Above: Panama President Ricardo Martinelli (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama President Ricardo Martinelli announced a shuffling in the country’s security sector Friday, naming Julio Molto the new Director of the National Police, and Gustavo Perez as the chairman of the State Security Council.

The changes came following the resignation of Minister Jose Raul Mulino, which is effective through March 15. No changes were announced at the Ministry of Security, however.

Martinelli said things should not have gotten where they came, but that he did not choose to place blame in the situation.

“No one can deny that the work of the security agencies has been efficient, but we know that there are still many things to do,” he said.

The President said the moves announced were aimed at maintaining the work of the security sector.

“They are also a clear message of its institutional strength,” he said.