Author: Sebastian Pieper
Panama’s government has sent a formal letter of apology to Brazil following the controversial detention and deportation of a prominent Brazilian journalist at Tocumen International Airport. The incident, involving former Communications Minister Franklin de Souza Martins, escalated to the diplomatic level after protests from Brazilian press associations.Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez addressed the letter to his Brazilian counterpart, Mauro Vieira. In it, he explained the event resulted from the automatic application of migration procedures based on alert systems used by Panamanian authorities. The government emphasized the action did not reflect its regard for Martins or his public career.The letter…
The General Directorate of Revenue (DGI) in Panama has issued a detailed procedure for legal entities dissolved due to tax non-compliance to seek reactivation and how to fix it. This guidance specifically applies to companies that were dissolved after February 27, 2026, despite being current on payments filed under an incorrect Taxpayer Registry (RUC) number. The process aims to rectify administrative errors and restore a company’s active status.Officials from the Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI) confirmed that affected entities must initiate a formal request. The directive provides a clear, step-by-step path for these dissolved companies to return to good standing,…
The Panama Maritime Authority has issued a new advisory ordering vessels flying its flag to implement enhanced security measures when operating near the Middle East. The directive, released on March 6, 2026, responds directly to escalating regional geopolitical tensions that threaten international shipping lanes.Official notice MMN-05/2026 specifically applies to Panamanian-flagged ships navigating waters near Iran, Israel, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz. The world’s largest ship registry is taking proactive steps to safeguard both vessels and crew. This strategic region handles a significant portion of global energy supplies and commercial cargo traffic.Precautionary Measures for…
National Assembly President Jorge Herrera and Congressman Didiano Pinilla convened emergency talks this week to address a severe, decades-long water shortage in the Atalaya district. The meeting brought together officials from the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN), the governor of Veraguas Province, local mayors, and frustrated residents. Held at the Padre Juan José Cánovas Educational Center, the session aimed to forge immediate solutions for thousands of families who have endured unreliable or nonexistent water service. The crisis in Atalaya, part of Veraguas, has intensified recently. Community representatives stated the complete absence of water in recent weeks marks a…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino attended the final summit of heads of state in Miami on Saturday, culminating in the signing of a new regional alliance. The “Americas Shield” agreement, a United States-led initiative, was formalized during a meeting convened by former President Donald Trump. Organizers claim the pact aims to bolster economic and security cooperation across the Western Hemisphere. The signing ceremony was led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s specially appointed program coordinator, Governor Kristi Noem. Alongside Panama, the multilateral agreement is backed by Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, Guyana,…
The comprehensive environmental audit of the Cobre Panama copper mine has reached 66.37 percent completion. Panama’s Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) released the fourth monthly progress report from the independent auditing firm this week, confirming the review is on schedule. The ongoing audit examines the mine’s operational procedures and environmental management controls following its court-ordered closure in late 2023. International firm SGS Panama Control Services Inc. is conducting the detailed review. Its latest findings move the process from an initial documentation phase into more granular technical analysis and field verification. The audit represents a critical step for the government to assess…
Panama’s consumer protection authority has uncovered widespread violations during nationwide inspections of pet supply stores. The Panamanian Authority for Consumer Protection and Defense of Competition (Acodeco) announced the findings this week after a series of operations targeting businesses that sell food and accessories for animals.Inspectors visited 75 commercial establishments across multiple provinces. Their goal was to verify compliance with consumer protection laws, specifically the 2007 statute designed to ensure product safety and fair commercial practices. Officials focused on three critical areas: the safety of the items for sale, the truthfulness of advertising, and the correct display of prices for shoppers.”These…
A fast moving fire completely destroyed a large residential and commercial building in the city of Colón, Panama on Thursday. The blaze started on the upper floor of the structure on Calle 12 Domingo Díaz and rapidly spread, forcing dozens of residents to flee without their belongings. Firefighters from multiple stations responded to the emergency. They worked for hours to contain the flames, which fully consumed the building’s upper section and severely damaged ground floor businesses. Officials from the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) and the National Police also arrived to secure the area and manage the crisis. Residents Escape…
Panamanian prison authorities now detect approximately 60 unmanned aerial vehicles daily near correctional facilities as part of a major security upgrade. Jorge Torregrosa, director of the Penitentiary System, confirmed the figures this week, attributing the high interception rate to new video surveillance technology designed to stop contraband drops. The sophisticated monitoring system identifies and tracks drones attempting to breach prison perimeters. These devices are commonly used to smuggle prohibited items like drugs, weapons, and cell phones into inmate populations. Torregrosa stated the technology represents a critical front in the national security strategy for Panama’s detention centers. “We are doing everything…
A human fetus was discovered Thursday morning inside a public hospital emergency room restroom in Panama West Province. The incident occurred at the Dr. Juan Vega Méndez Polyclinic in the San Carlos District, Panama.The Social Security Fund of Panama (CSS), which operates the facility, confirmed the discovery. Hospital staff found the fetus in a bathroom within the Emergency Service unit. Officials immediately notified judicial authorities to begin legal proceedings.Authorities Launch Investigation into IncidentProsecutors from the Ministry of Public (Panama) arrived at the medical center to recover the remains. Their investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the event. The case…