A nighttime Curfew in two high-crime areas of Panama’s San Miguelito District enters its second weekend. Authorities are deploying reinforced police operations as residents report ongoing violence. The measure restricts movement from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily.
Municipal decree number six established the restriction for the Belisario Frías and Arnulfo Arias townships. Officials say these sectors have the highest crime rates within San Miguelito. The National Police of Panama are leading the enforcement effort.
Over 100 Detained During First Weekend of Operations
Police recorded 125 apprehensions during the curfew’s first weekend. Subcommissioner Javier Batista, who heads the San Miguelito police zone, confirmed the numbers. Officers detained 115 adults and 10 minors during that period.
Batista expressed hope for fewer arrests this weekend. “We expect that this time fewer people will be apprehended, considering that the curfew has already been announced through various media outlets,” he said. [Translated from Spanish]
“We expect that this time fewer people will be apprehended, considering that the curfew has already been announced through various media outlets.” – Subcommissioner Javier Batista
Individuals caught in public during restricted hours must justify their presence. Police units are stationed throughout the area to check compliance. Those who cannot provide valid reasons face referral to judicial authorities and potential fines.
Specialized Police Units Deploy Drones and Body Cameras
The San Miguelito National Police have increased their presence for the second weekend. Specialized units now patrol the affected townships. These include special forces teams, crowd control officers, and Lince motorized units.
Technology plays a bigger role in this weekend’s operations. Officers are using drones for aerial surveillance. Body cameras and video monitoring systems provide additional coverage. Officials say the enhanced deployment targets areas hit hardest by violent crime and armed confrontations.
Residents have grown increasingly worried about their safety. Many support the curfew as a necessary response to rising criminal activity. “There is a lot of crime. The curfew is good. It should be for everywhere, not just San Miguelito,” one female resident said. [Translated from Spanish]
Another local described the nightly dangers she witnesses. “We have seen scenes on the main street and we hear bullets near the sectors. You can no longer go out at night,” she stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Community members hope the restrictions will reduce violence. They want the measure to restore some peace to their neighborhoods. Operations continue as authorities monitor the situation closely.