During a press conference held on Saturday afternoon, the Minister of Security, Michael Soto, expressed his concern over damages caused by an “antisocial group” to the state refinery’s (Recope) oil pipeline between Limon and the Central Valley.

Yesterday, the Public Police Force had to take control of the accesses to Recope in La Garita, Alajuela and Barranca, Puntarenas, to guarantee the supply of fuel and eliminate roadblocks.

“When it comes to the fuel pipelines, the refinery showed a very low pressure in the pipelines, which means there are important leaks or damages on the pipeline, this pipeline involves many kilometers and specialists are working on determining where these damages are, the pipeline goes through different properties, a spark or fire could generate huge damage, endangering many people and of course causing important damage to the environment. I feel, from my point of view, that the circumstances should not lead to situations like this, we are all being affected by this, and these actions are carried out with the sole intention of pressuring the Government”, said Soto.

Recope informed through a press release that by 5 p.m. yesterday they had serviced 200 tankers.

The Minister also made a called to peace and dialogue and highlighted the job of the police in handling the incidents despite sometimes the dangers they are exposed to.

Today, labor union leader, Albino Vargas, reaffirmed that the protest will continue tomorrow with activities starting at 8 a.m., and assured that a group of public police officers will be joining the movement.