San Miguelito residents question curfew and demand stronger action against crime

Residents of San Miguelito say the curfew has not restored their sense of security. The 15-day restriction on movement in the district is due to expire at midnight on Monday, but violence has continued, including during daylight hours.

More than 80 homicides have accumulated in San Miguelito. At least five of the more than eight killings recorded across the country in the past four days occurred in the district. In the latest case, two children, aged 9 and 13, were affected during an attack in Cerro Cocobolo that targeted a 19-year-old under house arrest.

Some residents said the curfew had produced limited results, particularly by restricting children’s movement. But they argued that limiting circulation alone cannot address the district’s security problems. They called for a larger police presence, effective controls and a review of precautionary measures applied to people linked to violent crimes.

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My son was killed and they gave him community service. What are we talking about? If they give them five, six, 11 years, they should serve them.

One woman described the effect of violence on her family and criticized community-based sentences for people convicted of serious offenses. “My son was killed and they gave him community service. What are we talking about? If they give them five, six, 11 years, they should serve them.” She also questioned the possibility of an offender regaining freedom after serving part of a sentence: “A judge tells me to my face that she cannot keep him in the shadows forever, but my son will be dead forever. Who will bring him back to me?”

Residents are asking authorities to maintain and strengthen security strategies in areas where violence continues, while also ensuring that victims can obtain justice.

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A judge tells me to my face that she cannot keep him in the shadows forever, but my son will be dead forever. Who will bring him back to me?