Author: Sebastian Pieper

The acting director of Panama’s La Joyita prison says he was kept in the dark about key inmate movements on the day of a historic mass escape. Onénimo Araúz, a 30-year veteran of the prison system, blamed structural perimeter failures for the June 1 breakout that saw 195 inmates flee the facility. The escape left three people dead and triggered a major criminal investigation. Araúz submitted a detailed report to Senior Prosecutor Azael Samaniego. The document reconstructs the hours before and during the riot. It identifies critical security vulnerabilities and points to a breakdown in communication between prison authorities and…

The Panama Canal Authority has published Amendment Number 3 to the prequalification documents for the Energy Corridor initiative. This marks another step in selecting the future concessionaire for this strategic national project. The announcement came from officials in Panama City on Thursday. The prequalification stage began on January 30, 2026, with the release of the initial tender documents. Amendment Number 1 appeared on March 27, followed by Amendment Number 2 on May 29. The canal authority confirmed these updates are standard procedure under its Concession Regulations. These mechanisms encourage interaction between bidders and the organization during selection, officials said. “The…

Health authorities in Panama have confirmed a second case of Hantavirus linked to a livestock farm in the Montijo district. The Ministry of Health Panama announced the new infection on Wednesday as surveillance teams ramp up operations in the region. The patient is a 19-year-old man who worked alongside a farm employee who recently died from the disease. Both individuals labored at the same agricultural property in Veraguas Province, a rural area known for cattle farming and crop production. Health Officials Establish Emergency Response Table The Ministry of Health, known locally as Minsa, has activated a situation table to analyze…

Panama City, Panama – The iconic Bridge of the Americas is now undergoing advanced structural studies. Panama’s Minister of Public Works, José Luis Andrade, confirmed the urgent rehabilitation project this week. The goal is to keep the aging span safe until the new Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal is operational. Andrade said the overall structure remains sound. But key components are showing serious wear and tear. “The study is being done; it is advanced on what must be done to rehabilitate it,” Andrade stated [Translated from Spanish]. “Mainly, the structure is very good; it is true that it will…

The historic streets of Casco Antiguo Panama will transform into a living altar this Sunday, June 7. One of the Catholic Church’s most significant religious celebrations takes place with the traditional Corpus Christi procession. The event begins at 5:00 PM at the Santa Ana Church and concludes at the Cathedral Basilica Santa Maria la Antigua, located in the heart of the old quarter. This annual procession blends faith, art, and popular culture into a single powerful display. Organizers expect hundreds of faithful attendees and curious tourists to line the route. The celebration represents a key moment in Panama’s religious calendar,…

Panama City is transforming how thousands of people access and pay for public transportation. The modernization project will bring new payment options to users of the Panama Metro and MiBus systems. Officials announced the initiative this week as part of a broader technological upgrade. The project involves the Panama Metro, MiBus, the Land Transit and Transport Authority (ATTT) and technology firm SONDA. SONDA serves as the financial administrator for the Integrated Transport System Panama. The goal is to strengthen the fare collection infrastructure and adapt it to modern mobility needs. Investment Details and New Payment Options The Panama Metro is…

Panama’s international banking center now relies on five Latin American nations for more than half of its external deposits. Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic together contribute roughly $25.4 billion to the country’s banking system. The Superintendency of Banks of Panama released the data this week. Total deposits reached $120.7 billion by April 2026. External deposits alone hit $49.86 billion. That represents 41.3 percent of all money held in Panamanian banks. A year ago, external deposits accounted for 39.1 percent of the total. The shift shows Panama deepening its role as a regional financial hub. Individual foreign…

Residents and preservationists are raising alarms over plans to demolish a historic Balboa train station. The structure, part of the Panama Canal Railway, sits within the Returned Areas of the Panama Canal. Officials say the building must be removed to make way for the Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal. The station, built around 1915, is a relic of a bygone era. It once served passengers and cargo moving through the canal zone. Now, it stands in the path of a massive infrastructure project that promises to reshape transportation in Panama City. Community Fights to Save 1915 Railway Station Citizens…

Customs officials in Panama have intercepted a massive shipment of 2026 FIFA World Cup merchandise. The operation took place at courier companies in David, Chiriquí province. Authorities seized 100 official tournament albums and 55,350 packets of player stickers. The products arrived from Colombia and were destined for various shops across Chiriquí. Officers from the Customs Prevention and Fiscalization Directorate conducted the inspection. They now investigate whether the merchandise violated import procedures or trademark laws. Preliminary information suggests the goods lacked proper authorization for distribution. Customs officials said the seizure represents a significant blow to potential Intellectual property infringement in Panama.…

Panama City, Panama – More than 22,000 people are currently living with HIV in Panama. The Ministry of Health, known as Minsa, is reinforcing a multi-sectoral plan to address this public health challenge. Officials announced the updated strategy during a meeting of the National Commission for the Prevention and Control of HIV (CONAVIH) on June 4, 2026. The plan focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment access. Panama aims to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The country’s HIV prevalence in Panama remains a key concern for health authorities. Young people are seeing rising infection rates, which…