A total of 1,386 new agents will be incorporated into the different branches of Panama's Public Force to reinforce citizen security throughout the country, after being sworn in during an inter-institutional ceremony led by President José Raúl Mulino at the headquarters of the Ministry of Public Security. During the event, which was attended by state authorities, the head of state reiterated the National Government's commitment to guaranteeing the security of the Panamanian population and maintaining a firm fight against crime and organized crime. He also emphasized that the government will continue to invest resources to face threats such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, gangs, and smuggling. The president insisted on the need for a firmer justice against serious crimes to avoid impunity, and questioned what he called an excessive flexibility associated with legal guarantees, pointing out that this vision has failed in the fight against crime in Latin America. Likewise, he urged the new uniformed officers to serve with honor, respect their institution, and prioritize the interests of Panama. Mulino highlighted that the work of the security branches allowed 2025 to close with a 30% reduction in homicides, a result he attributed to the sustained effort of law enforcement forces. Additionally, he urged the banking sector to strengthen controls to prevent money laundering by criminal organizations. In terms of international security cooperation, Mulino mentioned the joint work with the Army and Police of Colombia, as well as the strengthening of regional intelligence with Ecuador, Peru, and the DEA, in addition to exchanging experiences with new partners from Mercosur in the fight against organized crime. For his part, the Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, reminded the new units of the responsibility of wearing the uniform, highlighting that their training responded to a demanding process based on sacrifice and perseverance, and that they represent the hope of their families and the citizenry that trusts in their professionalism, integrity, and courage.
During the ceremony, it was detailed that the National Police graduated 727 agents of the 'Victorious' Promotion 102; the National Aeronaval Service incorporated 416 units of Promotion XXVII 'Orions'; Senafront added 152 border guards; and the National Migration Service added 91 inspectors, in addition to decorating the top honor positions of each institution before authorities, diplomatic representatives, and family members.
