The Vice President of the National Assembly of Deputies, Marcos Gonzalez, said they have recordings of telephone conversations that allegedly show directed movements of leftist groups, rightist groups, and opposition political parties who intend to stage a coup against the government of Ricardo Martinelli. He said these groups are those who were allegedly behind everything that happened during the protests on the Pan-American Highway that led to clashes between protesting indigenous Ngabe Bugle Indians and the National Police. During the press conference he pointed to members of the Panameñista political party, the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), and the Trade Union of Construction Workers and Allied (SUNTRACS). (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: Hoo boy, where to start? First of all, I would like someone to explain to me exactly how does the Vice President of the National Assembly obtain voice recordings of telephone conversations of opposition political leaders and union leaders? Anyone? Answer = He can't. It's impossible for Marcos Gonzalez to have obtained these types of recordings in a legal manner. Next issue; we already know that the government of Ricardo Martinelli is illegally using equipment to monitor cellular telephone conversations. There have been several instances when recordings have been "leaked" or released to the Internet by anonymous sources. Case in point - back in July 2010 there was this; Bombshell: PRD Coordinating Riot Actions With SUNTRACS - Caught On Tape!. In that cellular phone conversation which was taped and then released via YouTube, the president of the PRD can be heard coordinating strike actions with a member of the SUNTRACS in Bocas del Toro. Then on 25 November 2011 there was this - Telephone Of Zulay Rodriguez Wiretapped. Zulay Rodriguez was responsible for forcing the resignation of one of Martinelli's Supreme Court appointments. So anyway, it's pretty clear that the government of Panama can and will record any cellular telephone conversation they want, and they are targeting their political opposition rivals and union leaders.

A Slip, Or Planned?: Some people just can't keep a secret. It's possible that the government of Ricardo Martinelli has the recordings (I'm pretty sure they exist), and they were trying to decide what to do with them. So if that's the case, then why in the name of God would Marcos Gonzalez go out and hold a press conference to brag about them? There's only two options. If he just went off on his own without the expressed authorization and consent of Ricardo Martinelli - then he's an idiot. But, I don't think that's the case. I think Gonzalez was selected as the person to release this information to the public, on purpose. I think Martinelli spent the last couple of days trying to decide how to proceed. And here's the dilemma. You're supposed to get a warrant and approval from the court first - before conducting the wiretaps. Maybe they were monitoring the conversations (illegally) and then guess what? They came up with some really solid evidence that, in fact, the PRD and the Panameñistas and the SUNTRACS were actually working together and coordinating their actions in order to incite the riots. So now what? I suspect they might have tried to "back date" some kind of warrant or request through the back channels in the Attorney General's office and the Supreme Court in order to "make it legal" after the fact. Now of course this is all just pure speculation on my part. Maybe they did, in fact, go forth and obtain legal wiretap warrants. Maybe that's why it took them so long to break up the protesters and to clear the road. There are all kinds of potential scenarios in this one.

So, What's Next? This might be the baiting of the hook for the PRD and the Panameñistas. If they react as expected, they will get all indignant and demand an investigation. And then Martinelli holds a national press conference in which he announces the existence of the warrants, fully explains the contents of the recordings, and calls upon the Attorney General to initiate a full investigation into all those who are responsible for inciting riots - and then he reads the names of everyone who was involved. Lit the fuse, take cover, cover your ears, and gleefully wait for the "boom!" There are only so many ways this can work out in Martinelli's favor in the end - most of the other scenarios are composite negatives for him. But if they actually did pull off this "surprise, gotcha" scenario that I describe (once again, pure speculation on my part) then that would work. Anyway, it's going to get interesting in the next few days.

Things Were Too Quiet: Did you notice that all of the news today, prior to this, was traffic accidents, fires, cops getting hurt, and thefts? During the day I was thinking "it's too quiet" on the political front. I thought that one of two things might be going on. Either there was a group huddle and a negotiation process, to decide how to proceed from here. Or, more likely, all three teams were taking a day off to coordinate, sharpen their swords, consolidate their weapons, and decide how to attack or defend. Obviously, the latter was going on. Hey, the political circles in Panama don't stay quiet for long. I knew it would end sooner or later, but I wasn't expecting this announcement of a "coup."

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received just now via email: "(subject: fire next to corredor sur - just past costa del este towards the city) hi don. my daughter took this picture about an hour ago - not sure what is going on, but maybe you do? keep up the EXCELLENT work! stephanie."

Update: Via the Southern Corridor Twitter account: "The fire is in the access area at the start of the over water section of the road towards Paitilla. The fire department is on the scene."

Editor's Comment: Sort of looks like a trash fire that someone lit down under the bridge by the high water line. Also, we're now well into the dry season, so the grass fires should be starting any time now. Anyway, thanks for the info and photo. If I see or hear anything else I'll put it up.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

Colon - The theft of two cannons from the protected area of ​​San Lorenzo, one from the colonial era and one from World War II, has alerted the authorities in Colon, who conducted several searches on Friday in the businesses that recycle metal. The district mayor of Colon, Damaso Garcia, released the information in the media. Garcia said investigations are being carried out in the different metal recycling businesses in Sabanitas, where some people said they saw a truck transporting the cannons. "We went to Fort San Lorenzo to verify the disappearance of the guns and they were indeed stolen, now our sources tell us they have seen the truck in Sabanitas" he explained. The mayor added that the operations will continue until the whereabouts of the truck and the cannons are found. (Prensa)   

Police Lieutenant Eliecer Abrego was killed early today in San Jose, San Francisco in Veraguas, when he tried to thwart a robbery. The police officer was shot several times when he tried to defend some people who were being attacked by criminals. After the attack the offenders tried to escape but to no avail, minutes later they were arrested. (Dia a Dia)

   

He was hit by a bus, but saved by a hair. Domingo Olivares, 69 years of age, extended his life almost by a miracle, because on Wednesday night he was hit by a Metrobus. The accident occurred at 9:00 pm yesterday in the village of 24 de Diciembre, on the main road in the area known as Las Paredes. According to witnesses who saw the incident, Olivares, bypassing any security measures, rushed recklessly into the street, where he was surprised by the bus that hit him where he stood. Olivares's body struck the left side of the windshield and then lay on the pavement and under the bus. Fortunately for him, the wheel of the vehicle only rolled over part of his right arm. The victim was taken to the emergency room at the Teaching Hospital in 24 de Diciembre, where he is recovering. According to preliminary reports, Olivares was drunk. (Mi Diario)   

A police officer received multiple stab wounds after he intervened to prevent some criminals from robbing a group of Mormon missionaries. This incident was reported in the area of ​​Felipillo, in the Eastern part of the province of Panama, in the evening yesterday. The policeman was taken to the hospital in 24 de Diciembre, and is in serious condition. (Critica)   

Yesterday funeral services were held for Mauricio Iván Méndez, 16, who died in a confusing incident during a protest on 6 February 2012, in Las Lomas, David, province of Chiriqui. The sad farewell ceremony was held at the Breath of Life Temple, Assemblies of God. The body was taken to the municipal cemetery where they buried him, but not before the family once again demanded justice and an investigation into his death. (Siglo)

   

An armed group of suspected drug traffickers opened fire on a patrol of the State Border Service near Chucurtí, El Empalme, in the Guna Yala region, with no reported injuries among the Panamanians. Commissioner Frank Abrego, director of SENAFRONT, said the attack occurred when the units of the National Border Service were escorting 13 employees of the Tommy Guardia Institute (Mapping), who were in the area to verify the boundary pillars. Abrego said the SENAFRONT officers decided to ensure the safety of Tommy Guardia employees, and the returned to Puerto Obaldia. (TVN)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received this afternoon via email: "Hi Don. We left Panama yesterday (Thursday) and came back Thursday night. Paso Canoas was so busy with buses at 7:45 a.m. we turned around and went to Rio Sereno. No problems, through in less than 1/2 hr. We spent the day in Costa Rica and were back at Paso Canoas at 7:45 p.m. It was smooth, a short line at Immigration and the usual paperwork process for our vehicle at Customs. Everybody seemed relaxed and in a good mood. We were through in 1 hr. 5 min., almost a record for us. It looks like business as usual. Tom."

Editor's Comment: Glad to hear it. Thanks for the update.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.    

An additional cost of $200 million dollars (per year) would be created in additional electricity rates if the hydro electric projects that already exist right now inside of the Ngabe Buglé region, surrounding areas, and indigenous populations were suspended, warned the Secretary of Energy. Fernando Diaz, the representative of this entity, is participating in the discussions that are being held in the Commerce Commission of the National Assembly of Deputies, with government officials and the Bugle Ngabe leaders, and he said the resources have to be used where they are. He argued that this type of energy (hydro) is less polluting than energy produced by burning fuel. There are currently fifteen hydroelectric projects either in the planning phase or under construction; two within the Ngabe Buglé region, three in neighboring areas, and 12 in places where indigenous peoples live. According to the Ministry of Energy if these projects were suspended a person who currently pays a monthly electricity bill of $80 would see that increase to $104 dollars. (Telemetro)   

Today, Friday 10 February, there was an accident between a bus from the Parador - Felipillo route and a dump truck that injured at least 20 people. Of those, 17 are in stable condition and three are in critical condition, according to the Unified Emergency Management (ADD 911) system. The collision occurred near the La Doña commercial center, in front of Cohez, in the area of 24 de Diciembre. According to reports from the National Police, a bus driver remained trapped inside the "red devil", but minutes later firefighters rescued him. They also ask for drivers who are traveling through this area to give way to ambulances and rescue teams. The police units suggest taking alternate routes and drive safely. (Panama America)

   

The cancellation of all existing concessions granted to domestic or foreign companies for the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources within the Ngäbe Bugle region, and the repeal of Law 41 of 1975, which created the Mining Development Corporation (Codemin) for the exploitation of a copper mine at Cerro Colorado, were the first points of consensus agreed to last night by the special subcommittee formed by indigenous leaders, government officials and members of the Trade Commission of the National Assembly on the second day of formal discussions. The session of this subcommittee began yesterday at 11:20 am, at it took three hours for the participants to reach a consensus on the mechanism that will be used to discuss Article 5, which was excluded from Bill 415, due to constant requests for breaks. Meanwhile, on the grounds of Legislative Palace a large group of Indians awaited the results of the meeting and conducted a vigil in support of their leaders. At about 7:00 pm last night the subcommittee agreed to declare a recess until today at 9:00 am. They pledged to start with the presentation of technical teams that will discuss hydropower, one of the contentious issues. (Prensa)   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Many of the English speaking expatriates in Panama live in the areas near the Pacific beaches, in places like Coronado, Vista Mar, Playa Blanca, and Altos de Maria. Jamuna Burry is the owner and editor of the www.playacommunity.com website. She mostly focuses on news and events directly related to the community of expats living in these areas. And, she organizes "Playacommunity Mixer" events about once a month or so. I ran into Jamuna on Saturday, 17 December 2011, at the inauguration of the new Nitro City Action Sports Resort in Chame, and she asked me if I would attend an upcoming mixer. Yesterday she issued the following release;

• Boy O Boy! Do I have some exciting news about February's Playacommunity Mixer. Don Winner, the man behind Panama-Guide.Com has already RSVP-ed! If you are anything like me, you would probably love to corner this guy and ask him a million questions. Well, you are going to get the chance to do so. Don will be at the Microphone at 11 a.m to give us a few antidotes and answer questions from the floor. Don Winner has been running Panama-Guide.Com since August 2004. He has been instrumental in the capture of 4 killers who were hiding in Panama, the most famous of which is Wild Bill. Don is becoming a common presence on Panama TV, and has also been interviewed by ABC, NBC and CBS. He is a man with an opinion, and knows a heck of a lot about Panama.

• Playacommunity Mixer is on Wednesday, February 22, at 11am at Paraiso Restaurant and Bar in Las Uvas. Rose will be putting on her famous $10 buffet. Buffet and drink tickets will go on sale at 12 p.m. To get there take the InterAmerican highway, turn up the road to El Valle. Paraiso is 3 kilometers up, on the left hand side. As always we will have prizes to give away, and fun ways to win.

• Remember to RSVP for this event, so Rose has a heads up of how many people to prepare for.

Looking Forward To It: Beyond Jamuna's kind words, I've met a lot of people who live in the beach areas, and they are all very nice. I try to get up that way when I can, but it's different for someone like me who just stops in for a couple of days, and for residents who are there day-in and day-out. I also like to keep track of what's going on in the different communities when possible - like - I understand they are finally going to shut down the dump on the road to Playa Blanca? Anyway, I'm looking forward to it.

Google Earth Placemark: I've uploaded a Google Earth Placemark for the Paraiso Restaurant and Bar. If you click on that link a placemark file (which has a .kmz file extension) will automatically be downloaded to your computer. If you have the Google Earth software loaded on your system, when you open that file the Google Earth program will automatically launch, and it will "fly" you right to the location of the Paraiso Restaurant and Bar. It's that's a technological bridge too far for you, no matter, because the restaurant is really easy to find. Just turn off of the Pan-American highway on the road to El Valle. The restaurant is located a half a mile up on your left. See you there!

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received via email this morning: "Don, My cunada has a friend who works in the free zone. Yesterday when she went to lunch she was almost crushed by a semi truck. When she went to get on her bicycle after getting her food, a truck struck and crushed her bicycle, while she trying to get on it to go back to work no less. She fortunately kept her wits enough to roll out of the path of the tires, but ended up underneath the vehicle. She saved herself by grabbing on to some chains under the trailer and held herself up. The driver didn't realize he had hit someone and continued on. He only stopped after enough people started screaming to get his attention. The real bite in the ass in this happened when the police showed up. They gave HER a ticket for operating a bicycle without a license. I remember seeing it listed as one you could get when I went to get my drivers license. At the time I thought it was some dumb thing to have as needing a license. I guess that it is one of those things that is your "bonus" prize when the cops want to write you up but don't have a clue as to what to charge you with. Still, it seems pretty low to give someone who just narrowly escaped death a ticket for something this trivial."

Editor's Comment: Amazing. Nothing surprises me here anymore.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - There was a fire early this evening in an old wooden building on 6th Street in Pueblo Nuevo. The building was completely consumed by flames, and power is out in the area.

Copyright 2011 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

A Venezuelan citizen was arrested while trying to deposit $2,000 on behalf of a company in a bank in the Colon Free Zone. Authorities are investigating to see if there are more people involved in the illegal transaction. (TVN)   

Minister of Health, Franklin Vergara, confirmed at midday on Thursday, that the former strongman of Panama Manuel Antonio Noriega will be released today from the Santo Tomas hospital.

However, Julio Berrios, one of his lawyers, asked for Noriega to be transferred to a private hospital to be kept under observation because he can suffer reactions to his condition, and that he not be sent directly back to the El Renacer prison. Berrios asked why the anti-Casto activist Posada Carriles was allowed to go to a private hospital, but his client no. Someone will pay Carriles' bills, and someone will pay Noriega's, he said.

According to police reports, the former dictator was admitted to hospital with "hypertension with the possibility of a stroke." (Estrella)

   

Ruben Romero, who until recently he served as the Director of the Institute for Training and Human Resources Development (IFARHU) in the province of Herrera, died in a traffic accident in the city of Chitre. Romero, who drove a taxi, died in the collision he had with a sedan just after midnight, near the traffic light of the Vía Circunvalación and the Avenida Carmelo Spadafora in the city of Chitré. In the accident the passenger was also injured, as well as the two young people who were driving the other sedan, was attended by traffic authorities and the Public Ministry. The former director of IFARHU was also a volunteer of the National Civil Protection and the Panamanian Red Cross. (Panama America)   

On arrival at the National Assembly, Government Minister, Jorge Ricardo Fabrega said it sees as viable the proposal submitted last night by the indigenous leader Asencio Palacio, who requested that the issues of mining and hydro electric project to be discussed separately. Palacio's proposal was presented at the Commission of Trade and Economic Affairs of the National Assembly. According to Fabrega, that would be the best way to advance the discussion of Bill 415, which creates a special regime for the exploration and exploitation of mining and water resources within the region Ngäbe-Bugle.

CONTENT - The Indian leader's proposal also includes the creation of an intergovernmental commission, where these issues will be discussed. However, Palacio said the implementation or otherwise of this proposal will depend on the agreements arrived upon this Thursday. Today there are plans to establish the methodology that will be used during the dialog to be conducted with the indigenous representatives. Inside the Blue Hall of the Assembly are the ministers Ricardo Quijano (Trade and Industry) and Jorge Ricardo Fabrega (Government).

Before the meeting in the Assembly, the Indians stayed together outside in the Park of the Legislature to establish the proposal they would submit. (Prensa)   

An inmate of the La Joya prison was killed last night by another inmate when a fight broke out. The incident occurred at about 10.00 pm the man died of stab wounds inflicted by another inmate in Pavilion 3. After the attack the victim was sent to the hospital but he died on the way. (Dia a Dia)

   

The protests staged by the indigenous population against mining and hydroelectric projects in the Ngäbe Bugle region left a toll of two people killed in the area of the riots, dozens of detainees, several wounded and missing, and also left severe loss of millions of dollars in government offices located in San Felix, David and Volcan. The first authority in the province, Aixa Santamaria, said those who committed these acts not only hurts the government, if that was their intention, but also the residents of Chiriqui themselves have been affected. Damage: The police station in Volcan was attacked, where protesters burned everything inside, as well as two motorcycles. They are attacked the Infoplaza, DIJ, Agricultural Development Bank, and Community Board and Justice of the Peace office in Volcan. They also burned a vehicle of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and other belongings. In San Felix, the protesters set fire to the police substation in the process police uniforms, equipment and even the air conditioners were removed and destroyed. The same thing happened in the village of Las Lomas, in the district of David, where the control booth was vandalized and all of the windows broken. There was also serious damage to roads, where the protesters lit tires, leaving holes. Amid all the gloomy outlook, there are already people who have gotten organized and supportive, who have made funds available to the police, so that arrangements are made. (Mi Diario)

   

Five women, including a 15 year old, were arrested Tuesday afternoon by police officers after an investigation, for their alleged links to a car theft ring operating in Panama City. The women arrested, ages 35, 26, 21, 18, and 15, came after minutes before they were surprised while trying to steal a luxury car in the area of Plaza Albrook, in the village Ancon.

Police Chase: It was about 1:00 pm when the suspects were traveling in a gray Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, with license plate number 727321, and they parked next to the luxury car. One of the suspects broke the window of the car to enter, but they did not know a police patrol was in the area. They immediately took off and accelerated, and a police chase ensued.

The suspects spent approximately an hour trying to escape, passing cars and evading roadblocks that had been established by the police on the major roadways. They were eventually arrested near a fast food restaurant located on Ave. José Agustín Arango. Five police patrol cars and four "Lynx" motorcycle units were used in the chase, in order to locate the car being used by the suspects, because the driver was very capable at working the steering wheel, said the head of the Canal Zone, Deputy Commissioner Gabriel Moreno.

Three of the detainees are from Patio Pinel, El Chorrillo; and two are from Santa Ana. (Critica)   

The relatives of Ivan Mauricio Mendez, 16, who died in a confusing incident at a protest in Las Lomas de David, demanded justice and a proper investigation to clarify the young man's death. Relatives say he was shot and killed by a policeman, in the demonstrations in Las Lomas. But police allege he was killed when a homemade bomb exploded in his face. (Siglo)

Editor's Comment: I hope there is a complete, open, and honest investigation into this young man's death. Right now there are conflicting reports. I saw the bloody photos of this young man, after he was injured but before he died. Basically, the whole bottom half of his face had been blown off. I know what a 12 gauge shotgun can do a point blank range - and to cause that kind of damage it would take several, multiple blasts. If he was in fact killed by gunfire then there will be ample forensic evidence to prove that's what happened. Likewise, if a homemade bomb exploded in his face, then there will also be ample forensic evidence available to prove that version of events. In any case, the autopsy should be conducted in a matter that is open, transparent, and independently verifiable, with the participation of non-political outside observers, so that the results are absolutely beyond reproach.   

Osvaldo Oscar Villa, 54, became the fourth traffic accident victim on Thursday in the province of Herrera, after being hit by a cement mixer truck in the district of Parita. The accident occurred at the intersection of Paris, near the work camp of the Benito Roggio company that is building the road from Divisa to Chitre, where Villa worked as a welder. The victim's residence in El Roble, District of Aguadulce, Cocle Province - he got off a bus and was hit by the concrete mixer when he tried to cross the road. The company Benito Roggio in a statement regretted the accident and announced that during this day work was suspended in mourning and respect for the victim. (TVN)

   

The Commerce Commission of the National Assembly resumed on Thursday, the session to discuss the Bill 415 which establishes a special regime for the protection of mineral, water, and environmental resources in the Ngäbe Bugle region. Deputy Raul Hernandez, chairman of the committee, explained the methodology of the debate is yet to be defined, either by date or to go directly to the discussion of Article 5, which keeps the indigenous population at odds. Hernandez believes it is a good time to move forward with the discussion, above all to lower the level of shocks. (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: Hmmm. It's going to be interesting to see how this turns out. Some very rich and powerful friends of president Ricardo Martinelli are behind at least one of these hydroelectric projects currently being built inside of the Ngäbe Bugle region. If Article 5 is included as written, then those concessions would have to be cancelled immediately and work on the project stopped. I expect there will be some sort of an attempt to "grandfather in" those projects that have already been granted concessions, and I doubt the Ngäbe Bugle people will accept that proposal. Let's see how this works out in the coming days. As far as the Indians are concerned, they are wondering "what's the hold up" and they want Article 5 included in Bill 415, whole and complete, as written, with no modifications.    

The former general Manuel Antonio Noriega, who is being held in the Santo Tomas hospital in Panama City, could be discharged on Thursday February 9. The former strongman of Panama underwent an electroencephalogram, an ultrasound to check for blood clots or other problems with blood flow, and should also be reviewed by a cardiologist, authorities said. Depending on the diagnosis, "he will possibly be released this Thursday," said a statement from the Ministry of Health. Noriega, who turns 78 on Saturday, was admitted to the Santo Tomas hospital on Sunday, where he was taken from this cell in the El Renacer prison. According to police reports, the former dictator was admitted to the hospital with "hypertension with the possibility of a stroke." On Monday the Minister of Health, Franklin Vergara said Noriega was "conscious and well oriented" and that he "might" be suffering from "temporary vascular disease." (Estrella)

   

The General Chief of the Ngäbe-Bugle region, Silvia Carrera, during her speech before the full body of the National Assembly, after the creation of the Negotiating Committee of Bill 415, said how president Ricardo Martinelli had disrespected her. "(The president) disrespected me by saying 'I went to the region and now it's up to you to come here, and here I have helicopter ready and here we will prepare good food and good drink' that's disrespectful to me," stressed the cacica Carrera. Referring to the three people who were killed in the clashes last week in San Felix, Carrera wanted to know when their bodies would be delivered, and said the Government takes responsibility for the expenses of the families affected. Meanwhile, tempers were running high outside the legislative chamber where the Indians who were watching what was happening inside the National Assembly, demanding the cessation of breaks and the prompt enactment of a law. The Negotiating Committee is comprised of nine Deputies who are on the Commerce Committee of the National Assembly, representatives of the Indian Coordinating group, and four members of the executive branch, led by Government Minister Ricardo Jorge Fabrega and the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ricardo Quijano. (Panama America)

   

The Administrator of the Public Services Authority (ASEP), Zelmar Rodriguez followed the orders of the National Security Council of the Ministry of the Presidency in restricting cellular telephone communications in the towns of Horconcitos (Chiriquí) y Viguí (Veraguas) signaling between the towns of Horconcitos in the province of Chiriquí and Vigui in the province of Veraguas on 3 February 2012. In those areas the protesting indigenous Ngäbe Bugle Indians blocked highways to protest the development of mining and hydroelectric projects in their region. The Administrator of the ASEP received a note on February 3 from the Executive Secretary of the Security Council what called for the measure of "national security." The ASEP executed the order through Resolution 5109-Telco, which ordered the four cellular telephone companies in the country (Cable & Wireless, Movistar, Claro and Digicel) "restrict, immediately, the cellular signals" in the conflict area. In the same resolution, to which La Prensa had access, the ASEP warned the companies that "we could verify the conditions of restricted cellular signals."

Last Sunday Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino said he had taken this measure because the communication towers of the telephone operators could be sabotaged. But he also acknowledged that the measure served to undermine the "political coordination and political manipulation of the opposition groups."

New Demands - Meanwhile, on a criminal complaint was filed against the president, Ricardo Martinelli, for the alleged commission of acts in violation of fundamental rights, and a request for constitutional guarantee protection was filed against Mulino and Rodriguez by the President of the Popular Party, Milton Henriquez, who also filed a complaint of unconstitutionality yesterday against the ASEP resolution. Henriquez claims the order violated the right to freedom of expression and information. He also says the the restriction of fundamental freedoms should decided in the Cabinet Council and that, therefore, neither the ASEP nor the Executive Secretary of the National Security Council of the Presidency of the Republic would have the power to do so.

Consulted by this newspaper (La Prensa), Henriquez said the concern "is not only what happened but what might happen in the future. Tomorrow, in another situation like this, the ASEP could order the TV channels not to broadcast news ... It is an ominous precedent."

Moreover, the lawyer Florencio Barba Hart filed before the Attorney General a complaint against Mulino and "those found responsible for the alleged offense against the freedom of communication" over the cutting of the cell phone signals. (Prensa)   

After two years of dormancy, the monthly tournaments of the Panama Senior Amateur Golf Association (Asociación de Golfistas Senior Aficionados de Panamá) are being revived. The first tournament of the 2012 season will be held on Tuesday, February 14, at Tucan Golf & Country Club. Please confirm your attendance by responding to this e-mail at panamaseniorgolf@yahoo.com, or by calling Michelle Dominguez at 6673-3172 or 300-2010. We would appreciate your confirmation by no later than Friday, February 10, in order to make the appropriate arrangements for the tournament. Please also forward this message to any golfers that you think might be interested in participating or joining our organization. More details on future plans will be discussed at a meeting after the tournament. We look forward to seeing you next week!!! Kevin Tynes, Executive Director, Panama Senior Amateur Golf Association. Kevin Bradley, President, Panama Senior Amateur Golf Association. Roberto Vallarino, President, Panama Golf Association