A serious incident that took place early Sunday in the Empalme area of the Bocas del Toro province, between residents and units of the National Police, prompted the institution to issue a statement. The police report states that the incident occurred while several patrol units were patrolling the area's rural roads. During the operation, several individuals, upon noticing the police presence, fled and entered a residence. Residents, however, denounced through social networks that the police allegedly abused their authority and fired rubber pellets at them, injuring several people, including children who were in their yard. According to the police, the suspects subsequently released a pitbull and attacked the officers with blunt objects, forcing the agents to use the permitted levels of force to ensure their safety. In light of these two conflicting accounts of the confusing event, the Professional Responsibility Directorate (DRP) has initiated an investigation to determine responsibilities. The institution stated that 'if any conduct is found to violate professional ethics, the corresponding disciplinary regulations will be applied to impose the appropriate sanction'.
