Ombudsman Calls for Calm and an End to Violence in Bocas del Toro Strike

Two months after the start of the crisis of protests and strikes, and after the implementation of “Operation Omega” in Bocas del Toro, the Ombudsman, Eduardo Leblanc, provided a report on the situation in the province.  Leblanc referred to the death of a person in Rambala and warned about the escalation of violence, clearly differentiating between the peaceful demonstrations and what he now describes as a conflict in the banana-growing region.  The Ombudsman expressed his regret over the death and explained that his institution has activated an investigation protocol, similar to those used in 2022 and 2023, to verify the medical report, establish communication with the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences of Panama and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and determine whether the projectile or weapon used was a regulation weapon. 

“For now, it’s too early to say whether it was the National Police or other people,” Leblanc said, although the Police and the Ministry of Public Security confirmed the discovery of the person with a back wound amid the protests.  He announced that they are investigating another case of a young man who died from a wound to his forehead.  Leblanc emphasized that 90% of the nationwide protests, especially those of teachers in Veraguas, San Félix, and Los Santos, are peaceful and enjoy constitutional protection. However, the situation in Bocas del Toro has transcended this framework, he noted.  “When you start using Molotov cocktails, any sharp weapon, even arrows or axes, or threats to shoot a president of the Republic or that you want to seize power, it’s no longer a peaceful demonstration,” Leblanc explained.  He added that, at this point, in Bocas del Toro, the role of the Ombudsman’s Office is no longer dialogue, but rather to reduce the current level of violence so that there can be respect, a lower intensity of violence, and a sense of belonging as a society.

Arrests, Injuries and Extortion

During the three days of “Operation Omega,” Leblanc reported that more than 40 people have been detained, of whom the Ombudsman’s Office has been able to speak with 16 due to the blockades. In addition, six people have been reported injured at the Raúl Dávila Mena Regional Hospital in Changuinola.  An alarming fact revealed by Leblanc is that his undercover personnel have been subjected to extortion in order to gain access to the blocked areas.  “We’ve told you since June 14th, and I reiterate it today, we’re dealing with two different issues. In that region, we can’t talk about protests or demonstrations,” he asserted, noting that actions such as causing harm with this type of action, knocking down poles and communication lines, are now transforming a peaceful demonstration into something else.

Questioning Indigenous Leaders and Local Authorities

Leblanc called on the chief and the president of the Indigenous Congress, as well as the Vice Ministry of Indigenous Affairs, to take an active role rather than a “cosmetic” one.  “They haven’t come out today to speak, except on social media and in press releases. They have to make a call. They are the ones who have to call for dialogue, they are the ones who have to call for peace, to lay down their weapons, to lay down their violence,” he stated. He acknowledged that both sides must lay down their force and recognize that we are in a state of law and that both must yield and talk.  I point out that the lack of governance and opportunities in the region contribute to the complexity of the problem.  Regarding the arrest of union leader Francisco Smith, general secretary of the Banana Industry and Related Companies Workers’ Union, Leblanc reported that the Ombudsman’s Office is monitoring the case, considering him a human rights defender.

Mediation in conflict between the Comptroller’s Office and the University of Panama

On another matter, Leblanc confirmed that he has accepted the request for mediation from the rector of the University of Panama, Eduardo Flores, in the conflict with the Comptroller General of the Republic over the non-endorsement of contracts.  He noted that they are awaiting approval from the comptroller, Anel Flores, to begin a dialogue seeking a solution to this situation affecting the educational institution.

Operation Omega Leaves 48 people Arrested; One Death and Protesters Resorting to the use of Nails and Fireworks

During Operation Omega in the Bocas del Toro province, security forces cleared roads of road spikes intended to obstruct vehicle traffic.  According to National Police reports, a small group was captured launching fireworks at National Aeronaval Service aircraft and drones conducting aerial surveillance.  Some 1,300 police officers are participating in Operation Omega, which has been working since last Saturday to restore free traffic in the area. According to security figures, 48 ​​people were arrested during the operations, 34 of whom were prosecuted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) and 14 were brought before justices of the peace.   A judge ordered the provisional detention of Francisco Smith, leader of the Banana, Agricultural and Related Business Workers’ Union (Sitraibana).

Francisco Smith Pictured Below is Behind Bars: He was Ordered to be Held in Provisional Detention

Francisco Smith and Gilberto Guerra below have been transferred to La Joya prison.

Panama Minister Ábrego Disassociates Himself from the Death in Bocas del Toro:

After a death at a protest in Bocas del Toro, Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego stated Wednesday that law enforcement does not use lethal weapons in protest control operations.  The Public Ministry is investigating the case. This case of the young man who died in Rambala, Chiriquí Grande, Bocas del Toro, is now in the hands of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.