The latest, verified reporting on events across Panama and beyond. This section covers breaking stories, developments, and essential daily news.
Boquete’s annual Orchid Expo runs March 26–April 5 at the Boquete Fairgrounds, offering orchid displays, botanical gardens, local coffee, handicrafts and family entertainment while supporting local businesses.
The BBC published a head-to-head statistical overview of South Africa vs Panama friendlies on 27 March 2026. The data offers context for Panama’s preparations and international exposure.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission says it is closely monitoring an apparent surge in China detaining Panama-flagged ships. The FMC links the pattern to a Panama court ruling involving Hong Kong and an emerging dispute over port control.
Apede has urged that Bill 391 on the right of reply be returned to first debate, warning it risks editorial independence and press freedom amid objections from journalists and transparency groups.
Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi accuses the central government of withholding legally mandated decentralization transfers, citing a shortfall between IBI collections and municipal receipts and warning of strains across the country.
ARENA says Panama’s National Migration Service appointment platform has been offline for over ten days, disrupting residency processes and urging authorities to reactivate the system and be transparent.
The US accused China of detaining ships flying the Panama flag in Chinese ports, linking the claim to Panama’s takeover of two ports previously controlled by another party.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission says it is closely monitoring reports that Chinese authorities have detained Panama-flagged vessels. The situation could affect shipping schedules and draw scrutiny to Panama’s ship registry.
The Caja de Seguro Social received a shipment of high-demand medications—Amlodipine 5 mg, Irbesartan 300 mg, and iron ampoules—intended to support chronic patients in Panama.
ARAP has ordered at least 112 longline vessels reclassified from small- to medium-scale after a nationwide validation campaign, a move that will raise satellite tracking to an estimated 66%. The process follows Executive Decree No. 13 (2023) and is underway across several Panamanian provinces.
The U.S. accused China of detaining Panama-flagged ships in Chinese ports, saying the move followed a takeover by Panamanian authorities. The report does not detail the takeover or the detention’s stated legal basis.
The Alcaldía de Panamá will hold a free “Mujeres que trazan líneas” event at Soho Mall on March 28, featuring talks and health and wellness activities aimed at women.
Authorities announced lane reversals and an operational deployment of more than 700 units for Semana Santa, saying measures will be applied progressively based on vehicle volumes on affected routes.
Sebastián Guerra, 18, won the GTS Jr. season opener at the Autódromo de Panamá in his debut, driving an optimized Hyundai Veloster and sharing duties with Alejandro Huerta Franco.
Danna, 15, received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor after years on dialysis; surgeons repaired an aneurysm in the donor’s renal artery before using the organ.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission warned that China has sharply increased detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships, a move linked to a legal dispute over Panama’s terminal concessions and with potential trade implications.
The Ministry of Education completed two interventions in Coclé that it says bolster modern and safe school spaces, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve learning environments.
The US Federal Maritime Commission warned that intensified inspections and detentions of Panamanian-flagged ships appear aimed at punishing Panama after the transfer of Hutchison port assets, TVN reports. The warning raises concerns about operational and diplomatic impacts on Panama’s maritime sector.
The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission warned of possible actions against China after intensified inspections and detentions of Panama-flagged vessels, linking the measures to the transfer of Hutchison port assets.
The Legislative Assembly approved the use of the name “Guna Yala” nationwide after rejecting an Executive objection to Project 112, and returned the bill to the Executive.