Panama City, May 31 (Prensa Latina) The President of Panama, Laurentino Cortizo, today urged the National Police to serve with discipline, accountability, honesty, determination and courage.
The President attended the graduation and swearing-in ceremony of 502 graduates from the Belisario Porras Higher Police Institute Presidential Office, who are joining the agency as new agents.
In it, the head of state, together with Security Minister Juan Manuel Pino, emphasized that the class of “winners” – 49 women and 453 men – are ready to provide their services with a high degree of professionalism.
He also urged full compliance with mandates contained in the constitution and the law to protect the well-being of citizens.
Cortizo urged the new police officers to serve the homeland with integrity, honor and loyalty to the nation, as well as respect for democracy and human rights in order to achieve peaceful coexistence.
He also thanked on behalf of the citizens for his dedication and willingness to contribute to building a better country with his noble work.
Panama’s security forces are constantly confronted with drug trafficking, organized crime and the increase in gang clashes, particularly in the capital, in operations such as the recent ones called “Beta” and “Alfa”.
According to official statistics, 32 tons of drugs were seized between January and April this year, with the Caribbean province of Colón being one of the areas where most seizures took place.
The President Belisario Porras Higher Police Institute is responsible for the education and training of the members of this body, encouraging the development of knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes and values that will allow optimal development of their functions in the service of the community.
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