BOGOTA (Colombia) June 21 (Bernma-Anadolu) -- The Panamanian government declared a five-day state of emergency on Friday in the western province of Bocas del Toro, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.
The decision follows a surge of violence during protests against a social security reform, which culminated in the forceful takeover of an airport and the offices of a multinational banana company.
The declaration temporarily suspends certain individual rights, including freedom of movement and assembly, for the duration of the emergency.
"We took this measure to prevent radical and criminal groups from gathering to organise acts of violence, vandalism, and endangering property," Presidency Minister Juan Carlos Orillac said at a news conference after President Jose Raul Mulino urgently convened a Cabinet meeting.
Protesters reportedly looted the facilities of Chiquita Panama, a prominent banana company, late Thursday in Changuinola, a town within the Bocas del Toro province. They also set fire to a soccer stadium and seized control of the Changuinola Airport, where vehicles were stolen from rental companies and personal belongings taken from terminal offices.
The government has described it as "vandalism" and argued that the increase in violence in the area is "politically motivated."
"The National Government informs the country that the situation in the province of Bocas del Toro has escalated dangerously in recent hours, as a result of acts of violence perpetrated by radicalised groups and criminal elements who have infiltrated the demonstrations," the government said Thursday night.
Mulino deployed 1,500 police units to Bocas del Toro earlier this week in "Operation Omega" to clear blocked roads. The operation has resulted in at least 55 arrests, several injuries and the death of a young man, which is currently under investigation.
Protests against the social security reform initially began nationwide in April, headed by teachers' and construction workers' unions, who initiated a strike. In May, banana workers in Bocas del Toro joined the strike, arguing that the proposed law negatively affects their benefits.
The roadblocks have led to a shortage of basic supplies in the province, which depends economically on the banana industry and tourism.
-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU
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