The mayor of the district of Portobelo, Carlos Chavarría, pointed out that, since these activities on October 21 are of a religious nature, they are not as profitable for the municipality as many may think. Between the taxes charged on commercial booths and the free-will donation requested at checkpoints, located in María Chiquita, some $17,000 is earned, which is entirely used to pay the town's logistics and janitorial staff.

Chavarría stated that security forces have already been arranged with the National Civil Protection System, Red Cross, National Police, Fire Department and the Ministry of Health.

Jaime Ospina, from the regional Civil Protection System, reported that starting October 18, fifty units will be providing support at the institution's four checkpoints, to assist those who attend the San Felipe Neri church service.

Juan Cerezo, Sub-commissioner of the National Police, confirmed that 390 units will be dispatched to the Atlantic Coast to strengthen security at the celebrations over the coming three months, but did not reveal how many will be in Portobelo.

The tough police operations set up all along the road leading to Portobelo have resulted in reduced criminal acts on that date, Chavarría added.