The West Panama Regional Prosecutor’s Office is conducting multiple investigative procedures following a formal complaint by Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo against Arraiján District Mayor Stefany Peñalba. Officials confirmed the investigation, which involves alleged arbitrary actions related to the municipal management of local justice of the peace centers, began on December 31 and continued through January 3.
Investigators carried out inspections at several municipal facilities this week. These locations included the main Arraiján District municipality building, the Municipal Council offices, and several community justice centers known as “Casas de Paz.” Other district administration premises were also examined as part of the ongoing probe.
“The investigation is progressing through the appropriate legal channels to clarify the reported events,” stated an official from the Regional Prosecutor’s Office. [Translated from Spanish]
The dispute centers on the sudden municipal withdrawal from supporting the local justice centers. This move has created an immediate operational crisis for the community justice system.
Conflict Over Justice Center Management and Funding
Tensions erupted publicly on December 30 during an Arraiján Municipal Council session. Council representatives revealed they received notice that justices of the peace would no longer fall under municipal oversight. This directive created a significant logistical and financial problem.
The Arraiján District municipality had been renting the properties where these Casas de Paz operate. When municipal officials inquired about reimbursement for pre-paid rents and utilities, the request was denied. The Ministry of Government indicated it would make its own contracting arrangements without assuming previous municipal commitments.
Consequently, the municipality terminated its leases for these properties effective 12:00 a.m. on December 31. Minister Montalvo later described this sudden action as creating an urgent and worrisome scenario for the continuity of justice services.
Formal Complaint Alleges Arbitrary Actions
In her complaint to the Public Ministry (Panama), Minister Montalvo accused the municipal institution of acting arbitrarily. She detailed that case files were removed from the Casas de Paz without a clear explanation and without the justices of the peace retaining proper custody.
This action occurred despite a prior meeting where all parties agreed an orderly transition was necessary. The minister’s formal complaint now forms the basis for the prosecutor’s investigation into potential misconduct.
“There was a clear agreement for a coordinated handover, which was not honored. The removal of files without ensuring their custodial integrity is a serious matter,” a Ministry of Government spokesperson said, referencing the minister’s allegations. [Translated from Spanish]
The investigation seeks to determine whether municipal officials, under Mayor Peñalba’s administration, violated administrative procedures or laws. The focus remains on the handling of justice center operations and public records.
Immediate Impact on Community Justice Services
The immediate effect has been significant disruption. The Casas de Paz serve as vital local access points for the justice of the peace system, handling minor disputes, mediation, and other community legal matters. Their sudden closure or operational limbo leaves residents without these services.
Prosecutors have not specified a timeline for completing their investigation. The next steps involve analyzing gathered evidence from the inspected locations and interviewing relevant officials from both the municipality and the Ministry of Government.
Mayor Stefany Peñalba has not yet issued a public statement regarding the investigation or the specific allegations. The case highlights ongoing coordination challenges between national and local government levels in administering shared services.
Observers note the situation could affect public trust in the locally managed justice system. Resolving the operational standoff and the accompanying legal probe now rests with the West Panama Regional Prosecutor’s Office.