Group criticizes extension of powers for border patrol

LA PRENSA/ Maydée Romero Sprang

El comisionado Frank Ábrego y el presidente Ricardo Martinelli, durante el desfile del 3 de noviembre de 2012, en San Felipe, ciudad capital.

15/11/2012 - The Citizens Alliance for Justice reported today that it is concerned about the extension of powers being granted to border patrol agency Senafront.

In a note sent to Minister of the Presidency Roberto Henrí­quez, the organization maintains that it received an invitation to the forum "Opening roads toward the consolidation of the Darién and the comarcas in the 21st century." The invitation was signed by Dayra Dawson Villalobos, executive director of the Darién Development Program (Prodar) and by Senafront Commissioner Frank Abrego.

According to the alliance, it's clear that the forum is being organized to determine social policies that define goals, objectives, strategies of governance.

"What seems worrisome is that the public announcement bears the signature of the commissioner, as if he were a political actor in the government, with a level of significance greater than the governor of the province," the alliance said.

It further noted that the constitution specifically prevents security agencies from engaging in political debates or intervening in party politics. The punishment is immediate dismissal.

"We can understand that, as a security entity, they can attend the forum, but it is not correct to assume a role of organizing an event that determines social or political policies," the alliance said.

Commissioner Abrego has not responded to calls for comment.