Cattle ranchers in the Mariato district of the Veraguas province are facing growing concern over the advance of cattle-rustling groups. Under the guise of fish buyers or other purchasers, these individuals enter farms to identify and subsequently steal livestock. Ángel Batista, the mayor of Mariato, has called on investigative authorities and police surveillance to curb the criminals, who have apparently perfected their methods, even going so far as to butcher animals on riverbanks, creeks, and in remote areas to facilitate transport. Batista made an urgent appeal to security forces to reinforce police patrols in this sector, recognized for its tourism and productive development. They are calling for coordinated action between the National Police, the Public Ministry, and local authorities to stop a crime that, they warn, could worsen in the coming months if decisive measures are not taken. The ranchers of Mariato assert that this criminal activity not only impacts their economy but also threatens the stability of a district that has been promoting its growth through tourism, fishing, and agricultural production.
