14 dead, 11 injured in La Joyita prison  gun battle

A gun battle between rival gangs in  La Joyita prison in Pacora east of Panama City on Tuesday, December 17 left at least 14 dead and 11 injured, two of them critically. Video pictures of the carnage circulated in social media.

The gangs involved were “Baghdad” and “The Moon”.

Police reported that they were able to enter the prison after the exchange of shots between inmates in halls 13 and 14.

They recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 3 9mm guns, a 380 pistol, and a 38-caliber revolver

Four 911 ambulances arrived to evacuate the injured to the Irma de Lourdes Tzanetatos hospital centers in Tocumen and Santo Tomás hospital. .

Meanwhile,  President  Laurentino Cortizo, said that the presence of weapons at the La Joyita prison reveals that there is some kind of cooperation from the custodians, and he warned he will not allow this situation to be repeated.

“This is an issue that we have to stop, a few weeks ago a requisition was made and weapons were found and now, again. The weapons do not fall from the sky, we will investigate and make decisions, ‘said the president.