civilian staff have been sacked should be of concern to everyone in Papua New Guinea.
The organisation's chairman Lawrence Stephens says the workers reportedly spoke out about issues of maladministration, mismanagement and misappropriation within the department.
He says whistleblowing plays a crucial role in saving resources and even lives, and the workers should not be punished.
The sackings come at the same time as Prime Minister Peter O'Neill has suspended two cabinet ministers who are accused of fraud over a land deal for a new military base near Port Moresby.
Mr Stephens says the ministers' suspensions show corruption may have occurred otherwise the brave workers would not have come forward.
"We feel those people should be honoured, not made to suffer for it," said Mr Stephens. "As for what is going on in the Defence Department we are now being told there will be an inquiry. We look forward to hearing the results of that inquiry"
