Author: spieper

Panama’s Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) is cooperating with authorities after the arrest of one of its employees in Chiriquí province. The social security agency confirmed it has provided all requested information to investigators examining potential corruption allegations. This development occurred on November 1, 2025, according to official statements from the institution.The Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) moved quickly to distance itself from the detained official. Agency representatives emphasized their full collaboration with the ongoing investigation. They pledged complete transparency throughout the legal process.”The CSS categorically rejects all acts of corruption and maintains a policy of zero tolerance for any…

Panama will prohibit all single use plastic and polystyrene products within its national protected areas starting January 1, 2026. The country’s Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) formalized the sweeping ban through Resolution No. DM-0496-2025, which it published in the Official Digital Gazette. This decisive action aims to protect the nation’s natural ecosystems from materials that persistently contaminate soil, rivers, and coastlines.The new regulation applies universally to anyone entering the Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SINAP). Visitors, tour operators, concession holders, researchers, contractors, volunteers, and public officials must all comply. Officials designed the policy to directly confront a severe pollution problem. Panama…

A major national security operation of the Panama police recorded one fatality and 135 traffic infractions during its second day. The Ministry of Public Security and the National Police released these preliminary figures from the ongoing patrols for the country’s national holidays in November. Authorities have deployed more than 12,000 officers nationwide to manage public safety and traffic flow.Official data from the ministry detailed three separate traffic accidents, though none resulted in injuries. The operation also required seven tow trucks to handle various roadside emergencies across the country’s main transit corridors. The most common infractions cited by officers included 38…

Panama City will host its annual patriotic today on Monday, November 3, commemorating the nation’s separation from Colombia. The festivities coincide with a nationwide weather advisory for unstable atmospheric conditions, including widespread rain and potential electrical storms. More than 85 delegations from schools, independent bands, and security forces are scheduled to participate in the celebrations. The Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology of Panama (IMHPA) issued the advisory, warning citizens of significant weather disruptions throughout the country. The forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies and precipitation across most regions, with the potential for isolated heavy showers and electrical activity from the…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino led the nation’s traditional “dianas” at dawn today, Monday, November 3, 2025. The early morning musical salute officially commenced celebrations for Panama’s 122nd year as an independent republic. The event took place at 5:00 a.m. in front of the presidential palace, marking the anniversary of the country’s separation from Colombia in 1903. A significant crowd of citizens gathered to witness the patriotic ceremony despite the early hour. The musical bands from various security institutions and the Honorable Firefighters of Panama provided the soundtrack for the celebration. National ministers and government authorities joined Mulino and First…

Residents of Taboga Island blocked tourist disembarkation at their port on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The demonstration protested a new ferry fare increase that islanders say cripples their finances. Protesters gathered at the main dock to prevent tourists from landing, demanding the Taboga Express Fast Ferry company reverse price hikes that took effect that same day.Local community members argued the increased ticket prices disproportionately affect them. They rely on the ferry service for all travel to and from the mainland for work, school, and supplies. With limited job opportunities on the island itself, residents frequently use the ferry, making any…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino led the nation’s official Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead) ceremonies at the Amador Cemetery on Sunday, November 2. The president was joined by his cabinet ministers, municipal authorities, and provincial leaders for the solemn event honoring the country’s founding figures.Mulino placed floral wreaths at two key memorial sites within the historic cemetery. He paid tribute at the mausoleum of Dr. Manuel Amador Guerrero, the nation’s first president, and at the open-air mausoleum dedicated to the Fallen Soldiers of Independence. The ceremony represents an annual tradition for Panama’s sitting president, connecting current leadership…

Panama’s National Migration Service deported 34 Colombian citizens on October 30 in an operation conducted under a migration agreement with the United States. The charter flight to Medellín represents the latest enforcement action targeting foreign nationals lacking legal status and those involved in criminal activities.Coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security, the operation resulted from ongoing collaboration between the two nations. Officials identified drug trafficking, migrant smuggling, and environmental crimes as primary reasons for the expulsions.The director of the Servicio Nacional de Migración confirmed the operation aligns with Panama’s commitment to regional security.”This deportation flight demonstrates our firm commitment to…

Construction on Panama’s monumental Fourth Bridge over the Panama Canal has achieved a significant milestone, reaching 27.13 percent completion. The country’s Ministerio de Obras Públicas (MOP) announced the progress this week as crews began pouring concrete for a main tower foundation. This critical phase marks a major step forward for the infrastructure project designed to alleviate severe traffic congestion in the capital region.Workers started the continuous concrete pour for the eastern main tower base this past Saturday. Project engineers confirmed this single phase will consume 1,600 cubic meters of concrete. Officials compared that volume to the amount required for building…

PANAMA CITY, Panama – The Panama Canal Railway, a 76-kilometer transcontinental line operated by the Panama Canal Railway Company, remains a critical artery for global trade, moving containers between oceans in just ninety minutes. This historic railway, operating for over 150 years, connects the Pacific port of Balboa with the Atlantic ports of Colón Container Terminal and Manzanillo International Terminal, ensuring the seamless flow of international cargo with precision and reliability. The railway functions as a continuous conveyor belt for containerized goods, performing a vital role in Panama’s intermodal logistics network. The system currently operates six daily departures using its…