Panama’s government confirmed a massive prison break at the notorious La Joyita Prison on Monday. Government Minister Dinoska Montalvo revealed that 195 inmates escaped the facility during a violent riot. The announcement came during a press conference held 24 hours after the incident.
Three inmates died inside the prison before the mass escape occurred. National Police Director Jaime Fernández confirmed the deaths and said officers have already recaptured 123 fugitives. That leaves 72 inmates still on the loose. Police operations continue across the region.
Violence Erupts Inside Prison Walls
The riot caused injuries to eight additional inmates and three police officers. One officer was briefly held by a group of inmates before being released. Fernández admitted that high-profile prisoners inside the facility incited the violent acts. Those acts took place in pavilions 13, 14 and 15 of the penal complex.
Authorities have launched an internal investigation. “We are going to find the people who allowed a situation like this to happen,” Montalvo said. [Translated from Spanish] The government minister emphasized that those responsible would face harsh treatment. She stated that acts of violence inside prisons cannot be tolerated.
“We are going to find the people who allowed a situation like this to happen.”
Fernández detailed that an administrative investigation has opened to determine possible involvement of Panama National Police agents who were stationed at La Joyita during the escape. Officials did not explain the circumstances surrounding the three inmate deaths. It remains unclear if they resulted from gang disputes or personal conflicts. Reports suggest the deceased had links to a gang operating in Panama Oeste province.
Recapture Operation Underway
The operation to capture the escaped inmates involves 1,200 police units. The National Border Service, National Aeronaval Service and Institutional Protection Service are also participating. Authorities have requested public cooperation to locate the remaining fugitives.
Prison visits at the Las Garzas complex have been suspended. They will resume next Monday but only for La Mega Joya and La Joya facilities. Officials did not share photographs of the inmates who remain at large during the press conference.
Prison System Under Critical Strain
A recent report from the General Directorate of the Penitentiary System highlights the dire situation at La Joyita. The document, dated April 30 2026, shows the facility is severely overcrowded. It currently houses 4,788 men despite having an official capacity for only 2,837 people.
This disparity creates an overpopulation of 1,951 individuals. The prison density stands at an alarming 165.74 percent. The report breaks down the population by legal status. Convicted inmates total 2,629 men who already have final sentences. They represent 54.9 percent of the prison population. Another 2,159 inmates are awaiting trial. These pretrial detainees make up 45 percent of the facility’s residents.
Authorities continue their search for the 72 escaped inmates. The government has promised a thorough investigation into the security failures that allowed this mass escape to happen.