The government of Panama’s largest province will host three new events for its long running gun exchange initiative this month. For the first time, participants can trade firearms for vouchers redeemable not just for food and medicine, but also for new household appliances.
Panama Province Governor Mayín Correa announced the expanded program on Tuesday. She framed the move as a critical effort to get illegal weapons off the streets while providing tangible economic relief to families. The events are scheduled for mid-December in three separate districts, including the often tense Colón Province.
Broadening Incentives for a Persistent Problem
Known locally as “Armas por Comida” or Weapons for Food, the program functions as a localized gun buyback program. Officials have credited it with collecting hundreds of firearms since its inception. By adding appliances like refrigerators or stoves to the list of potential rewards, authorities hope to attract a wider pool of participants, particularly in lower-income areas where such items represent a significant financial burden.
Correa emphasized that the core promise of anonymity and discretion remains unchanged. This guarantee, she argued, is fundamental to the program’s success in a region where fear of reprisal can prevent cooperation.
“We pay the correct amount according to the weapon presented, without asking for a name, address, or where it was purchased, through a super discreet transaction,” Correa stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Security analysts note that while buyback programs rarely impact crime rates among committed criminal organizations, they can reduce the number of weapons available for domestic violence, impulsive acts, or theft. Removing even a single firearm from circulation, they argue, prevents potential tragedy.
Schedule and Logistics for December Events
The three exchange days will all operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The first event is set for Monday, December 15, at the Cultural Center in Colon. A second event follows on Friday, December 19, at the Gran Estación in the San Miguelito district. The final 2024 exchange will occur on Monday, December 22, at the La Doña Shopping Center in Panama Este.
Each location falls within the densely populated Province of Panama, home to the capital city and nearly half the country’s population. National Police and security personnel will support the events to ensure safe and orderly operations. Officials have not disclosed the specific voucher values assigned to different types of firearms, stating only that compensation is “fair” and immediate.
This expansion reflects a pragmatic adaptation of policy. Community leaders had reportedly requested more flexible incentives, noting that while food is a constant need, durable goods can drastically improve household stability. A working stove or a functioning refrigerator directly affects public health and family economics.
The program’s continuation signals its perceived value by local authorities. It operates as one component of a broader, multifaceted strategy to address security and social welfare. Reducing the number of illicit weapons in homes, officials contend, creates safer communities for everyone. The upcoming December events will test whether enhanced incentives lead to a higher yield of surrendered firearms.