Panama has declared an emergency in its major banana-producing area, after retailers have been looted and buildings vandalised in ongoing protests over a pension reform.
The federal government says constitutional rights can be suspended for the following 5 days within the north-western Bocas del Toro province.
The measure restricts freedom of motion and permits the police to make arrests with out a warrant.
Troubles within the area started a month in the past, when the native banana staff union joined a nationwide protest in opposition to proposed pension cuts and declared a strike.
“Within the face of the disruption of order and acts of systematic violence, the state will implement its constitutional mandate to ensure peace,” mentioned Juan Carlos Orillac, minister of the presidency.
The measure, he added, would enable to “rescue the province” from radicals.
Protests throughout the Latin American nation erupted again in March over the pension reform.
In Bocas del Toro, the unrest has been largely led by staff at a Chiquita Manufacturers banana plantation.
The confrontation escalated final month after the corporate sacked hundreds of hanging workers.
Protesters have been organising roadblocks within the province, typically clashing with police.
Earlier this week, crowds broken one in all Chiquita Manufacturers’ amenities in addition to a neighborhood airport.
