470 Firearms Destroyed Through

alt(Panama-Guide) - Mi Diario -  More than 470 firearms were cut up and rendered incapable of doing harm, taken off of the streets thanks to the government's "guns and ammunition for food and medicine" program. Yesterday in the midst of a ceremony held at the National Lottery building, with the participation of national authorities, the symbolic destruction of the weapons took place. Guns of various calibers, an Uzi, AK-47's, 9 mm pistols and other military equipment and ammunition were handed over to Panamanian authorities by families from various communities in the capital, symbolizing the desire of society to achieve permanent peace and security.

 
Collaboration - The governor of Panama, Mayín Correa, who created the program in 1993 and who is currently the program's coordinator, said the success of the program came as the result of an investment by the government of more than $80,000 dollars, and the collaboration of private companies. She stressed that 76% of homicides that occur in Panama are due to firearms. After this first phase of the program, the governor plans to extend to the districts of Arraiján and La Chorrera. Yesterday's ceremony was also attended by first lady, Marta Martinelli, from the Ministry of Government Luis Miguel Hincapie, the deputy director of the National Police, Eduardo Serracín, among others.
 
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Original Source: Panama-Guide
Date Retrieved: October 23, 2010.