As part of these measures, it was established that activities must conclude no later than 5:00 PM, with the aim of reducing violent incidents. Shootings keep residents of Pedregal on edge. January 29, 2026. Gunmen kill the son of singer Jr. Despite police presence, the wave of shootings that keeps honest residents in fear while rival gangs dispute territory at gunpoint has not been contained. The most worrying aspect is that the victims of these violent acts are not always linked to the criminal world. Innocent people, uninvolved in criminal activities, have been injured by stray bullets after being caught in the crossfire of shootouts that erupt without warning on streets, sports fields, and community spaces. The representative of the corregimiento, Luis Constante, lamented the critical situation facing Pedregal and other sectors of the capital, but assured they will not remain idle. “Unfortunately, due to the violence, there are innocent people hospitalized, in wheelchairs, using canes, or paralyzed after being hit by stray bullets during wars between rival gangs,” stated Constante. In response, authorities have reinforced actions in coordination with the National Police, especially during sporting events where armed confrontations frequently occur. Stricter controls have also been imposed to prohibit the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, cited as a primary trigger for brawls that escalate into shootings. Crime continues to heavily impact Pedregal, one of the corregimientos most affected by violence in Panama City.
