Panama Government Declares State of Emergency in Bocas del Toro Province

Statement from the Panama Government

The National Government informs the country that the situation in the province of Bocas del Toro has escalated dangerously in recent hours, as a result of acts of violence perpetrated by radicalized groups and criminal elements that have infiltrated the demonstrations.

Tonight, violent groups starred in criminal acts that attack public order, citizen safety and democratic institutionality: the partial fire of Calvin Byron Stadium was recorded, endangering the lives of members of the Public Force; private facilities were vandalized and looted, including offices of the office company Chiquita Panama and seized facilities from Changuinola airport, seized vehicles from rental companies and belongings from terminal offices.

These facts are unacceptable and do not represent a legitimate protest. These are criminal actions that threaten social peace, affect citizens and severely damage the province’s economy.

The National Government has acted with patience and measure, however, in the face of the disruption of order and acts of systematic violence, the State will make use of its constitutional mandate to guarantee peace, order and respect for the fundamental rights of the majority of Panamanians.

We cannot continue to allow irresponsible political sectors to use the population as an instrument of pressure, encouraging chaos and then presenting themselves as false mediators. That behavior is immoral and criminal, and those who promote it will be investigated and held accountable under law.

The firmness of the State will be imposed to restore order, protect citizens and ensure that the province of Bocas del Toro returns to the path of development, legality and peace.

With the latent feeling that everything could explode again, Changuinola woke up Friday like a city on pause. The night before, the calm that had been so hard to maintain during the days of protests against Law 462 was completely shattered: a mob took to the streets and wreaked havoc in the heart of Bocas del Toro.  There are fires, violence and vandalism shaking Changuinola. This Friday, businesses, public offices, the airport, and banks remain closed. The Judiciary even ordered the suspension of court terms in the region. 

The Cabinet Council has decided to declare a state of emergency in the province of Bocas del Toro, announced the Minister of the Presidency of the Republic, Juan Carlos Orillac. Orillac also announces the suspension of constitutional guarantees for five days in Bocas and says that violent groups threaten public order and democracy.  This is an ongoing story so stop in from time to time for updates.

Looting of a Clothing Business in Changuinola

Above is the Bocas Airport. The offices located at the Changuinola Airport, pictured below were vandalized on the night of Thursday June 19 and much of the early morning of Friday June 20 with office equipment and uniforms stolen and vehicle damage.  Damage was reported to the structure of check-in counters and facilities so the Airport operations have been suspended until further notice.

Sinaproc warned authorities and the public that as a result of this vandalism pictured below, personnel uniforms, helmets, and equipment were stolen and are in the hands of unscrupulous individuals who may pose as agency personnel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls the Bocas del Toro Protests “Manipulated by Hidden Interests.”

The head of Labor and Workforce Development, Jackeline Muñoz pictured above, said that although they are open to dialogue, they will not allow acts of violence or vandalism.  The Minister of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), Jackeline Muñoz, spoke out on the situation in the province of Bocas del Toro, particularly in the district of Changuinola, asserting that the recent protests do not correspond to a legitimate struggle of the people, but have been manipulated by hidden interests and political actors with personal agendas.  The situation in Bocas del Toro was never a legitimate struggle; it was always manipulated by hidden interests and various political actors seeking to exploit the situation to advance their own agendas and then sell themselves as saviors. Radicalized groups and elements…— Jackeline Muñoz June 20, 2025

Three Panama Gangs have been Identified as Responsible for Vandalism in Changuinola Bocas del Toro

Members of the Boys, Pachuco, and Chuco gangs are believed to be responsible for the acts of vandalism in recent days in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, which have caused damage to public institutions, private cars, and private property.  Sources revealed that the police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are conducting search operations in the coming hours.

Vandals Attack the Headquarters of the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bocas del Toro, Jeopardizing Judicial Investigations

The headquarters of the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences (Imelcf) in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro, was attacked this afternoon by hooded individuals who attempted to break down the doors and enter the facility.  Pachar explained that the vandals attacked the officers’ cars with stones, destroyed the security cameras, and the police were immediately called to provide security for the staff.

VANDALS BREAK INTO CHANGUINOLA AIRPORT
Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 10:30 pm

Groups of vandals took over Changuinola Airport after breaching the perimeter fence. During the incident, they stole vehicles belonging to rental companies and various items from the airport offices. The criminals also clashed with police units, set fires and damaged infrastructure at Calvin Byron Stadium, looted Chiquita SA facilities, and robbed several businesses in the area. The corresponding investigations have been initiated with the aim of determining responsibility and bringing the perpetrators of these events before the competent authorities.

Coobana Maintains Banana Exports to Europe Despite the Crisis in Bocas del Toro

Despite the blockades, fuel shortages, and uncertainty surrounding the agricultural sector, the cooperative’s workers have continued their work in the fields with the goal of maintaining the flow of exports and protecting jobs.  While Bocas del Toro is experiencing one of its most tense social crises in years, the Atlantic Banana Multiple Services Cooperative (Coobana) is maintaining production on its three farms located in the province.  Aris Pimentel, president of the Bocas del Toro Chamber of Commerce, explained that Coobana could be producing about six containers of bananas per day on its farms. In fact, he indicated that the company has obtained permits from Costa Rican entities to transport its production through that neighboring country.