Coclé province implements curfews for minors to combat crime

Authorities in the Coclé province of Panama have implemented curfews for minors to combat rising crime rates and public disorder. The measures affect several districts, including Penonomé, Antón, La Pintada, and most recently, Olá.

In the Olá district, Mayor Arcenio Ortíz signed Decree No. 007, which prohibits minors from being in public spaces without a parent, legal representative, or authorized adult between 8:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Parents or guardians of minors detained for violating this curfew face a $50 fine. If guardians fail to appear, the minors will be placed under the jurisdiction of the Court of Children and Adolescents or the Ministry of Social Development.

Similar restrictions are in place in Antón and La Pintada. In Antón, the curfew covers the district head and Río Hato, following incidents of violence and homicide. In La Pintada, the restriction for those under 18 is set between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.