The Minister of Security, Frank Ábrego, stated that homicides in Panama have decreased, and that in Colón the reduction is “significant”. However, when reviewing the official figures, the story looks different. In Colón, the difference between 2024 and 2025 is minimal: 2024: 103 homicides; 2025 (until October): 100 homicides; Difference: 3 fewer cases. Nationally, until October, 485 homicides are recorded, and most of the victims are young people between 18 and 39 years old, caught in wars they do not control. 2024 (January-October): 503 homicides; 2025 (January-October): 485 homicides; Difference: 18 fewer cases. The minister acknowledges that gangs have increased because they are fragmenting — which means more groups, more rivalries, and more potential for violence. What was once a single gang now splits into three: new bosses, new fights, and more hotspots. More gangs mean more conflicts, although the homicide figures show a slight decrease for now. What is behind the numbers? They talk about a “reduction”, but the streets do not feel relief. Experts warn that 75% of homicides are linked to organized crime and gangs, groups with money, weapons, and structures that sometimes seem stronger than the State itself. While that monster keeps growing, no statistic is of any comfort. Yes, there is a slight decrease… but fear does not decrease, nor the feeling that everything can get worse from one day to the next.
