A general strike was called by CUCO due to the lack of response from the Government to the demands for the execution of projects, control of fuel prices and other requests from the civil society.
There have been major confrontations between officers of the National Police and demonstrators from Colon. As a result of the disturbances, a National Police officer was injured, and 12 people were arrested. Among those arrested were the leaders of this movement Edgardo Voitier and Román Macías.
A curfew was set in the province from 11:00 p.m., Tuesday, until 4:00 a.m., this Wednesday 11.
Closures
Road closures were maintained for several hours. In addition to Cuatro Altos, these blockades were registered in El 20, Limón, Sabanitas, La Feria, Gatuncillo, Buena Vista and Villa Guadalupe.
The CUCO, in general assembly, decided to extend the measures for 24 hours more. In other words, the general strike continued Wednesday, May 11, as well as the demonstrations.
Since 7:45 a.m. on Tuesday, tempers flared, which led to a confrontation between riot police and demonstrators in Cuatro Altos. Stones, tear gas and bottles were thrown in this area.
In addition, a group of cargo truck drivers decided to go to Cuatro Altos to demand firm answers to the high cost of fuel.
On this second day of the strike, Colón dawned with a large presence of National Police crowd control agents at different points of the province.
Street closures began this morning in Río Alejandro, Puerto Pilón and Portobelo.
It is worth mentioning that nine public transportation routes have paralyzed their service; cab and school bus drivers have also supported CUCO’s call. This group moved in a caravan from the outskirts of Colon to Cuatro Altos, where the stronghold of the Colon coalition’s struggle is located.