Gringos are not the only victims - Says Rizik

I have been involved in the recent robberies that have taken place in our beach community.  Some of the victims have been my close friends.  When I went to Ranchos Del Toro yesterday morning, detectives from Panama City were on the scene. Since then,  I have met with several people and fielded phone calls in reference to this incident.  I am setting up a community meeting this week and I am inviting several VIP's to discuss the progress on the investigations, and procedures we need to follow when a crime takes place.  Date, time and location to follow.
 
Rest assured, it looks as though, gringos have not been the only victims of these crimes.  There were three robberies over Carnaval that matched the same MO, where the victims were Panamanians.  I have experienced quick and efficient arrests in the area of Gorgona when our community was hit last year.  I have also experienced first responders coming to the scene and acting like they do not care - talking on the cell phone and texting.  But I also have experienced this in the USA, many times.  We all need to understand that the police cannot be there 24 hours a day.  Everyone moved to this country knowing that this country, will have a different way of doing things.  AND, we know how difficult it is to make government change in your own country.
 
As far as self defense goes, I am all for that.  Whether it is a gun, taser or pepper spray.  I will look into bringing someone in to talk about self defense.   I encourage people give me their input.