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 speeding tickets, 34 instances of drivers ignoring traffic signals, and 8 vehicles with improper lighting.
Frank Ábrego, the Minister of Public Security, emphasized the scale of the security deployment. He confirmed that thousands of personnel and vehicles are actively patching the nation.
“We have more than 12 thousand agents deployed nationwide, in addition to 1,500 vehicles, helicopters, and boats that reinforce land, air, and maritime surveillance,” Ábrego stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Vehicle checkpoints reported significant traffic volumes, monitoring 68,014 cars in Sajalices and 28,049 in Los Canelos. The daytime flow on Sunday reached 11,052 vehicles, with an average travel time of one hour and ten minutes along the 57.9-kilometer stretch between La Espiga and Las Uvas.
Comprehensive Security Deployment Across Panama
The security initiative extends far beyond traffic management. Officials confirmed the operation covers parades, official acts, beaches, resorts, terminals, and airports. Residential and commercial zones are also receiving increased patrols. This comprehensive strategy aims to ensure citizen security throughout the entire month of November as the country celebrates its patriotic festivities.
Minister Ábrego also issued a direct appeal to citizens traveling for the holidays. He encouraged people to report any criminal activity and to establish neighborhood watch networks.
“I ask those who have left for the interior of the country and those who have come to the city to report crime, to have a network of contacts with the neighbors who stay in their houses to watch over theirs and thus be able to carry out the national holidays in peace and tranquility,” the minister expressed. [Translated from Spanish]
The massive operation is a coordinated effort led by the Ministerio de Seguridad Pública de Panamá. The National Police leads the deployment with 7,207 uniformed officers. They are supported by 2,415 personnel from the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval, 1,200 from the National Border Service, and 1,009 from the National Migration Service. The SUME 911 emergency system has also committed 101 units to the effort.
Separate Tragedy Under Investigation in Panama City
Separate from the operational statistics, authorities reported a tragic death in the upscale Paitilla neighborhood. A 16-year-old male fell from the 27th floor of a residential building, landing on the 12th floor. The incident is now under investigation by the relevant judicial authorities.
Minister Ábrego acknowledged the event but deferred detailed comments to the investigating bodies.
“This matter is in the hands of the corresponding authorities, and by protocol, it is their responsibility to provide statements,” Ábrego said, while also lamenting the death of the young foreign student. [Translated from Spanish]
This security operation represents one of the largest coordinated efforts by Panama’s various law enforcement agencies. The government routinely mobilizes its servicio nacional forces during major holidays to handle the surge in travel and public gatherings. Officials expect to continue providing daily updates on the operation’s progress and its findings throughout November.