The start of 2026 has been without homicides, a significant change from previous years. National Police Director Jaime Fernández stated this, emphasizing that operations were strong from the first day. According to the director, the situation was under control, and the police continued to operate normally. «This year started better,» he said. To combat crime, a rewards program has been highlighted. Through this program, 12 of the 33 most wanted individuals were captured in just one month thanks to citizen information. «Safety is not built only by the police, but by the community,» Fernández noted. He also confirmed that some suspects are abroad, and coordination with international police forces is underway to locate them. «The message is clear,» Fernández said. In Colón, as always, the situation was more tense, with some aggressive incidents and complicated moments circulating on social media. However, traffic flow was better than expected, with around 45,000 vehicles traveling into the interior of the country. «There was control, presence, and coordination,» the director summarized. Police remained on the streets until after 7 a.m. to manage the disorder. Internal changes were also confirmed, as Commissioner Jorge Domínguez retires after 30 years of service, with Francisco Castro taking over as the new deputy director while the formal process is completed.
