The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
SINAPROC rescued a foreign visitor at Nueva Gorgona and raised red flags on beaches affected by dangerous surf and marine conditions. The warning comes during Holy Week, when coastal areas across Panama see more visitors.
Panama’s Pacific coast is under a red flag warning due to strong waves, while a crocodile sighting in La Barqueta has heightened safety concerns. Residents are being told to follow upcoming weather bulletins closely.
Albrook Mall in Panama City has special April hours for Holy Week and will close on Good Friday, April 3. The changes affect one of the capital’s busiest shopping centers during the Easter holiday period.
Police now believe the killing of former Juan Díaz candidate Jesús Alemán may have been a gang-linked hit aimed at another person. Investigators have identified four possible participants and are stepping up security in Ciudad Radial.
An Africanized bee attack in Penonomé affected about 150 people during a Via Crucis procession, and 50 were taken to medical centers. The incident raised safety concerns at a major Holy Week gathering in Coclé.
Marco Rubio said China’s detention of Panama-flagged ships undermines supply chains, spotlighting Panama’s central role in global shipping. The comments add to concerns over trade disruptions and maritime stability.
Panama is enforcing its Good Friday alcohol ban during Holy Week 2026, with sales and public consumption prohibited until the official cutoff time. The measure carries fines for noncompliance and is part of broader holiday order rules.
Panama’s Semana Santa 2026 holiday began with two deaths, one in a traffic crash in Chiriquí and another under investigation, as authorities maintained a nationwide safety operation. Officials also reported heavy travel, rescues, medical attentions, and an incident involving more than 100 people affected by bees in Penonomé.
The Public Ministry is asking for help to locate Lisseth Paredes, who was reported missing in Aguadulce, Coclé. Authorities shared her characteristics and contact numbers to support the search.
Panama’s Holy Week ended with two deaths, rescue operations and more than 100 people affected by bee incidents. The holiday period highlighted the public safety risks tied to travel, beaches and outdoor recreation.
Metro de Panamá ran on a special Good Friday schedule on April 3, affecting opening and closing times for passengers in the capital area. The holiday timetable is important for commuters planning travel around reduced service hours.
Authorities in Colón seized 80 packages of suspected drugs hidden in containers bound for Greece. The case highlights Panama’s ongoing struggle against narcotics trafficking through its port system.
Panama’s environmental value is gaining fresh attention as the country’s forests, waterways, and biodiversity become part of its economic story. The shift highlights how sustainability is increasingly tied to Panama’s global standing.
Panama City’s Mercado de Mariscos will operate partially on Monday as the municipality carries out a deep cleaning campaign. City Hall says the move is meant to reinforce food safety and sanitation standards.
IFARHU will publish the 2026 scholarship calendar after Holy Week and is warning applicants that mistakes can cost them the benefit. The announcement is expected to help students prepare for the next scholarship cycle in Panama.
Panama’s municipalities say they are being shortchanged by as much as $115 million a year in property tax transfers, intensifying the debate over decentralization. Local leaders want the law changed so all IBI revenue reaches towns and districts in full.
More than 70,000 vehicles have moved from Panama City toward the interior of Panama for Semana Santa. Traffic is expected to intensify over the weekend as travelers return to the capital.
Peru voiced support for Panama’s push to strengthen safe maritime transport and uphold responsible maritime practice. The move highlights Panama’s continued importance as a major flag state and regional shipping hub.
Resident and intern doctors in Panama met with CSS officials to demand faster payment of overtime shifts and better payroll processing. Fenameri has also called a nationwide peaceful protest for April 9.
Chiriquí and Veraguas open the Series of 8 in David as Panama’s 83rd National Major Baseball Championship enters its second phase. Chiriquí swept the regular-season meetings, but Veraguas arrives with momentum after advancing to the next round.