public safety

FARC remains active in Panama

The National Police reported four encounters with the guerilla group in 2008.

During 2008, there were at least four incidents between Panama police stationed in the Darién and member of the Colombian guerrilla organization FARC.

There were also numerous reports of guerillas entering villages in the Darién and Kuna Yala seeking food and shelter. On several occasions these incursions resulted in crimes being committed such as robberies and assaults.

The first reported incident took place in February, when six FARC guerrillas engaged border police in the coastal town of Jaqué. The guerillas were taken into custody, and one was wounded during an exchange of gunfire with police.

On Aug. 9, a column of 60 armed men camped for several hours near Bajo Chiquito. On this occasion, the Panamanian police chose not to confront the insurgents, who reportedly stole a large amount of food from an indigenous village.

A month later, another group entered a home very close to the newly established headquarters of the Border Service and kidnapped a man. He was released, unharmed, about a day later.

The last case occurred on Dec. 12, when another group of FARC entered a village looking for food. One guerilla was injured when police confronted the group.

In addition to those incursions, there have also been about 20 other reports of guerilla activity in Panama. The government, however, has not confirmed any of those incidents.

Such activities may become more frequent, however, as FARC members seek shelter in Panama from Colombian troops, who have been putting increasing pressure on the organization.

Colombian military officials have received intelligence reports confirming that FARC members have been more active along the border. And in July, a FARC commander admitted that his troops had been crossing the border to “rest, supply and regroup.”

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