Starting Monday a Curfew in Bocas Announced by President Mulino

President José Raúl Mulino announced that next week a curfew will be implemented in Bocas del Toro, given the situation of criminal actions in the province, a measure that has been adopted by the Government in Colón and in the district of San Miguelito.  “We’re seeing a worrying increase in crime in Bocas del Toro.” Although proximity to the border with Costa Rica could be the influence, this is just speculation,” Mulino said, emphasizing the need for a detailed evaluation.  Mulino also noted that, although he does not yet have a report on the effectiveness of the curfew in San Miguelito and Colón, if significant improvements are not observed in collaboration and in the results of current strategies against organized crime, more drastic measures will be taken.

The President also stressed that there are no conclusive results of the curfew measures in San Miguelito and Colón yet, but warned that if no progress is seen, actions against crime will be intensified.  “I’m giving this measure a first shot.  If there are no positive results, I will turn up the volume and stronger actions will come,” he asserted.  A report released by Mulino highlights a worrying presence of Panama gangs working for the Gulf Cartel and the Aragua Train, intensifying criminal activity, including murders and drug trafficking. The mandate has requested the Minister of Security for a detailed report on the impact of the curfew, to be delivered to him on Monday.  “The situation is critical. We need to accurately assess current results before considering further actions. “I hope things will improve, but until I have the final report, I can’t confirm whether we are moving forward or not,” Mulino concluded. “I hope they understand that what we want here is to clean up all those cities that don’t allow us to live comfortably and feel safe.”  For now, it is a curfew in Bocas!