Six men were arrested and arrested and two 9mm handguns were seized as the result of a high speed car chase that began in Punta Chame and ended at a police checkpoint in Capira, during which criminals and officers of the national police exchanged gunfire. The popular Reggae performer Rubén Woogbine, better known as "Ramiro Blaster" was involved in this incident. Alvin Reyes, the police commissioner responsible for the Western part of the province of Panama, said this incident happened at about 1:30 am. Police learned there were about four 4x4 Pathfinders in the area of Punta Chame, and when the police went to the area the occupants of the vehicles immediately opened fire, and tried to flee. This triggered a high speed chase from Punta Chame until the bus stop near "Queso Chela" in Capira.

Among those arrested are: Rolando Abdiel Arrocha, Gustavo Bárcenas, Rubén Tejeira (who was hurt in the side), José De La Cruz, Edgar Tejada and Rubén Woogbine. All those arrested and the cars they used were taken to the police headquarters in Ancon, where they will be tested using the Ionscan equipment to determine if there are traces of drugs. It is assumed these men were engaged in criminal activity, but this is still under investigation. (Dia a Dia)   

Evangelical Pastor Herminio Rivera was assassinated this afternoon by four gunshots just outside of the El Renacer prison, where he was visiting detainees. After the murder, the National Police launched several search operations in Chorrillo, in Corozal, and near the Summit National Park. So far there are a number of individuals who have been arrested and according to reports firearms have been located in the area of Corozal. Rivera was a well-known pastor who lived on Calle 21 and who participated in activities in Chorrillo against crime. Relatives and friends of Pastor Rivera are dismayed - they gathered just outside of the Emergency Room of the Santo Tomas hospital, where the Pastor died. (TVN Noticias)   

Two government officials who work for the Judiciary were arrested for attempting to bring a 9 mm pistol and 32 rounds of ammunition into the La Joya prison, according information provided in a news conference. Eduardo Serracín, the Deputy Director of the National Police, the two people who were arrested are "notifiers" who were carrying the gun in an envelop that was discovered when they were searched. Since it is normal for people working in this position to visit the prison and to have direct contact with the inmates, it is possible they might have done the same thing at an earlier time. In the same prison, yesterday, two other people were arrested for trying to introduce drugs into the prison - two bags each with a half kilo of marijuana - as well as cell phones and USB cables, inside of a truck that was supposed to be carrying merchandise to be sold at the kiosk. (La Crticia)   

A chase scene fit for an action movie took place during the early morning hours through various parts of Panama City. At about 1:00 am, a subject who was driving a Red Honda with license plate number 155 919 refused to stop at a checkpoint manned by the Tourist Police at 17th Street in Santa Ana, which prompted a police chase down Ave. B towards the 5th of May Plaza. At that point, a police officer fired a warning shot, but the fugitive still did not stop and continued to flee, towards Ave. Justo Arosemena. The action continued and when they passed the Adán Gordón municipal swimming pool he was being chased by about nine police cars. On Calle 45 in Bella Vista the driver tried to evade the police by parking his car outside of a gas station. However what he did not know is that the police were monitoring his movements on the surveillance cameras deployed throughout the city and they saw his arrival to the area, resulting in his capture. (El Siglo)   

Next week the Government of Panama will reactivate the "Guns for Food and Medicine" program, a source revealed. Police estimate there are approximately 130,000 illegal weapons circulating in the country. The intent of this program is to take some of those weapons off of the streets. According to the source, when the program is reactivated the government will not only be handing out coupons valid for food, but also for medicines. The "Guns for Food" program led by Ms. Mayín Correa, who in the past was a Mayor of Panama City, has the same objective of countering crime and to minimize the flow of illegal weapons. The project will have the same mechanisms - that is to say the identity of the person turning over the weapon will be protected. (La Critica)    

The Panamanian journalist Carlos Núñez, who was released from prison yesterday after having spent 18 days in jail, warned today in an interview given to the Channel 2 TVN morning news cast that 51 of his colleagues are in the same condition as him and they could end up being arrested as well. Núñez was arrested when a police patrol checked his identification using the "Pele Police" handheld electronic device, and found he had an outstanding arrest warrant due to a 2008 conviction for libel. His lawyer had appealed the ruling, but the case was stuck at an impasse. According to existing Panamanian law the conviction and sentence should have been prescribed. After the law was amended, the crime of libel and slander is not paid in jail time but with a fine. The journalist said his case had remained at an impasse because they would not give his lawyer the case file, arguing that the lawyer had not gone to follow the case. Núñez was sued for libel and slander, because he denounced in a report the contamination of the Brague river, which has its headwaters in Volcan Baru. He explained there is a person who owns property near the river and who has a power plant, and the residents of the surrounding area denounced him, and he wrote the report. The person sued and he appealed.

Núñez said if it were not for the "Pele Police" he would never have been made aware that he had a pending conviction against him. However, the reporter suggested that it should be clarified that people who are being arrested due to information contained in the "Pele Police" system should not be detained on weekends. Everyone should have the right to determine the status of any pending cases, and on the weekends everything is closed. He thanked TVN as well as the other news outlets for helping to publicize his case. Nunez said that from now on he would carry the document granting him his freedom on his person, just in case, and he said he would pay the $68 dollar fine. The one year sentence against him was commuted from imprisonment to a fine and reduced to 34 days. (TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: First of all, what about the facts of the original case, and the original conviction? Did Núñez report the truth and facts? Was the content of his story true and accurate? If so, then he never should have been convicted in the first place. Secondly, if the government of Panama can make this data available to the handheld "Pele Police" system, is there a website somewhere on the Internet where people can go to check their own status to see if there are any cases pending against them? I mean, you would not want to just stop a cop on the street and say "hey bud, do me a favor, check to see if I'm wanted..." If the answer is Yes, then you go to jail on the spot. However, if Núñez had known about the pending case against him, then he could have had it taken care of and this entire situation could have been avoided. I might be wrong, but I don't think there is currently a "one stop shopping" site for the Panamanian justice system where citizens can check their status. There should be. And, Núñez is absolutely right about the weekend thing. It the cops really want to screw with you they will "detain" you at 5:00 pm on a Friday evening, meaning you will sit there all weekend until the lights are turned on at 8:00 am on Monday morning. Now, about the idea that there are pending cases and convictions against 51 other Panamanian journalists - where did that information come from, and how accurate is it?    

Panama's Deputy Attorney General performed a raid yesterday at the residence of businessman and leader of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), Hugo Torrijos Richa. According to the Assistant Prosecutor, Angel Calderón, the action was based on alleged crimes "against decency and sexual freedom." During the raid evidence was seized from the house, such as Torrijos' computer, who in previous administrations was Executive Director of the National Maritime Authority. The Assistant Attorney General said in a brief declaration to the Panama America that the raid deals with a "very sensitive issue" and that it is something "very serious." The raid was conducted by prosecutor Micalis Rodriguez. We (Panama America) tried to obtain a statement from Hugo Torrijos, but one of his sons said at the moment there would be no comment. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: WTF? " Alleged crimes against decency and sexual freedom." "Very sensitive" and "very serious" - and they confiscated a computer? It looks like its full court press time. I wonder what they have on him...   

One person was killed and two others were wounded in what appears was an assault on a tourist boat at sea near Bajo Pipón, about 15 to 20 minutes from the Port of Pedregal, in the province of Chiriquí. Demetrio Abrego, TVN correspondent in Chiriqui, reported that the incident occurred at about 3:00 am this morning, Wednesday, 30 June 2010, in a boat named the "Altares." In the assault, a Danish citizen was killed and one American and one Panamanian were beaten. Authorities are investigating the incident. (TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: First report, this is all I know. It anyone has any additional details please call me at 6614-0451 or send email to don@panama-guide.com. Thanks.   

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Panamanian National Police arrested 70 year old Panamanian journalist Carlos Núñez at an internet cafe near his home in Panama City on Saturday morning, 26 June 2010. As part of a random screening of patrons in the Internet cafe, the police officers asked everyone for their identification as they searched for people who are in the country illegally. Internet cafes of this type are often used by foreigners as a relatively inexpensive way to communicate with friends and family back home, and therefore they provide a ripe hunting grounds for the police. When the police officers ran Carlos Núñez's identification (cedula) number through their database using the "Pele Police" handheld communications device, it told them he was wanted by the Judicial System. It turns out he had been convicted in a criminal trial by the Fourteenth Criminal Court for Libel, the result of an story he wrote in 1998 for a tabloid called La Crónica (which no longer exists) accusing a businessman from Bocas del Toro of having caused some kind of environmental damage. The arrest was a complete surprise for Carlos Núñez because he was tried and convicted in absentia - neither he nor his lawyer was ever notified of the proceedings, the hearing, or the sentence. Núñez has been held in the police station in El Chorrillo since Saturday morning, and today he was to be taken to appear before the judge who convicted him (for the first time.) The Colegio Nacional de Periodistas de Panamá (CONAPE) (National Association of Journalists of Panama) has issued a statement condemning the arrest and calling for the immediate release of Carlos Núñez.

Auto Pilot: I have no idea what the facts are regarding the conviction of Carlos Núñez by the Fourteenth Criminal Court and the case from 1998 and Bocas del Toro. The conviction was handed down in September 2009 and since Carlos Núñez was not in custody his name and identification (cedula) number appeared in the "Pele Police" system. The police officers simply did their jobs and arrested him. It seems to me Carlos Núñez's lawyers should now appeal the conviction and he should immediately be released, pending the appeal. I suspect that is exactly what the judge will decide in the hearing this afternoon. However, this arrest is an example of how the government is working to improve the security of the country - on auto pilot. Forget for a moment that this case deals with a 70 year old journalist, a story he wrote twelve years ago, and his conviction in absentia. The "system" found this guy like a needle in a haystack and hauled him in. Want more "security?" This is what you get. The system doesn't care what he was convicted for, the facts of the case, how old the guy is, the fact that he's a journalist, or what have you. It only cares that the system says "arrest that dude" so that's exactly what the police officers did in this case. When it's all said and done, I doubt this conviction will stand, and I expect that Carlos Núñez will be released. Let's see how it plays out over time. (And as a footnote, I'm certain Ricardo Martinelli has no clue about any of this ... it's 100% judicial system stuff.)

Copyright 2010 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.   

Panama's First Anti Drug Prosecutor filed charges of terrorism and conspiracy to commit a crime against eight Panamanians who allegedly collaborated with narco-terrorists who were arrested on Friday. Prosecutor Javier Caraballo questioned six of them for for three hours, who denied involvement with this group. The other two refused to testify. One claimed ill health and the other invoking Article 22 of the Constitution. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: Terrorism charges? That's new. Latin American leaders have often called the FARC "narco terrorists" but this is the first time I can remember anyone being charged as a terrorist. I imagine this comes in response to statements made by Ricardo Martinelli over the weekend that previous administrations had negotiated with the FARC, and in response to the two border police officers who were wounded when a land mine exploded at a camp they were investigating in the Darien late last week.   

Seven people were detained after they were linked to a to a network dedicated to forging passes for access to the Colon Free Zone. Maurice Nelson, the Chief of the Police in the Colon Area and a Sub Commissioner, said five men and two women were arrested, who worked in the administrative section of the Free Zone as well as in the Criminal Investigation Section of the Public Ministry. Nelson added that the arrests were accomplished through an undercover operation, through which they were able to identify who made the contacts and who supplied the forged passes. (La Estrella)   

Two Israeli bodyguards who have been contracted to protect the President of the Republic, Ricardo Martinelli, were attacked on Sunday, at 12:00 noon. The foreigners apparently lodged a complaint with the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ), in San Francisco, where they explained that several armed men robbed them of $200 dollars in cash, a watch, and their identification cards from the Institutional Protection Service ( SPI). The report includes the details that as the president's bodyguards were walking near the Guadalupe Church in San Francisco, to their residence, there were surprised by the individuals who were dressed in black and hooded. The DIJ has already started their investigations, although a police source said critical information was omitted from the complaint. He said the Institutional Protection Service also began their investigation after a sergeant from the entity went to the DIJ yesterday to ask about the alleged theft.

The Panama America communicated with the Secretary of State Communications, Alfredo Prieto, to learn more about the case but he declined to give details. The group of Israelis is in Panama for four and a half months, guarding the President and providing instruction to the SPI. The Israelis, who work for the security agency MLM Protection, were first seen during the session of the Cabinet Council in the province of Cocle, where the security to protect Martinelli was increased. The group was hired after a complaint was made in mid-January on an attempt to kidnap Martinelli. In previous statements, Prieto said the specialists are instructing the SPI agents in the latest tactics and strategies for the custody and protection of presidents. (Panama America)   

When it comes to committing a crime the criminals use their imagination. That is how the authorities are explaining the theft that occurred early yesterday morning in the "Mr. Price" supermarket located in Santa Librada, San Miguelito. These very clever crooks, whose number is not yet specified, stayed behind and hid in the grocery store when customers and employees left for the night. With tools in hand, they first tried to open the ATM machine from the Banco General that is installed in the store. When that didn't work, they then tried to break into the store's safe, which they also could not crack. They had better luck with the safe installed in the pharmacy and managed to steal about $1,500 dollars. Alarm activated - The extraordinary thing is that while the robbery was taking place the security alarm went off three times. The police rushed to the scene but they found everything in order and left. Finally, the robbers fled by opening a hole through the back of the store, which operates in a building with multiple businesses. Yesterday forensics investigators arrived on the scene to gather evidence leading to the identification of the robbers, who left the tools they used behind. (Mi Diario)   

Today begins the trial for the murder of Anayansi Vergara, a woman who disappeared on 5 September 2008 and whose body was later discovered in El Espavé in Chame. Anayansi Vergara was pregnant at the time of her murder. Today, the main suspect, her husband, Rigoberto Olave is facing justice. The case was in the hands of the Third Superior Prosecutor, but despite the elements in the case that apparently link him to the murder, defense lawyers for Rigoberto Olave say the investigation was flawed and that the wrong person has been in prison for these past 21 months. Olave's family hopes that the truth will come out in the trial. It will fall to the jury to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. (TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: This is typical for a murder trial in Panama. The accused remains in prison for as much as two years, waiting for a trial. How long does it take in the US or Canada? And this was just one murder. In 2010 there might be as many as 1,000 or more. How long will it take for those cases to go to trial (if they ever catch the killers.) I'm covering this because Panama's justice system is broken, overwhelmed, inefficient, ineffective, and practically useless, for all intents and purposes. In effect, there is no "justice" in Panama.   

Thieves stole about $53,000 dollars from a businessman from French Guiana, 34 year old Sahadeo Roopnarine, as he was going to the Colon Free Trade Zone. Roopnarine was stopped by three men who threatened him with a firearm, just as he was heading to the passes section of the Free Trade Zone, according to a preliminary police report. He was riding in a van type passenger taxi which was intercepted by a Honda 4 x 4, which was carrying the three thieves who stole his money. The victim went to the regional office of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ) in Colon to file a complaint after the robbery. The National Police maintains an operation in Colon to search for the offenders. (La Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Many people come to the Colon Free Trade Zone and make their transactions in cash. There was a rash of these kinds of robberies a couple of years ago, but lately they have kind of died down somewhat. This is the first one I can remember in a few months at least. Panama should establish a payment system that allows newly arriving businessmen who are going to make purchases in the Free Trade Zone to deposit their money 24/7 in an account at the Tocumen International Airport when they arrive, and then use those funds for their purchases in Colon. I mean, this is such a simple solution that there has to be a reason why they don't do it... What am I missing?   

The "Estética de Caché" beauty parlor in Pedregal was shut down for the second time by authorities for illegal prostitution. The owner and five women women who were engaging in prostitution were arrested, according to the Mayor's office of Panama City. A month ago the supposed beauty salon was closed for the same offense, however, people ignored the authorities. It was concluded that within the site, which is located close to the Pio Pio restaurant in El Parador, there were three small rooms with a bed, a fan, and even bathrooms. At the entrance to the premises a waste basket was found containing used condoms. The Justice of the Peace coordinator Luis Morales said that today, Monday, the owner of the beauty parlor has been cited by the Municipality to make a statement. In addition, authorities arrested three minors who were drinking liquor in public, and another minor who was working at a local bar. (El Siglo)

Editor's Comment: No references made to immigration. These are the kinds of gigs the local Panamanian prostitutes can get - hummers for taxi drivers at $10 bucks a pop.   

Many Panamanians have expressed their support and agreement with an operation being conducted by the National Police in the Gran Estación de San Miguelito (bus station) to screen people with the "pele police." Those consulted by TVN said that in this way the police can capture those who are wanted by the justice system. These comments in favor and support of the operation came from people, even though they were made to stand in long lines waiting to be checked before they could board buses on internal routes or the buses serving the Gran Estación. During this operation the police captured seven people who have cases pending with the judicial system, as well as undocumented foreigners. (TVN Noticias)

Editor's Comment: "Show me your papers." You don't like it? So what. The Panamanians don't care. In fact, they think it's a great idea. For years the public has been screaming at the top of their lungs at successive governments, starting with Mireya Moscoso and then Martin Torrijos, asking them to crack down on criminals and to get tough with law enforcement. The murder rate, mostly associated with drug trafficking, has skyrocketed in the past three years and in response the administration of Ricardo Martinelli is clamping down. There is always a balancing act between personal freedoms and law enforcement and in this case the public is perfectly willing to submit themselves to a simple screening in hopes that their participation will contribute in some way to increased safety and security, and the greater good. We as foreigners and observers are compelled to go along with the flow and "when in Rome" do whatever is required. And as I have said a million times - these kinds of efforts are directed against the really bad guys. If you're not breaking the law, what are you worried about?   

During the early morning hours this morning, Monday, two men broke into the Banco General in El Ingenio, by cutting a hole in the roof, but they activated the bank's silent alarm system, alerting the National Police who responded immediately and surrounded the bank. Upon entering the building the police realized the criminals had escaped, leaving behind their tools, among them a ladder, rope, chisel, hammer, electric saw, and a drill. Administrative personnel from the bank arrived, and the National Police reported that the subjects were unable to take any money from the bank. The managed to escape through the same hole they used to enter the bank. (La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: The bad guys often monitor police radio frequencies. Maybe they became aware that the police were responding and they managed to get away before they were arrested red handed.   

Two Colombian citizens were arrested last night with two cloned credit cards, one was a Master Card and the other an American Express. Authorities were alerted when the two subjects tried to buy articles worth more than $1,600 from a store on Via Balboa, and the bank confirmed the card they were trying to use had been cloned. The Colombians were identified by authorities as Adriana Correa Saavedra, 25 years old, and Pedro Vargas Perdomo 39 years of age. The police, together with judicial officials, searched the hotel room where the two were staying to retrieve other articles that had been purchased with the cloned cards. (Panama America)   

Three Venezuelans were surprised when they were caught trying to use a bogus credit card to make a purchase in a store on Via Transístmica. Upon being discovered they tried to flee, and their actions caused the activation of a security network. National Police officers caught up with them and arrested the criminals in San Miguelito, but they still did not give up and they tried to bribe the officers to avoid being arrested. The Venezuelans were carrying several credit cards, which are presumed to be cloned, in addition to $ 400 in cash. (Telemetro)   

After the theft of weapons from the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ), the institution is preparing to establish security measures in the department and to establish controls for the selection of staff. That is to say, the Director of the DIJ, Javier Carrillo, acknowledged that criminals were able to corrupt members of the institution. Thus far three people have been arrested, an official in the department that handles weapons permits who who convinced the other two DIJ employees to take the stolen weapons out of the armory. The investigation is already in the hands of the Deputy Attorney General, and it is possible there will be more arrests in the coming weeks. Two of the five stolen guns were recovered in the hands of gang members, who have also been arrested. TVN News learned that the DIJ official who stole the weapons had been working in the DIJ for only eight months and that he lived in the same area where the 9 mm handguns were recovered. (TVN Noticias)   

Arquímedes González García, known as "The Angel", 58 years old and a retired lieutenant who worked as a security guard for the company Vigilancia Especial, was found dead yesterday morning on the grounds of a sand company called Alia Agregados, in Felipillo, where he was working as the night watchman. His lifeless body was found with his black rubber boots, dark coat and company uniform, laying face down in a pool of blood, about 15 meters from the company's main gate with a single gunshot in the mouth. The body was discovered at about 6:00 am this Thursday morning by his replacement who arrived to relive him, and it is presumed he was killed at around midnight or during the early morning hours on Thursday. His killers cut through the chain link fence to enter the grounds and stripped him of his wallet, cell phone, and 38-caliber revolver, and they also ransacked the corporate office and took everything of value they could find. Boot prints were found in the area. Gonzalez, who had been working as a security guard for more than six years, lived on Calle Tercera, Paso Blanco de Pacora, where he leaves five children without a father.

Family members and residents, who rushed to the scene, reported that the area is a secluded area often used as a route for drug trafficking and that the company should have had more than one security officer to guard at night because of the danger of the place. "This is a lonely road where the only thing that passes by are the trucks carrying sand from the beach and the closest thing is the Coopeg plant. They should have more than two people working here because it's a dangerous place," said the victim's brother-in-law, who asked that his name not be used. The removal of the corpse was carried out at 11:00 am, and in this case thus far there have been no arrests. The authorities are continuing investigations. (Mi Diario)

Editor's Comment: The bad guys need guns and they are willing to shoot and kill security guards in order to get them. The proposal to modify Article 329 of the Penal Code, which would increase the penalty for having an illegal or unregistered weapon without a permit or license from 2 - 4 years in prison to 4 - 6 years, is targeted at people like this. Sooner or later the police will eventually come across this .38 caliber handgun that was being carried by Gonzalez on the job, and the person who has it will go away for at least four years, just for having the weapon in his possession. If you do own a weapon in Panama for home or personal protection, you might want to keep that information very quiet. If the bad guys know you have a weapon, they just might target you in order to steal it from you. They will come armed because they know you might be armed, and they might shoot first. Notice this remote area is reportedly used by drug traffickers. And, Gonzalez was shot in the mouth. That's often a signal used by drug traffickers to say "he's dead because he talked." Five kids - what a shame.    

Everything seems to indicate the criminal gangs in Panama City are being equipped by members of the Direction of Judicial Investigation (DIJ). Yesterday, Deputy Attorney General Naphtali Jaén confirmed that last week between three to five guns were stolen from the DIJ armory. The deputy director of the DIJ, Omar Pinzon, acknowledged that eight people, including policemen and civilians who work at the DIJ, have been arrested in relation to the theft. Pinzon said if their participation in the theft is confirmed, then the full weight of the law will be applied. Deputy Attorney General Jaén said according to investigations that have been conducted thus far, one of the stolen weapons ended up in the hands of a gang member in Panama City. But guns were not the only things that was lost. According to the prosecutor they also stole drugs that were being stored at the DIJ for safekeeping, the produce of recent seizures, but he did not specify the amount taken. Those involved are being held, charged in the theft of the weapons, and he did not rule out the possibility that there might be more people involved in this case. (El Siglo)   

Thirteenth Circuit Judge Criminal Division, Luzmila Jaramillo F., opened a criminal case against Carlos Valoy Baúles, Carlos Enrique Vergara, Juan M. Fajardo Santimateo, Luis Segundo López, Noriel Stanziola Chávez, Rafael A. Lobón and Roque Luis Lobón, for the kidnapping to the detriment of businessman Cecilio Juan Padrón. The judge set the ordinary hearing for 7 October 2010 at 9:00 am and 18 November 2010 as an alternate date. The judge also dismissed a request to have the precautionary measures in place against Juan Manuel Fajardo and Noriel Stanziola lifted. (La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: Cuban American businessman Cecilio Juan Padrón was kidnapped from his home in the Costa del Este neighborhood of Panama City on 4 April 2008. Three Panamanian police officers were involved in the plot, and he was turned over to the FARC and held for ransom.   

There are about 130,000 illegal weapons in the hands of the underworld in Panama - as reported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) - yet there is no comprehensive law on the use and control of these "instruments of death." The most recent report from the UNDP for Central America (2009-2010) also indicated that the rate of homicides involving firearms in Panama is over 500 victims. Panama is preparing to participate in the biennial conference on small and light weapons at the United Nations in New York. (La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: Interesting timing. The National Assembly will pass the new law which will modify Article 329 of the Criminal Code to toughen sanctions against those with illegal firearms, just in time for this UN conference. I am all for legal gun ownership for law abiding citizens, combined with tough sanctions for criminals who have illegal weapons in their possession, or who use illegal weapons to commit crimes. I disagree with the "instruments of death" terminology used in this article. A weapon is a chunk of metal that is completely and totally harmless, unless and until it is in the hands of a person. We don't call weapons "instruments of death" when they are used by the police, right? Many people own weapons legally for home defense that are never fired, for any reason. They are only "instruments of death" when used by criminals, acts which should be severely punished.

Now, I think they just reached back and pulled this 130,000 number out of their ass, but there's no doubt that there are a lot of illegal weapons in Panama. How many? Nobody knows, because they are not registered. I also like these programs where they buy illegal weapons off the street for $100 bucks or whatever - no questions asked. Even if there are 130,000 illegal weapons out there - would it be worth $13 million dollars to get them all off the streets? Of course it would. Then, you could turn around and sell them (at a profit) to law abiding citizens. Use the profits to hire more people to speed up the process to get a license or permit. Here's another concept - make it a crime for anyone who has their weapon "stolen" who does not report it within a reasonable period of time, like 48 to 72 hours. Right now there's a business for people who get a weapon legally, sell it on the black market, and then if it ever turns up being used in a crime they just say it was stolen a long time ago. That needs to be shut down, and that's why there are so many illegal weapons out there.   

Yesterday the head of the Directorate of Judicial Investigation (DIJ), Javier Carrillo, said on the television program Trocha Abierta that in Panama there is a prison population of 11,400 inmates, that there are not enough prison cells to house them all, which greatly exacerbates the whole issue of the national prison system. Just yesterday, said Carrillo, another 111 people were arrested for various criminal acts, and that these people had to be put in an area designed for only 60 people, that in some way the human rights of these people are being violated because they are being held in inhumane conditions, and that there is a lack of infrastructure compared to the realities of crime in this country. "It's getting one job done, but this is a social problem. We have to work with our youth so that this situation does not get out of hand, not as policemen, but rather as a society, which is more important," he said. (La Estrella)

Editor's Comment: The administration of Ricardo Martinelli has plans to build new prison facilities, but these things don't just come on line overnight. Prison overcrowding in Panama is not a new issue - conditions in jails and prisons have been subhuman for many years. The administration of Martin Torrijos did absolutely nothing to fix the problem in five years, except talk about the issue. And consider this - most of the people who commit crimes in Panama don't get caught. And, most of the people who do get caught don't get punished. The "justice" system is broken in so many ways that it's ridiculous. Prisons should not be "nice" places, but at the very least there should be minimum standards of living conditions for the inmates, which in many cases are not being met in Panama.    

President Ricardo Martinelli gave the Alliance for Security a copy of a government proposal to reform anti-gang laws so the members of the Alliance can carry out a comprehensive analysis of the proposal in order to improve and enrich the initiative. The President met yesterday with the Cabinet Council and representatives of the Alliance for Security, during which he reaffirmed his commitment to take whatever steps are necessary so that they arm of justice can reach all evildoers. President Martinelli proposed the installation of a working committee where they could submit for review concrete proposals on all of these initiatives, once they are fully developed. The Alliance and the Executive agreed to hold the first meeting next Wednesday at 9:00 am in the offices of the Presidency of the Republic, and announced their interest in extending invitations to members of both the Judicial and Legislative branches of government.

The alliance presented a list of 14 points, among them, to enhance the state's efforts against crime, while respecting human rights while taking actions directly against insecurity, to initiate a state criminology policy, and to revive such programs as the "vigilant neighbors." In addition, civil society representatives called for implementing the Pact of the State for Justice, the law to protect victims of crime, the project that penalizes the possession and trade of illegal weapons, as well as the law that regulates private security companies. The representatives of the media called for a program that maintains the standard of living of members of state security sectors and strengthen its teams to combat crime. They made reference to the unity that should exist between members of law enforcement and society to report the crime, and for those crimes to be punished.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of the Interior Roxana Mendez, National Assembly Deputy José Muñoz, National Police Chief Gustavo Perez, the Director of the National Air Naval Service Jacinto Tom, and the National Border Service Frank Abrego. Representing the Alliance for Security were Gaspar Garcia de Paredes, president of the National Council of Private Enterprise, Anthony Fletcher, who served as president of the Panamanian Association of Business Executive, David Ramirez, of the the Movement October 23, Rolando Carrizo whose son died in the hands of criminals, and Severino Mejía, former vice minister of government, among others. (TVN Noticias)   

Panama's president, Ricardo Martinelli, promised today that in three years he will solve the problem of crime and that Panama will be "the safest country in Latin America," while participating in a march of thousands of Panamanians for peace. "If I have to require a visa for all foreigners, I'll do it. If I have to build more prisons, I'll do it. We are going to be more energetic, to implement the adversarial system, give me three years and I promise to resolve this problem," said the President to reporters. The march, organized by the civic organization Crusade for Peace, passed along Avenida Balboa, on the shores of the Bay of Panama, consisting of thousands of people with banners calling for peace and "enough" to violence, wearing white colored clothing and the persistent rain did not discourage the participants. According to official statistics, the murder rate in 2009 was 24 per 100,000 inhabitants. In the first four months of 2010 there have been 290 murders, 47 more than during the same period last year, most linked to drug trafficking, according to research by local media. The public safety walk was organized by civic organizations with the support of the Panamanian media and ended in a civic event at the end of Avenida Balboa, where members of the Crusade called for "zero tolerance" to crime and a preventive system. The representatives of civil organizations and from the church presented a long list of recommendations on how to combat crime to Martinelli. (Telemetro)   

This morning the Minister of Government and Justice, Jose Raul Mulino, responded to allegations raised by Deputy to the National Assembly Marcos González, who denounced irregularities within the institution, including special treatment for some high-profile criminal defendants in the La Joya prison. Backed by several cabinet members, including the Minister of the Presidency, Jimmy Papadimitriu, the Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar and the Vice Minister of Government and Justice, José Ricardo Fabrega; Mulino said the actions of his adviser Eduardo Alfaro, were done with the full knowledge and approval of both the Ministry and the Prosecutor's office. Mulino said he will ask the Attorney General's Office to open an investigation against Deputy Gonzalez over his accusations, especially those of alleged irregularities within the institution. Mulino responded directly to Gonzalez and sent him a clear message that the meeting between the prisoner and Alfaro was part of a delicate ongoing investigation that was coordinated by prosecutors. As for the dismissal of Gonzalez's son as head of the La Joyita prison system, Mulino, said the administration of the prison system requires maturity, honesty and prudence - and that he expected much more from the deputy's son. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: Earlier this week Marcos González presented photos to the press of Eduardo Alfaro meeting with prisoners in the La Joya prison - photos that were provided to him by Javier Justiniani. Gonzalez made allegations of "irregularities" within the Ministry of Government and Justice and called for an investigation. These blurry photos of three inmates wearing yellow t-shirts meeting with Alfaro have been on television for a couple of days now, and this is Mulino's response to those allegations. Marcos González Jr. was fired as the Director of the La Joyita prison in early April. A few weeks prior to that, Marcos González Jr. had filed a complaint against Eduardo Alfaro saying he had overstepped his authority by taking a prisoner named Antonio Vergara Madrid out of the prison without having property coordinated it with him. I suspect the Ministry of Government and Justice was working some deals for information with drug traffickers they have arrested. According to Mulino (and, I believe him) these meetings between Alfaro and the inmates were fully coordinated with his office and with prosecutors. However, there's a problem. Most likely according to law there are procedures and guidelines that normally have to be followed anytime an inmate is taken from the prison. However in this case obviously the Minister of Government and Justice simply didn't trust Marcos González Jr. and felt no need to include him on the details of any negotiations they were conducting with the inmates. Marcos González Jr., as a director of a prison, gets "trumped" by the Ministry of Government and Justice. The Penitentiary System falls under the Ministry of Government and Justice, so therefore if Eduardo Alfaro is working for and on behalf of Jose Raul Mulino, then in effect Eduardo Alfaro "outranks" Marcos González Jr. and effectively can call the shots. In short, this stuff was over his pay grade. Now Marcos González Jr.'s father (with the same name) comes out to make these allegations - and he's apparently just as much in the dark as his son was. Guys, international drug traffickers move about 250 tons of cocaine through this country every year, which will result in the deaths of about 1,000 people in Panama in 2010. The public is clamoring for more "security" - and this guy wants to create a scandal because his son got canned. Well, people get fired from the prison system for a reason. If the advisor to the Minister of Government and Justice wants to meet with an inmate at his prison, the correct answer is "yes, sir." In my opinion, this one is just so much more BS, and eventually it will turn into nothing. It's about intelligence information - the bad guys have it, the good guys need it, and they trade that valuable information in a barter system for reduced sentencing, better conditions, etc. That's simply the way the system works.    

Panama's Deputy Attorney General Neftalí Jaén said he would open an investigation into the bodyguards who protect the Director of the National Police, Gustavo Perez, because the police radio that was in the possession of José Pirtea when he was arrested last Monday belonged to that group. The official said he did not know if the radio was assigned to the current director or his predecessor, Francisco Troya, who is currently Panama's ambassador to Mexico. One of the bodyguards lost his radio and did not report the event to his superiors. The recovered equipment was programmed with police radio frequencies used at the national level and was in the hands of Pirtea when he tried to rob the HSBC bank in Calidonia las Monday, dressed in a police uniform. He was arrested and will be interrogated today. (Panama America)