Author: spieper
A delegation of at least nine Panama legislators is proceeding with a trip to Taiwan, a move that has sparked a significant public dispute with President Jose Raul Mulino. The planned visit occurs against the backdrop of Panama’s official diplomatic recognition of China, creating a delicate situation for the Central American nation. Mulino has explicitly stated his government does not support the legislators’ initiative.The president used his official social media account to distance his administration from the travel plans last week. He issued a clear warning regarding any such diplomatic gestures toward Taiwan. This public declaration underscores the ongoing tension…
Panamas national soccer team secured direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a decisive 3-0 victory over El Salvador on Tuesday night. The historic win at Panama Citys Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez Stadium ignited spontaneous street celebrations that continued through the night and into Wednesday morning across the Central American nation. Thousands of ecstatic fans poured into the capitals avenues immediately following the final whistle. They waved flags, wore team jerseys, and beat drums in a collective expression of national pride. The victory marks Panamas second consecutive World Cup appearance and its third overall, cementing the teams status as…
A high level government commission will travel to Taboga Island to negotiate directly with residents over a controversial ferry fare increase that has disrupted travel and tourism. The decision came after an emergency meeting in Panama City between national officials, local leaders, and the maritime companies serving the island route. Authorities hope to resolve the conflict before the upcoming weekend. Deputy Minister of the Presidency Virna Luque and Secretary of Public and Governmental Affairs Mercedes Gonzalez Gonzalez led the interinstitutional talks. They met with local authorities from the Taboga district and representatives from the two maritime firms responsible for passenger…
Ecuadorians are voting this weekend on a referendum that could allow foreign militaries to establish bases within the country for the first time in 16 years. The proposed constitutional change opens the door for a potential return of United States forces to a strategic airfield in the port city of Manta. This vote occurs amid a broader Pentagon effort to reactivate military infrastructure across Latin America and the Caribbean.High-level discussions about security cooperation have been ongoing between the Trump administration and the government of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa. Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem toured the…
Panamanian authorities have dismantled a sophisticated financial fraud ring that caused nearly $800,000 in losses to the state-owned Caja de Ahorros savings bank. The Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office executed Operation “Total Fraud” this Tuesday, resulting in the apprehension of five individuals across simultaneous raids in Panama and San Miguelito districts. Among those captured was a social media influencer known as “Barto Flow,” host of the urban podcast “Flow La Musica,” who allegedly profited more than $30,000 from the criminal network. Investigators uncovered a scheme where suspects submitted falsified property appraisal reports to secure an illegitimate mortgage loan amounting to $786,171.98. During…
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino inaugurated a new access ramp for the Corredor Sur highway on Thursday morning. The opening marks a critical phase in the ongoing expansion of this vital metropolitan artery, directly addressing severe traffic congestion in Panama City’s eastern sector. This new infrastructure aims to benefit more than 100,000 daily commuters. The newly operational Ramp C is situated at the President Remón Racetrack interchange. It represents just one component of a larger four-ramp expansion project managed by the national highway authority. The overarching initiative also includes constructing new internal roadways with a U-turn loop on Paseo del…
Panama has officially launched a commemorative coin program honoring two national institutions. A new law took effect this week authorizing the minting of special edition coins for the Palacio de las Garzas and the Office of the First Lady. The initiative, established by Law 499, will run from 2025 through 2029.The legislation adds a temporary article to the nation’s Fiscal Code, creating a legal framework for the production of nickel, silver, and gold coins. Each coin will feature designs representing these state symbols while maintaining the national coat of arms on the reverse side. Officials from the Ministry of Economy…
Officials from the National Customs Authority of Panama intercepted a Cuban national attempting to smuggle a large sum of undeclared cash through an international airport. The seizure occurred at the Panama Pacifico International Airport and involved money concealed on the passenger’s body. National Police officers assisted customs inspectors in securing a total of $16,067.The passenger, a woman arriving on an international flight from Havana, Cuba, was initially flagged by a risk alert system. She underwent a routine scanner screening and an interview with a customs inspector. Authorities noted inconsistencies in her statements and documentation, prompting a more thorough secondary inspection.Secondary…
Members of the LGBTIQ+ community in Panama face escalating violence from predators using dating applications to lure victims. A series of brutal attacks and murders linked to online encounters has prompted urgent safety warnings from advocacy groups and law enforcement officials. These crimes reveal a dangerous pattern where digital connections rapidly transform into physical threats.Authorities are investigating multiple cases where individuals were contacted through social media or dating apps, persuaded to meet in unfamiliar locations, and then transported by ride-hailing services to isolated areas. Instead of a romantic encounter, victims find themselves ambushed by groups of men. The outcomes frequently…
The National Customs Authority of Panama has reported record-breaking seizures from a nationwide anti-contraband initiative. Operation “Christmas Without Smuggling,” which launched on October 15, has already detained goods valued at more than $5,074,955. Officials linked the confiscated items to 177 separate cases of alleged customs crimes.This aggressive campaign targets the typical seasonal surge in illegal goods. It is scheduled to run until December 15, focusing on ports, airports, and border regions. The historic seizure value underscores the scale of the illicit market the government aims to dismantle.Undeclared Cash and Illicit Cigarettes Top Seizure ListAuthorities have made controlling undeclared cash at…