Panama National Police arrested a third teenager linked to the violent robbery of two foreign seniors on Balboa Avenue. The case has prompted stepped-up patrols in a major tourist area of Panama City.
Libros para Niños has opened entries for the 2026 Premio Centroamericano de Literatura Infantil, a regional contest for adult writers from seven Central American countries, including Panama. The call remains open through August 20, 2026.
Panama has named its delegation for the 2026 Latin American Karting Championship, where drivers will compete in Costa Rica later this month. The event gives Panamanian racers a regional stage to measure themselves against top talent.
César Caicedo has been placed under house arrest after a December 2025 drug-related arrest in Operation Nodriza. Prosecutors have appealed and are seeking his detention again.
Panama’s Second National Mega Bingo draw for May 7, 2026, has produced the winning numbers, with players now checking tickets and prize deadlines. As always, timely redemption is key for any potential winner.
Panamanian authorities checked 90 people in a joint Terraplén operation, flagging residency, work, and entry violations among some foreign nationals. Six citations were issued and five people were referred to authorities.
Panama’s Gordito del Zodiaco lottery drawing took place on May 8, 2026, drawing attention from players following the national game. The event remains part of the country’s long-standing lottery tradition.
Panama’s U-17 men’s team will return to the Canteras de América in Rosario, where it will face Alianza Lima, Peñarol and Paraguay in Group C. The tournament offers another important tune-up ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
Panama’s CSS has confirmed that May 2026 pension and retirement payments will be made on May 19 and 20. The schedule includes both ACH deposits and cheque payments.
Panama’s civil protection system is monitoring Saharan dust affecting several provinces through May 10. Residents are being urged to take precautions, especially in vulnerable groups.
Panama’s Labor Ministry found nine foreign nationals working without permits during an inspection of 35 businesses in San Felipe. The sweep highlights ongoing enforcement of labor rules in Panama City.
Panama and Portugal agreed to strengthen cooperation in science and education while Portugal also moved to adhere to the Panama Canal Neutrality Protocol. The deal reinforces the canal’s international significance and Panama’s diplomatic ties.
Panama is hosting the Maritime Convention of the Americas this week as the canal, security, and the Middle East conflict shape the regional maritime agenda. The country’s maritime and logistics sector accounts for 30% of GDP and employs more than 150,000 people.
Panamanian courts granted home detention or similar measures to three suspects in serious cases in hearings held over two days. The rulings involved a Colón gang case, a homicide defendant, and the father of Dayra Caicedo.
Portugal is moving toward joining the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty after talks with Panama’s foreign affairs officials. The step comes as Panama broadens diplomatic support for the canal amid global trade instability.
President José Raúl Mulino traveled to San José for the inauguration of Costa Rica’s new president, using the visit to emphasize security, border coordination and trade. The trip comes as Panama seeks to improve commercial ties after earlier disputes with Costa Rica.
Panama police detained a Mexican national wanted for child sexual abuse in an operation coordinated with Interpol Panama. The arrest reflects the country’s role in international law-enforcement cooperation.
Four men were detained in Chiriquí after authorities seized 1,320 packages of cocaine, along with a firearm, cash and several vehicles. The case underscores ongoing anti-trafficking operations in western Panama.
Panama has seized more than 25 tons of drugs in 2026 as traffickers continue to move shipments through ports and maritime routes. The figure highlights the country’s ongoing role as a key transit corridor in regional narcotics trafficking.
Panama’s Education Ministry has launched Meduca SIG, a new platform for academic consultations, while also testing more than 400,000 primary students. The move strengthens digital support and student assessment in the public school system.