AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Recovery: Panama is still assessing damage from last week’s 7.7 quake and a new 6.1 aftershock; more than 200 aftershocks have been recorded. Reports say over 900 homes are affected, while South Korea has pledged $300,000 in aid and more than 8,000 children need humanitarian support. Aid Concerns: A Los Santos lawmaker says some communities remain short of food, clean water, medicine and shelter, and alleges political interference in aid coordination; the claims have not been independently verified. Maritime Affairs: Panama has deregistered three U.S.-sanctioned tankers. The Panama Canal’s cruise season has also opened, with 220 ship transits scheduled through May; the canal was reported unaffected by the earthquake.

Earthquake Recovery: South Korea plans $300,000 in humanitarian aid after last week’s 7.7-magnitude quake damaged more than 800 homes, 29 health facilities and 419 schools, according to UN figures. President José Raúl Mulino says 6,174 people have been affected; assessments and deliveries of food, water and repair supplies continue. A magnitude-6.1 tremor struck Monday, while aftershocks persist. Health Services: Damaged hospitals are still treating patients in tents and temporary units, with some surgeries suspended as safety checks continue. Regional Security: The U.S. Coast Guard is reviewing whether to station fast-response cutters in Panama as part of a wider anti-cartel effort.

Earthquake Recovery: A magnitude 6.1 quake struck southern Panama on Monday evening near Río Grande; no casualties or damage were immediately reported. It follows Friday’s devastating quakes and more than 300 aftershocks. Nearly 900 homes have been reported affected and at least 27 people injured, as assessments and relief deliveries continue. The state of emergency allows up to $100 million for recovery. Maritime Security: A U.S. fighter jet disabled the Panama-flagged cargo ship Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly tried to breach the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. CENTCOM said the crew was unharmed. Tax Status: The European Union has removed Panama from its tax blacklist, a move welcomed by the government.

Earthquake Emergency: More than 200 aftershocks have followed Friday’s magnitude 7.7 quake. At least 27 people were injured and hundreds of homes damaged, prompting a state of emergency and school closures as inspections continue. The Panama Canal says operations remain normal. Relief Effort: U.S. military teams have delivered emergency supplies as authorities assess damage and support affected communities. Maritime Security: A U.S. fighter jet disabled the Panama-flagged cargo ship Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman, saying it had tried to breach a blockade on Iranian ports; the crew was unharmed. Football: Panama remains fourth in Concacaf’s men’s rankings, behind Mexico, the United States and Canada.

Earthquake Response: Panama’s Oct. 9 magnitude-7.7 quake has injured at least 27 people and damaged more than 400 buildings. More than 200 aftershocks have followed, with no deaths reported. The government declared a state of emergency, and schools were closed for safety checks. U.S. relief supplies have arrived, while Naturgy says power is restored to 97% of customers. Communities on Edge: Residents in La Villa de Los Santos are sleeping in tents, cars and temporary shelters as authorities assess cracked homes and historic buildings. Some communities remain without water or electricity. Maritime Tensions: A U.S. fighter jet disabled Panama-flagged cargo ship Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman, saying it ignored warnings and tried to breach the blockade on Iran. CENTCOM said the crew was unharmed. EU Relations: The European Union removed Panama from its tax blacklist but will continue monitoring its reforms.

Earthquake Response: Panama declared a nationwide state of emergency after powerful quakes damaged about 400 buildings and injured 27 people; no deaths have been reported. The government authorized up to $100 million for emergency purchases, while inspections continue and Monday classes are suspended. Affected Communities: Tonosí residents are still coping with outages and damaged roads as aid reaches hard-hit areas. Naturgy says power has been restored to 97% of customers. Weather Alert: SINAPROC’s rain and thunderstorm warning remains in effect through Monday, with heavy rainfall possible across much of the country and risks of flooding and landslides. Maritime Security: A U.S. fighter jet struck the Panama-flagged Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman after, according to U.S. Central Command, it ignored warnings and attempted to breach the Iran blockade. The crew was unharmed, but the incident adds to growing risks for shipping.**

Earthquake Response: Panama declared a state of emergency after a 7.7-magnitude quake near Tonosí damaged more than 400 buildings and injured at least 27 people; no deaths have been reported. More than 100 aftershocks followed, including a magnitude 5.0 tremor on Sunday. U.S. aircraft, personnel and supplies are being sent to support relief efforts. Maritime Security: U.S. forces disabled the Panama-flagged cargo ship Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman, saying it ignored warnings and tried to breach a blockade of Iranian ports. The crew was unharmed. EU Tax Status: The European Union removed Panama from its tax blacklist, while keeping the country under monitoring as it completes outstanding commitments.

Earthquake Response: A magnitude-7.7 quake struck southern Panama, injuring at least 27 people and damaging more than 400 buildings, including 118 schools. About 300 people were evacuated. The tsunami threat has passed, and the Panama Canal remains open; authorities are monitoring aftershocks. International Aid: The United States is mobilizing support at Panama’s request as emergency teams assess damage. Tax Policy: The EU removed Panama from its tax blacklist after reforms, moving the country to a monitoring list. Maritime Safety: All 22 Indian crew members were reported safe after a drone attack on the Panama-flagged tanker MT GEM NO. 2 near Sharjah.

Earthquake Emergency: Panama declared a major disaster after a 7.6–7.7 earthquake and a powerful 6.6 aftershock struck the south, damaging buildings and roads and disrupting power and water. More than 45 aftershocks were reported; tsunami alerts were later lifted, and authorities had not confirmed casualties in early updates. Chilibre’s water-treatment plant was operating at 20% capacity. Emergency Connectivity: +Móvil offered customers free Starlink satellite texting for 48 hours, helping people stay in touch where mobile service was disrupted. EU Tax List: The European Union removed Panama from its tax-haven blacklist, citing progress on outstanding issues; the country now faces an in-depth review of its information-sharing framework. Panama-Flagged Tanker: All 22 Indian crew members were safe after a drone attack on the tanker MT GEM NO. 2 at Sharjah Anchorage in the UAE.

Maritime Security: A Panama-flagged crude tanker was struck by a projectile in the Gulf on Oct. 9, sparking a fire that was later extinguished; the crew’s condition remains unknown. The incident follows an attack that injured 12 sailors aboard another Panama-flagged ship near Oman. Ship Registry: Panama’s Maritime Authority has restricted three vessels named in U.S. Iran sanctions and begun canceling their registrations, including the tanker Starway. Chiriquí Crime: SENAN seized 1,513 packages of suspected drugs south of Punta Burica and detained three people aboard a speedboat. Economic Outlook: The World Bank says Panama is among the region’s stronger-growing economies, with forecasts pointing to growth above 4% through 2028. Canal and Trade: The Panama Canal extended its long-term booking program to Panamax locks for the 2027 dry season. Diplomacy: President José Raúl Mulino’s Vietnam visit brought agreements aimed at expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Maritime Sanctions: Panama’s Maritime Authority has restricted three Panamanian-flagged vessels named on a new U.S. sanctions list and begun canceling their registrations. It says no vessels on the UK’s latest Russia sanctions list are currently registered in Panama. Public Accountability: Five officials at David’s José Domingo de Obaldía Hospital face embezzlement charges over alleged irregularities involving cafeteria petty cash from 2016 to 2018. Prosecutors have six months to investigate. Security Spending: Lawmakers approved a $6 million transfer from the school construction program to maintain eight security-service helicopters, drawing questions about which school projects could be affected. Shipping Safety: Eleven Indian crew members were injured when a projectile struck a Panama-flagged vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, renewing concern over attacks on commercial shipping. Canal and Trade: The Panama Canal plans to add a transit slot on Oct. 15 and raise draft limits to 49 feet. Regional Ties: President José Raúl Mulino wrapped up an official visit to Vietnam, with both countries signaling plans to deepen economic cooperation.

Vietnam Ties: President José Raúl Mulino wrapped up Panama’s first head-of-state visit to Vietnam in 14 years, with both countries seeking stronger trade links and a role as gateways between Southeast Asia and Latin America. Maritime Safety: Twelve crew members were injured when a projectile struck the Panamanian-flagged ship On Peace in the Gulf; the crew was accounted for, and the vessel was towed to Oman for inspection. Canal Season: The 2026–27 cruise season opened with Carnival Miracle, kicking off more than 220 expected transits through May. Canal Operations: Panama extended advance reservations for Panamax-lock transits during the 2027 dry season as shipping routes face pressure. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Panama’s economy will grow by more than 4% through 2028. Tax Status: Panama could be removed from the EU tax blacklist on October 9, ending a six-year listing. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Panama, led to 233 arrests and uncovered illegal logging, mining and wildlife trafficking.

Maritime Security: Twelve crew members were injured when the Panama-flagged tanker On Peace was struck by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz; 10 were evacuated for treatment, and the projectile’s source is unknown. Canal Trade: Ship diversions around South America rose 70% year over year in August and September as canal draft and transit limits disrupted schedules. The Canal Authority is extending advance slot bookings to Panamax locks for the 2027 dry season. San Miguelito Transit: A $255.2 million cable-car contract has been awarded, but construction awaits an order to proceed. The six-station system is planned to connect with Metro Line 2. Economic Outlook: The World Bank projects Panama’s economy will grow 4.2% in 2026 and 4.1% annually through 2028, outpacing regional growth. Government and Trade: President José Raúl Mulino’s Vietnam visit brought new cooperation agreements and a business forum, as the countries seek to expand trade and investment. Investigations: Former Social Security Fund chief Enrique Lau Cortés was placed under arrest as prosecutors pursue alleged unjust enrichment and money laundering.

Maritime Safety: A projectile struck the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring 12 crew members, including 11 Indians. Oman evacuated the injured for treatment as attacks on tankers in the region surged. Canal and Trade: Drought-related restrictions are pushing ships toward the Strait of Magellan, where traffic rose more than 70% in August and September. Panama has also expanded its long-term canal booking program to offer more transit slots during the 2027 dry season. Investment Links: During President José Raúl Mulino’s visit to Vietnam, both countries promoted closer trade ties and their roles as gateways between Asia and Latin America. Separately, SATS and Tocumen airport agreed to explore cargo facilities and new trade flows through Panama. Environmental Crime: Panama joined an Interpol operation across nine countries that led to 233 arrests for suspected environmental crimes, including illegal logging, mining and wildlife trafficking. Ports Dispute: Panama’s comptroller plans to send prosecutors more audit material on former Panama Ports Company executives, potentially adding pressure on Hutchison as it contests the port dispute in arbitration.

Local Transit Upgrade: San Miguelito’s new cable cars contract was ratified by Panama’s comptroller, with Doppelmayr Panama Corp. and a 30-month timeline for the $255.2 million, 6.6-kilometer route linking to Metro Line 2. Climate & Canal Watch: A new report warns El Niño could tighten water supplies and disrupt Panama Canal operations, raising shipping costs and affecting regional trade and revenues. Water Crisis in Azuero: Pig-farm waste and runoff have left about 200,000 people without safe clean water for over a year, with treatment plants restarted but health officials still urging boiling. Maritime Security: India condemned a projectile strike on the Panama-flagged MT On Peace in the Strait of Hormuz, injuring 12 crew members (11 Indians) and calling for an immediate halt to attacks. Diplomacy in Vietnam: Panama President José Raúl Mulino met Vietnam’s top leader To Lam in Hanoi, with both sides highlighting cooperation in trade, ports, aviation, logistics, and digital transformation. Regional Sports: Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals are set, with Panama drawn against Curaçao.

Maritime Security: India condemned an attack on the Panama-flagged tanker MT On Peace off Oman after a projectile struck it while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, injuring 12 crew members—11 Indians—who were evacuated to Khasab for medical care, with New Delhi calling for an immediate end to attacks on commercial shipping and a restoration of safe navigation. Diplomacy: Panama President José Raúl Mulino met Vietnam’s top leaders in Hanoi and the two sides pledged deeper cooperation across trade, investment, agriculture, port logistics, finance, banking, tourism and transport, with both countries positioning the relationship as a bridge between Southeast Asia and Latin America. Sports (Panama-linked): In international football coverage, India’s Oct. 6 friendly vs Uruguay in Kolkata ended 1-1, with Anirudh Thapa equalizing after Darwin Núñez’s penalty, as India’s window also included a prior 1-1 draw against Panama. Human Rights: A new EU-backed regional project, “Alianza para la Inclusión,” aims to strengthen LGBTQ rights protections across Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras through training, security support and advocacy.