Following Protests in Chitré, Young People from the Tocumen Shelter are Being Relocated to Coclé

Chitré, Herrera: The young people and adults with disabilities from the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) of Tocumen, who were temporarily located in the María Auxiliadora Home [Chitré, Herrera], have reportedly been transferred to the province of Coclé, specifically to the district of Antón, according to unofficial information.  The group had arrived in Chitré on the Tuesday of Carnival, following a notification from the Attorney General’s Office and implemented by the Ministry of Social Development. The decision generated immediate reactions from civil society and civic clubs in the district of Chitré, who held vigils and peaceful demonstrations on the grounds of the home. 

The María Auxiliadora Home has historically served as a residence for girls from low-income families and vulnerable backgrounds who attend school in the provincial capital of Herrera. Upon the arrival of the group from Tocumen, the girls were temporarily transferred to a shelter run by IFARHU (the Institute for Training and Development of Human Resources), a situation that heightened community concerns. Members of civil society confirmed that the building was vacated and expressed their satisfaction with what they consider an achievement of the community organization. 

“It was vacated and we want to thank the entire Azuero community for the support given during these days,” said one of the spokespeople for the civic movement.  Representatives from civic clubs are expected to visit the María Auxiliadora Home in the coming hours to assess its conditions and coordinate with the Ministry of Social Development authorities the necessary actions for the eventual return of the girls.  So far, the authorities have not issued an official statement detailing the transfer to Coclé or the final destination of the young people from the Tocumen CAI.