In the western province of Chiriqui, at a ceremony to destroy 823 firearms, Pino said that more than 300 such weapons were the result of the “Pacificando mi barrio” (Pacifying my Neighborhood) program, through which the arms are voluntarily traded with vouchers to buy food.

This has been the 31st ceremony to destroy of firearms so far this year, according to the official, showing the Government’s great effort and the fulfillment of security goals for the sake of a better country.

Pino emphasized that next year, the strategies aimed at providing more tranquility to the people will be maintained, including operations to locate, confiscate and eradicate firearms illegally purchased.

The Government’s “Pacifying my Neighborhood” program was launched in December 2021 in the Panamanian capital, and is sponsored by the Government and the Ministry of Public Security of Panama.

Prensa Latina verified that his program began in the humble neighborhood of San Miguelito, but was extended to other regions of the country.

Local media have drawn attention to the trafficking of some 700,000 illegal weapons from the United States to criminal networks, 10 percent of which are bought by gangs. jg/aph/mgt/ga