Criminal activities have generated concern among residents, fishermen, and visitors of the Mariato district, after unknown individuals stole solar lamps from the two main ports located in the Llano de Catival area, specifically in the ports of Catival and Los González. According to area residents, besides the theft of the lamps—considered expensive equipment—antisocial elements also destroyed the bases and supports where they were installed, causing damage to the public infrastructure that directly benefited the maritime community of the sector. Jovino Vergara, a teacher and resident of the Mariato district, expressed his concern about these incidents, stating that the solar lamps played a fundamental role in the safety and guidance of fishermen and port users, especially during nighttime and early morning hours. Emérita Ortiz also spoke in the same vein, lamenting the situation and warning that the lack of lighting affects not only artisanal fishermen, but also tourists, residents, and visitors who use these facilities located in the Gulf of Montijo area. "The lights made it easier for the arrival and departure of boats; now everything is left in the dark," she expressed. The residents have called on the competent authorities to reinforce surveillance in the Mariato district, as they indicate that these incidents add to other recent cases of theft of outboard motors, boats, and fishing equipment, which keeps the population on alert. Finally, the community expects the corresponding investigations to begin to find those responsible and that preventive measures be taken to guarantee the security of public and private property in this important coastal area of the Veraguas province.
