Panama is facing a wave of violence, with September being the deadliest month on record with 60 homicides. Gangs are imposing a reign of terror in Colón, San Miguelito, and Pacora, leaving victims' bodies in churches and schools. The government appears to be all talk and no action, failing to implement the promised "Plan Firmeza". Defense and security analysts are calling for decisive measures, proposing the development of a national security doctrine. Key recommendations include: 1) Prioritizing internal stability; 2) Creating a Scientific Police to support investigations; 3) Stabilizing "red zones" through the "Plan Firmeza" with the full force of the state. Other suggestions include enacting a law to protect police officers, authorizing the use of lethal force, merging the forensic medicine institute with the legal medicine service, and creating a reserved commission in the National Assembly to oversee all security, intelligence, and defense policies.
