Panama announces emergencies over the riots of the banana region

Panama declared an emergency in its main banana region after the stores were looted and the buildings were vandalized in continuing protests for retirement reform.

The government says that constitutional rights will be stopped for the next five days in the northwestern province of Bokas del Toro.

The measure restricts freedom of movement and allows the police to arrest without order.

The problems in the region began a month ago when the local banana workers union joined a national protest against the proposed retirement cuts and announced a strike.

“Given the violation of the order and acts of systematic violence, the state will impose its constitutional mandate to guarantee peace,” said Juan Carlos Orilak, Prime Minister of Presidency.

The measure, he added, will allow the province to “save the province” from radicals.

Protests across Latin America have erupted in March because of retirement reform.

In Bocas del Toro, the riots are largely guided by workers in the banana plantation of Brands Chiquita.

The confrontation escalated last month after the company fired thousands of striking employees.

Protesters create obstacles in the countryside, often encountering police.

Earlier this week, the crowds damaged one of the Chiquita Brands facilities as well as at a local airport.