An Attack against the Associate Deputy Editor of La Prensa in Panama.

The residence of Rolando Rodríguez, associate deputy editor of the Panamanian newspaper La Prensa, was attacked with an explosive device early Saturday, November 14th, 2026 in Panama City. While the blast and resulting fire destroyed two vehicles and damaged part of the home, no injuries were reported. The attack took place around 2:30 a.m. in the Brisas del Golf neighborhood of the San Miguelito district. According to security footage and reports from La Prensa, an unidentified individual arrived in a taxi, exited the vehicle carrying a backpack, and threw an explosive object directly at the property.

Rodríguez was out of Panama City at the time. His wife, who was asleep inside with their pets, escaped unharmed. The attack occurred while Rodríguez was preparing a major investigative report involving former state officials and contractors. Earlier in the week, Rodríguez had sent requests for comment to individuals named in the upcoming story, including businessman Roberto Carretero, former Social Security Fund director Enrique Lau, former Etesa legal director Ewaldo Pittí, and lawyer Lictor Reyna

After news of the attack, the Public Ministry of Panama announced that the Superior Prosecutor’s Office of San Miguelito opened an investigation for crimes against collective security (arson).

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino condemned the attack on social media, stating that the National Police and Public Ministry are working to bring those responsible to justice. “I strongly condemn the violent act suffered by Rolando Rodríguez, a journalist for La Prensa,” the president stated on social media, extending his condemnation of any act of violence against citizens.  “Panama does not accept this type of act under any circumstances.”

Mulino reported that the National Police, in coordination with the Public Ministry, are conducting investigations related to the attack.

International organizations, including the Inter American Press Association (SIP) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), denounced the incident as a severe attack on press freedom and demanded immediate state protection for Rodríguez and his family.