Security concerns as January homicides reach 65

Murders, in Panama, – mostly gang-related –  soared to 65 in the first month of 2020 up by 22  from the same month last year, which closed with 43.

The slaughter included a National Police officer gunned down outside of his home in Chepo, east of Panama City and a family of three, including a three-month-old baby killed in Arriajan.  apparent revenge killings  for  the December gang massacres in La Joyita prison

The capital city, with 28 killings between the districts of Panama, San Miguelito, and Chepo topped the deadly list followed by  Panama West with 12 murders; Colon with 9  Bocas del Toro 7; Chiriquí with 6; Veraguas 2 and Cocle 1.

Criminal lawyer, Carlos de Icaza find the figures are alarming and believe the security uncertainty of the current government is remarkable.

The government and especially the Minister of Security, Rolando Mirones do not have a north to solve crime and a security plan  needs implementing as soon as possible, because February is approaching, with sensitive dates, such as carnivals, where gang warfare could spread, due to lack of security.