Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has formally appointed Hector De Sedas Cedeño as the new Deputy Director General of the National Border Service (Senafront). The appointment was made official through Executive Decree No. 31, signed on December 31, 2025, and published in the nation’s official record.
The decree appeared in the Official Gazette of Panama under number 30436. It cites the legal authority granted to the President of Panama by Decree Law 8 of 2008. Articles 13 and 14 of that law state that the positions of Director and Deputy Director General of the border agency are filled at the president’s sole discretion.
“The appointment takes effect from the moment the position is assumed, with immediate fiscal implications,” [Translated from Spanish] the published decree states.
De Sedas Cedeño steps into the role following a leadership transition earlier in the year. Larry Solís took over as Director General of the National Border Service (Senafront) in February 2025. His predecessor, Jorge Gobea, retired from the institution. The deputy director position is a key post within the agency responsible for securing Panama’s borders and managing migration flows.
Compensation and Official Endorsement
The executive decree outlines a detailed compensation package for the new deputy director. De Sedas Cedeño will receive a base monthly salary of 6,000 Balboas. This is supplemented by an additional 811.60 Balboas for functional responsibilities and 250 Balboas for holding a university degree.
An allowance for representation expenses, set at 1,500 Balboas monthly, is also included. The total monthly remuneration package is established to take effect immediately upon his swearing-in.
President Mulino and the Minister of Public Security, Frank Alexis Abrego, both signed the decree. Minister Abrego’s signature served to endorse and countersign the presidential appointment. This formal refrendo process is a standard step for validating high-level government appointments in Panama, similar to procedures documented in the nation’s gaceta oficial digital for other official acts.
The move solidifies the senior leadership team at Senafront under the Mulino administration. It comes at a time when regional migration dynamics continue to pose significant operational challenges for border authorities. The agency plays a critical role in national security and international cooperation efforts.
No public statement from De Sedas Cedeño regarding his new role has been released yet. The border service itself has not commented on the appointment beyond the official publication. Observers expect the new deputy director to begin his duties promptly, integrating into the agency’s command structure alongside Director Larry Solís.