Day: September 18, 2026

A source headline reported an explosion in an apartment in Bijao, Coclé, but the article body was empty, leaving no verified details to report.

Panamanian prosecutors presented 46 documented events from a four-year investigation to support charges against 13 people arrested in Operation Poseidon, alleging drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. The alleged leader allegedly ran the network from a ranch in Santiago, Veraguas.

A war of words between the US and Chinese embassies in Panama has escalated over a new parliamentary group linking Panamanian deputies with Taiwan, prompting warnings from Beijing about the future of China-Panama relations. Chinese spokesman Guo Jiakun urged Washington on September 14 to stop sending erroneous signals about Taiwan.

MOCA confirmed leader Ricardo Lombana met with former president Ricardo Martinelli but denied the encounter represents any political agreement or electoral alliance, while criticizing proposed electoral reform changes.

The National Cancer Institute has opened new cancer treatment services at Panama’s City of Health complex, including a high-dose-rate brachytherapy unit, expanding modern radiotherapy options for public patients.

President José Raúl Mulino travels to New York for the UN General Assembly, where he will deliver a speech and hold meetings with world leaders.

Ricardo Lombana visited asylum-backed former president Ricardo Martinelli in Bogota, with sources saying the two have held regular talks for four months, though Moca denies any electoral alliance ahead of 2029.

Comptroller Anel Flores defended Panama’s budget adjustments, saying public benefits remain unaffected, while announcing the refrendo of the fourth bridge addendum and audits of Canal security funds.

Docufiction film “The Dance of the Kokorrdit,” shot in Panama’s Darién region with Wounaan communities, has begun a six-week tour of seven film festivals across five countries, running from Vancouver to Gdańsk.

Some Panama retirees and pensioners may find their CSS deposit has not arrived via ACH. Here is how to verify payment status and report the problem.

Panama’s latest reference prices for gasoline and diesel remain in force until Friday, October 2, with the National Energy Secretariat’s regular adjustments continuing to shape prices at the pump across the country.

Panama’s Operación Justicia Activa has led to the arrest of two suspects allegedly tied to robberies against two companies in Barú, Chiriquí. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to protect businesses in the border province.

Banco Nacional de Panamá’s 2025 Sustainability Report reveals women hold 55% of managerial posts and near pay parity, backed by UNDP certification. The state bank links gender strategy to core business through financial products like Agro Mujer and programs such as Raíces and Crece Mujer.

A tribute published in La Prensa celebrates founder Bobby Eisenmann as a “Panamanian Don Quixote,” recounting his exiles, the founding of the newspaper under dictatorship, and his lifelong fight for democracy and against corruption.

The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since July 2023, a move expected to push up mortgage, personal, and business loan costs in Panama’s dollarized economy within three to six months. Savers may benefit from higher deposit yields, but borrowers are urged to manage debt carefully.

A Telemetro report featuring journalist Hugo Famanía examines the financial and institutional costs of creating political parties in Panama, where nine parties currently compete but many historically fail to deliver public policy benefits.

Deputies in Panama’s National Assembly have formed rival blocs supporting China and Taiwan respectively, exposing a legislative split over diplomatic relations and which partner offers Panama the greatest benefits.

Matchday 9 of the LPF Apertura Tournament begins Friday as San Francisco FC faces Arabé Unido to open the round. The clash headlines another key weekend in Panama’s top football division.