Government strengthens security as vandalism threats grow

 
2,221Views 1Comments Posted 28/03/2020

The government called  in units of a National Naval Air Service (Senan) and the National Border Service (Seafront)early on Saturday, March 28  after reports of vandalism in El Chorillo and other parts of the Panama capital.

The objective, according to the Ministry of Public Security, is to guarantee public order and avoid breaking the rules decreed by the Government to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus that has already left 14 dead.

Messages have been spread threatening looting and public disorder. On the night of last Friday, March 27, vandalism attempts were recorded in El Chorrillo. Authorities do not rule out that community leaders are inciting riots. In videos released through social networks, citizens of El Chorrillo were observed burning tires.

. Some have questioned the total quarantine was decreed without the government guaranteeing access to food for people with limited resources. However, on Friday night distribution of bags of food that are part of the Panama Solidarity program began.

Public Security Minister Juan Pino reported that 18,000 men who make up the Panamanian security forces are across the country guaranteeing order in the streets and  to ensure that the provisions of the health authorities to contain the pandemic are followed