Alleged Abuses at Senniaf Shelter in Tocumen: Public Prosecutor’s Office Opens Investigation

The Attorney General’s Office initiated investigative proceedings after a complaint was filed regarding alleged irregularities at the Comprehensive Care Center (CAI) in Tocumen, an installation overseen by the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and Families (SENNIAF).  According to the entity, once the complaint was received, the Public Prosecutor’s Office acted immediately with the objective of determining the possible commission of punishable acts and establishing criminal responsibilities, in accordance with the provisions of Panamanian law.  The proceedings took place directly at the Tocumen CAI, where teams from the Public Ministry, accompanied by specialized experts and forensic personnel, carried out technical verifications, inspections and the collection of relevant information, in order to objectively document the situations observed during the proceedings. 

The Attorney General’s Office reiterated its commitment to a serious, diligent, and transparent investigation, guaranteeing at all times respect for due process, as well as the protection of fundamental rights, especially those of vulnerable minors.  The Public Prosecutor’s Office also reported that the investigations will continue until all necessary lines of inquiry have been exhausted, in order to determine whether or not criminal conduct related to the care provided at this center occurred.  This process is part of the institutional efforts to ensure the integrity, safety and well-being of children and adolescents in Panama, as well as to strengthen the supervision of comprehensive care centers under the custody of the State.

Inspection Uncovers Anomalies

The incident occurred after the congresswoman, along with other members of the Women’s Commission, inspected the shelter and detected several irregularities, including the deterioration of the infrastructure, the lack of qualified personnel to adequately care for the people under protection, and the coexistence of children and adults within the same space, a situation which, she pointed out, does not meet adequate protection standards. 

Brenes pictured above right, filed a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office against the director of the National Secretariat for Children and Families (Senniaf), Ana Fábrega, and other officials for dereliction of duty. Former Senniaf prevention chief César Pérez accompanied the congresswoman as a key witness to the reported events.  According to the congresswoman, Pérez reported the events via email to various officials at Senniaf, and as a result, he was dismissed from his position citing ‘lack of trust’.