2 dead, 3 wounded over logging of endangered species

Two people have died and three are injured after a confrontation between indigenous  people and loggers of an endangered tree in Panama.

The incident took place in the community of Platanal. An inquiry  is being led by the Chepo Assistant Attorney but no arrests  have been made.

The confrontation began March 30,when a group of Indians tried to burn the machinery used to cut cocobolo timber an endangered species, causing an exchange of fire with the loggers.

The incident killed a Wounan Indian Aquilino Opua and logger Batista Ezekiel. Three others were wounded.

Javier Tejeira, Deputy Minister of Government, told Channel 2 that the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) has suspended logging permits for two weeksto avoid conflicts, and  has evicted all persons engaged in business timber.

But  apparently  the loggers hid some of the machinery and timber felling on Platanal continued, causing Friday’s confrontation.

Tejeira added that the Police made a raid yesterday in place to evict those who were still with logging.

Maria Batista, sister of Ezekiel, said that the Indians attacked her brother, who was unarmed.

Alina Itucama Wounaan Congress spokeswoman, referred the dispute to the director of Anam, Lucia Chandeck.

Anam’s watershed director, Gerardo Gonzalez, said that state officials could only go to Platanal accompanied by the PN. (National Police).

On Tuesday, April 3, Anam ordered the suspension of transport "throughout the national territory" of wood logs, sawn or semi-cut , from 6:00 pm to 8: 00 am on April 9 .

The move was dictated by the Attorney General Resolution 0119 of April 2, requesting the cooperation of the authorities and police checkpoints in the security forces "to retain and apply Anam orders to anyone caught transporting forest products during the prohibition period. "The measure, was signed by, Lucia Chandeck.

Cocobolo is one of the most expensive woods around and is twice the weight of cherry and so dense that it sinks rather than floats.  The wood is used for gunstocks and knife handles (as the natural oils in the wood serve as a barrier to water absorption) and for decorative items like chess sets. It is so hard that it easily and quickly dulls cutting tools.