Author: spieper

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…

Panamanian authorities have initiated a new security strategy targeting gang violence in the populous San Miguelito District. The National Police confirmed the plan this week, responding to intelligence identifying over 39 active criminal groups operating across the area. This focused effort aims to contain criminal activity and reinforce surveillance in the most affected communities.Police data reveals a deeply entrenched problem, with more than 1,000 gang members captured and processed through the judicial system in recent operations. The district’s historical struggle with crime has intensified over the years, prompting a shift towards more integrated tactics. The new approach combines targeted police…

Panamanian government officials unveiled a new fifteen-year National Energy Plan this Thursday, outlining a strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence and achieve universal electricity access. The Secretary of Energy led the launch event for the 2026-2040 roadmap, which aims to diversify the nation’s energy matrix and attract long-term investment. The plan’s presentation included key figures like Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac, Energy Secretary Rodrigo Rodríguez, and Comptroller General Anel Flores. Officials from consumer protection and public services authorities also attended. A central goal is closing the electricity access gap for communities still lacking reliable power while shifting toward…

Panama will assume the role of guest of honor at the Málaga Festival Industry Zone (MAFIZ) starting March 9. The nation’s delegation aims to position the country as the most attractive audiovisual production hub in Latin America. Leading the effort is Deputy Minister of Culture Arianne Benedetti, who will oversee a strategy blending cultural diplomacy with aggressive investment promotion.This invitation represents a significant diplomatic and commercial achievement for Panama’s cultural sector. The government plans to leverage the festival’s international platform to attract major film and television projects. Officials view the event as a prime opportunity to showcase the country’s competitive…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino confirmed his attendance at a high-level regional meeting convened by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The gathering of twelve Latin American leaders is scheduled for March 7 at the Doral Hotel in Miami, Florida. Mulino expressed strong expectations for the talks, which will focus on continental security, drug trafficking, and democratic governance. The president outlined the meeting’s informal structure during a press conference in Panama City on Thursday, March 5. He indicated the format would depart from traditional summit plenaries, allowing each leader to address issues specific to their nation. The event represents Trump’s first…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has formally enacted a new law establishing a state-regulated foster care system. The legislation, signed this week in Panama City, creates a legal framework for temporary family placement as a primary protection measure for vulnerable children and adolescents.This law defines foster care as an exceptional and provisional safeguard. It applies specifically to minors whose fundamental rights have been threatened or violated. The state now assumes direct responsibility for supervising and supporting host families throughout the placement process.Minister of Social Development Beatriz Carles co-signed the statute. She described the move as a transformative shift in child…

The United States Embassy in Panama has inaugurated a new two-year scholarship initiative for 126 high school students. The English Access Microscholarship Program for the 2026-2027 cycle aims to provide intensive language and leadership training to teenagers from five provinces.Selected tenth-grade students from schools in Bocas del Toro, Chiriquí, Colón, Los Santos, and Panama will participate. The program represents a strategic investment in Panama’s future workforce, focusing on skills for academic exchanges and high-demand careers.U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera emphasized the program’s role in bilateral relations during the launch. He framed it as a cornerstone for future cooperation between the…