Security Ministry cancels  $7.1 million virus “law and order” purchase

After an outcry sparked by a question from a journalist at the   Wed. March 25 Health  Ministry coronavirus press conference the   Ministry of Public Security rushed to cancel the exceptional  $7. 1 million purchase of ammunition million, considered as part of the State’s expenses to face the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

Resolution No. 12 of March 25, signed by Elizabeth Araúz, administrative director of the ministry, and published last in the Panama Compra, orders the cancellation of the acquisition of ammunition of different calibers, capsules and tear gas grenades, irritant gas and pepper ball shells.

On  Wednesday, the Minister of Public Security, Juan Pino, justified the acquisition of ammunition. “The Panamanian State has to prepare for public order and take all measures of law and order,” replied Pino.

“We have to be prepared for contingencies that occur in the country,” he said.