A decree has been issued implementing a dry law starting at 11:59 a.m. on Thursday and ending at noon on Saturday, allowing for a permanent dry law on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, said Joaquin De León, mayor of David. The measure coincides with the high mobilization of people towards different points in the province, especially towards Alanje, where religious demonstrations are traditionally concentrated. The dry law began to apply in the district of David, in the province of Chiriquí, amid an increase of pilgrims traveling to the district of Alanje for the religious activities of Holy Week. As part of the security operation, the National Police detailed that more than 600 units are participating in surveillance and control efforts throughout the province, while the Emergency Operations Center was set up to monitor any eventuality. Authorities also anticipate a greater presence at locations where mass religious activities take place. The decree establishes a continuous period of restrictions during the busiest days of the religious celebration. The measure came into effect early Thursday morning as part of the provisions adopted by local authorities and will remain in effect until noon this coming Saturday. "We will be deployed throughout the region, primarily in the Alanje, David, and Boquete areas, and in eastern Chiriquí in the Remedios area," said regional fire Chief José Luis Bandini. Given this situation, security forces activated operations to protect attendees.
