Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha issued a formal response to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele on Friday regarding a misinterpreted viral video from a Panamanian school. The diplomatic clarification came after Bukele commented publicly on social media about an incident he mistakenly believed involved students assaulting a teacher. Martinez Acha firmly stated that no educator was involved in what he described as a regrettable but isolated event between students.
The controversy began when a video circulated widely on digital platforms showing a physical confrontation among youths at the Altos de San Francisco school in the La Chorrera District. International alternative media outlets picked up the footage, amplifying the reach of the initially misreported story. This chain of events brought the matter to the attention of the Salvadoran president, who then shared his perspective with his substantial social media following.
Official Clarification from Panama’s Government
Martinez Acha emphasized the critical importance of factual accuracy in public discourse, particularly when discussing matters involving foreign nations. He expressed appreciation for international interest in Panamanian youth development while simultaneously correcting the record. The foreign minister’s statement carefully balanced diplomatic courtesy with firm correction of the inaccurate narrative.
“The truth is indispensable,” Martinez Acha stated. [Translated from Spanish] “However, it is important to clarify the facts to prevent inaccurate information from generating erroneous conclusions. The embarrassing act did not involve a teacher at any moment.”
Panama’s top diplomat directly referenced confirmation from Education Minister Lucy Molinar that only students participated in the altercation. Specialized teams from the Ministry of Education of Panama have already initiated standard protocols for managing school coexistence and security incidents. This prompt institutional response reflects established procedures for addressing student conflicts within the educational system.
Bukele’s Original Comments on Education Values
The Salvadoran leader’s initial social media post had focused broadly on educational values and respect for teachers without specific knowledge of the Panamanian incident’s details. His commentary reflected his government’s well-documented emphasis on discipline and structural reform within educational settings. Bukele’s administration has frequently connected educational approaches to broader national security outcomes.
“No society has a future if students disrespect their teachers,” Bukele had written in his original post. [Translated from Spanish] “In El Salvador we already sowed like this in the past, and we all saw the bad harvest that brought us. If we want a different future, we must sow differently, and for that we need discipline.” His remarks echoed philosophical positions his government has maintained regarding youth development and educational standards, though they were applied to a situation that did not match the described circumstances.
Ninguna sociedad tiene futuro si los estudiantes le faltan el respeto a sus maestros.
En El Salvador ya sembramos así en el pasado, y todos vimos la mala cosecha que eso nos trajo.
Si queremos un futuro diferente, hay que sembrar diferente, y para eso se necesita disciplina. https://t.co/z4SQcKapLe
— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) November 28, 2025
Regional education authorities in Western Panama had already released an official communique earlier on Friday specifically denying teacher involvement. Their investigation determined the event represented a confrontation exclusively between students, immediately triggering the ministry’s standardized safety and school coexistence protocols. These established measures are designed to address behavioral incidents while protecting all parties involved.
Diplomatic Implications and Next Steps
Martinez Acha’s response notably included a suggestion that public figures verify information before sharing it on social media platforms. He observed that spreading unconfirmed details can generate conclusions about events that never actually occurred as initially described. This gentle admonition carried significant weight within diplomatic circles, where factual precision typically governs cross-border communications.
“Panama will continue working responsibly to channel situations like this and strengthen education for our youth,” Martinez Acha affirmed. [Translated from Spanish] “We trust that our friendly nations will continue supporting each other from truth and respect.”
The foreign minister acknowledged shared convictions about the fundamental importance of discipline, respect, and value-based education for national development. He positioned this common ground as requiring a foundation of verified information to meaningfully advance mutual interests. This approach maintained diplomatic rapport while firmly establishing an accurate record.
Education Ministry specialists are now implementing appropriate interventions at the Altos de San Francisco school following standard psychosocial support protocols. The incident has prompted broader discussions about digital misinformation and its potential impact on international relations. As social media continues enabling rapid global information sharing, governments increasingly face challenges managing narratives that cross borders before verification occurs.
This exchange between Panamanian and Salvadoran officials highlights evolving diplomatic dynamics in an era of instant communication. The Panama Foreign Ministry’s measured response demonstrates how governments can correct misinformation while preserving international relationships. The situation also underscores the importance of institutional communication channels during rapidly developing news events that capture public attention. Foreign Minister javier martinez Acha’s handling of the matter reflects careful navigation between factual accuracy and diplomatic courtesy.