Author: Sebastian Pieper
A court in David, Chiriquí Province, has suspended a hearing to legalize evidence obtained during a police raid on Ukrainian citizens. Defense lawyer Abelino Bonilla confirmed the delay, alleging the investigation suffers from procedural irregularities and violated his clients’ constitutional guarantees. The case centers on a search and seizure operation that uncovered a cache of weapons and other items inside a private residence.Bonilla explained his clients are currently in the evidence presentation phase of the proceedings. He characterized the initial police diligence as a flawed process. The Ukrainian nationals, who were the subjects of the raid, are no longer in…
Panama will host another major joint military training exercise with the United States later this month. The Jungle Warfare School will serve as the primary location for the drills, which are scheduled to run from November 28 to December 18, 2025.Panama’s National Aeronaval Service, known as Senan, officially confirmed the exercise in a statement released on Friday, November 21. These drills represent a continuing commitment to the longstanding security cooperation agreements between the two nations. The program aims to significantly enhance the tactical readiness of Panama’s specialized security units.”These trainings form part of the bilateral cooperation agreements between both countries…
The Panamanian Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) has initiated a full leadership transition for the La Chorrera International Fair. The current board’s term has officially expired, prompting the ministry to oversee the selection of new patrons for the major regional event. This administrative shift aims to ensure transparency and prevent unauthorized financial activities during the changeover period.Official communications from the ministry confirm that the outgoing board no longer holds the authority to commit resources or enter into agreements on behalf of the fair. The Ministry of Agricultural Development (Panama) issued a public advisory to protect users, providers, and event organizers…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino confirmed he threatened to set the country on fire if electoral authorities blocked his presidential candidacy last year. The president made the statement during a ceremony in Costa Rica on November 21, then defended his actions the following day against mounting criticism. Mulino argued he was fighting a powerful, entrenched system determined to invalidate his campaign.His remarks referenced a pivotal 2024 conversation with magistrates of Panama’s Electoral Tribunal. The controversy erupted just hours after Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of Juan Mora Fernandez, that nation’s highest honor…
Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino confirmed his administration is studying United States anti racketeering legislation as a model for a new organized crime law. The proposed legislation would target criminal networks operating both within Panama and across international borders. Mulino announced the initiative on Thursday, November 20, stating his team is seeking international advice and reviewing legal frameworks from the US, France, and Italy.The explicit mention of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act holds particular significance due to its historical impact on dismantling complex criminal enterprises. This US law, passed in 1970, fundamentally changed how prosecutors pursued organized crime…
Panamanian government officials announced significant progress this week in their national digital transformation initiative. The effort aims to create a more agile and transparent state apparatus focused directly on citizen needs. Deputy Economy Minister Eida Saiz outlined the vision during a panel titled “The digital revolution of public service in the citizen experience.”This push represents a core policy of the current Government of Panama administration. It seeks to dismantle bureaucratic silos that have long hampered efficiency. The ultimate goal is a fully interconnected government that operates as a single, cohesive unit.Building a Connected GovernmentClose collaboration between the Ministry of Economy…
Fifteen Barbadian secondary students and several teachers will travel to Panama for a two-week cultural immersion. This student exchange forms the cornerstone of a new national campaign to boost Spanish proficiency across Barbados, a strategic move to deepen regional ties. The initiative represents a significant step in implementing a broader government policy to integrate Spanish language skills into education, trade, and public services.The program is funded by a $100,000 USD technical cooperation project titled “Enhancing Capacities to Communicate in Spanish.” It operates under the SOMOS program, which stands for Spanish Opens More OpportunitieS, an initiative of the Development Bank of…
The United States government has donated a new operations center and two cargo trucks to Panama’s National Border Service. U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera formally presented the equipment, valued at approximately one million dollars, during a ceremony in Panama City on November 20, 2025, marking the border agency’s 17th anniversary. This strategic donation aims to enhance Panama’s capacity to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, and other cross-border crimes. The contribution was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and represents a significant upgrade to the operational infrastructure of the National Border Service, known by its Spanish acronym SENAFRONT. Officials confirmed that…
A judge in Panama City has ordered provisional detention for 39 individuals accused of operating a sophisticated drug trafficking network through the country’s main airport. The First Judicial District Judge issued the ruling after a marathon hearing that concluded on Friday, November 21. This case forms a critical part of the ongoing “Colibrí” and “Eros” police operations targeting international narcotics syndicates.Authorities charged the defendants with crimes against collective security, specifically conspiracy and international drug trafficking. The judge also validated 21 plea agreements previously negotiated between the Public Ministry and defense attorneys, resulting in prison sentences ranging from 60 to 180…
Petroleos Delta S.A. has introduced a new digital gift card system that transforms how Panamanians give and receive fuel. The company announced its Delta Card Digital platform this week, representing a significant shift toward fully digital fuel purchases in the country. This innovative solution allows customers to buy fuel certificates online and send them as scannable codes. The platform operates around the clock and positions itself as the first completely self-managed product of its kind in Panama. Company executives describe the system as combining emotional value with practical functionality rather than focusing solely on transactions. Human Centered Digital Experience Petroleos…