"Cell Phone Service Will Remain Off Until Further Notice" - Mulino
Public Security Minister, Jose Raul Mulino, said via cell phone, that cell phone communications will not be reestablished in the area of San Felix where there have been clashes between the National Police and indigenous groups for security reasons. Mulino said information was obtained that the phone towers could have been sabotaged, which is why they decided to suspend the service. He said they will not allow any means of communication to be used by the protesters to "enlarge the situation", and said he has discussed the situation with the cell phone companies. Mulino said SUNTRACS members led by union leader Jaime Caballero vandalized the National Bank and the police substation in San Felix, and that for security reasons cellular telephone service will not be restored until further notice. He added that everything has a political tinge due to the actions of vandalism that are currently taking place. (Telemetro)
Editor's Comment: Mulino lied about the "sabotage" of the cell phone towers. The government of Panama ordered the cell phone service in the area to be turned off, in order to deny the protesters the ability to communicate and coordinate their actions. Now he says cell phone communications will not be restored until further order. I don't have a problem with the decision to turn off the cell phone service. I do have a problem with the lies. If he's going to lie about something like this, then when will he be telling the truth. In my opinion it is a tremendous mistake to lie to the press and public. Period. Everyone knows he's lying, and his credibility as one of the highest ranking members of Martinelli's government is damaged. It's unfortunate.
