A house located on farm 64 in the district of Changuinola in Bocas del Toro province caught fire at around 12:00 noon today. As explained by the homeowner at the time of the incident he heard a noise and when he looked he saw a mattress on fire, then he ran and rescued his 2 year old son. Despite the rapid action of this man he could not rescue any items from home, so the fire left a total loss. In rescuing the child, this person received minor burns on his head and on his right arm. These people have been living there for 28 years, they said. Firefighters from Changuinola and Guabito arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to other homes. (TVN)

Lt. Iran Ponce of the Fire Department of Panama reported they treated a group of people who were affected by nerves. The Banco General building on Calle 50 was evacuated this morning due to an accidental activation of a security alarm, said Lt. Ponce of the Fire Department. The situation was under control, and the employees who had been evacuated returned to their jobs, while firemen inspected the site. Ponce said they treated a group of people who were affected by nerves (panic attack), while reporting that the situation was not anything serious. (Panama America)

His car was hit from behind, and he was kidnapped. That happened on Monday to a Chinese businessman in Colon when he was traveling in his car with plate number 675170, on Roosevelt Avenue in this district. Early police reports indicate Xuan Sang Ng, known as "Samy" was hit from behind and when he got out of the car to see what had happened, he was taken away at gunpoint. When it happened, Samy was accompanied by a friend who was released, who notified the victim's family. Although the National Police deployed an intensive operation to know what happened, they could not find Ng, but they did find his car abandoned in the community of Villa del Caribe, in the village of Cristobal. So far, no money has been requested for the freedom of Sang Ng. For safety reasons, the police avoided talking about it. (Mi Diario)

Editor's Comment: Word to the wise. If you get hit from behind, take a moment before you go popping out of your car to see what happened. Wait for the other guy to get out, first. Look at his hands. If this scenario the victim might have been able to pull an "Oh, shit" and get the hell out of there. But, he didn't spot the danger until it was too late.

The student Victor Perez, 13 years old, missing since Friday, was found drowned in Lake Gonzalillo. The director of the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), Arturo Alvarado, said today at 2:59 am, they received a call from a police officer in Torremolinos, where he reported that a friend of Perez said the victim suffered a cramp and never surfaced from the lake. Alvarado said the SINAPROC rescue team confirmed finding the student's lifeless body at about the 6 am today. Perez was declared missing since last Friday, when he attended school, but then was forced to leave the school grounds in the midst of a nationwide strike by teachers. (Critica)

Rescue personnel from the National Civil Protection System (Sinaproc) are still looking for a 53 year old man who disappeared last Friday after a collision between of two larger boats and a smaller boat on the Bayano River, in Coquira, Chepo. The incident occurred Friday in the evening and it is presumed that those who collided with the small boat were going at a high speed. Residents report the people who caused the accident could be those who are engaged in robbing area workers who move at night, so they call them "pirates." The 53 year old man in the wrecked boat was with his 23 year old son, who reported the incident to the authorities after saving his own life. (Mi Diario)

The sea gave up the dead bodies of two young men who were reported missing on Friday afternoon from the La Boquillas beach in Gorgona, after they were swept away by strong waves. At approximately 4:30 pm on Friday, friends of swimmers Eric Alberto García , 27, and Abdel Alonso Mendoza, 20, reported them missing when strong waves hit the Pacific coast of western Panama. After learning about what happened to the two young men, residents from Vacamonte and San Miguelito started a search together with units from the SINAPROC, police, fire department, and the residents of Gorgona.

At approximately 11:00 pm on Friday night (6 hours after his disappearance) the lifeless body of 27 year old Eric Alberto García, a resident of Vacamonte, Arraiján, was found near the beach in Malibu. At 11:00 am on Sunday morning the body of 20 year old Abdel Alonso Mendoza was found in an area known as Arena Negra.

Abdel, with his companions, arrived at Gorgona Beach from San Miguelito. According to his friends, both young men were threw themselves into the sea trying to rescue a drowning friend. Amid the heavy swell the young man managed to reach safety, but his teammates did not run with the same fate. (Siglo)

Editor's Comment: Man, that's sad. Attempted a rescue, and the two would be "life guards" drowned, while the "victim" made it back to the beach on his own.

Two young adults who disappeared yesterday from the La Boquilla beach in Gorgona are still missing. People went to the beaches yesterday despite warnings issued by the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC) that the beaches along the Pacific coast of Panama would be experiencing extremely high tides of up to 17 feet. The SINAPROC Director Arturo Alvarado said the two missing people are aged 20 and 26 years old. (Dia a Dia)

Editor's Comment: Panama experiences these "extremely high tides" about once a month, corresponding more or less with the full moon. SINAPROC always issues an alert, and it's always ignored. Every year several people are killed along these beaches by rip tides - they get sucked out to sea, panic, and drown. If you're going to be swimming in the Pacific ocean in Panama you should learn how to react to a rip current. Basically, relax, don't fight it, float, wait for it to lose strength, swim parallel to the shore to get out of the current, and then make your way back to the beach. Do not try to swim frantically back towards shore, against the rip tide, because you will just burn off all of your energy, get nowhere, and drown. If you're on the beach and you see someone else getting sucked out towards the open ocean - throw some kind of a flotation device (cooler, beach ball, anything that's handy) into the water after them. Eventually they will probably be able to grab it and float. Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue unless you are a trained and experienced lifeguard with the right equipment - that's why often these victims come in pairs. One gets in trouble, and the second tries to help or rescue. I don't know exactly what happened to these two people, but I suspect they probably fell victim to a rip tide as well.

A boiler exploded at the Pascual company this afternoon, due to some defect, two people were injured, on Saturday 4 August 2012, said the acting director of the Civil Protection System (Sinaproc), Jose Valencia. The injured were taken to the Santo Tomas Hospital for medical attention. Valencia said both Jairo Cruz and Efrain Quintero suffered first degree burns to the face. The explosion occurred at 2:10 pm. The first to arrive on the scene were firefighters and police officers, who controlled the situation. Valencia said the fire department will investigate the causes of this incident. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Pascual is a large local company that makes cookies, crackers, etc.

Any person seeking access to the National Assembly will be subject to strict review by security, in a measure adopted by the Assembly President, Sergio Galvez, after Mrs. Monica Garcia Serrano threw eggs at the Deputies. Even the journalists who are assigned to cover what happens in the Assembly will be subjected to rigorous controls, and they will have to carry identification. The President of the National Assembly Sergio Galvez said from now on, the security personnel will be assigned to protect the perimeter of the Assembly, and they will not be assigned to individual members. He said in his case he has no bodyguards - his escort is prayer - every time he leaves or returns home. (TVN)

Editor's Comment: Good. There were all kinds of "security" personnel on the payroll, but they had been assigned as personal escorts or bodyguards for each of the individual Deputies in the National Assembly. All 71 of them. And when there was a political dispute, such as what happened a couple of months ago, the security personnel did not respond to the orders of the President of the Assembly, but rather to their individual bosses. In other words, chaos - and no effective security whatsoever. A woman was able to bring in a dozen eggs, which she threw at (and hit) some of the lawmakers.

An ammonia leak at the Marpesca processing plant located in Corozal, Ancon, triggered the Fire Department of Panama (CBP) at 5:11 am yesterday. Reports from the say the incident was overcome with a ventilation system, whereby the gas is extracted by a plastic tube and then was disabled with an air extractor. The incident was treated and controlled by Elvis Cordova and five CBP officers from the Balboa Station. There were no injured people, nor the environment, said the fire department. Roger Gonzalez, Marpesca company spokesman, said that the leak was caused by the failure of a value on a small ammonia re-circulation tank. "Ammonia is a strong gas, as soon as it got outside of the plant, its odor spreads," he said. Gonzalez said the company applied the security controls and recommendations made by the Fire Department. (Prensa)

The Ministers of the Presidency and Education, Roberto Henriquez and Lucy Molinar, and the National Police director, Julio Moltó were the first to reach the Centro Aposento Alto in Los Andes No.2, where there will be a meeting of the Cabinet to define strategies to stop violence in the country. The Director of the PROSI Manuel Zambrano said previously they will be working on prevention, and finding ways to create opportunities for young people, to keep them away from gangs. (TVN)

After the fire that occurred on Friday July 13 on Calle 15 in Pueblo Nuevo, residents held protest actions saying they have not received a response to their needs.

In response to their protests, the Minister of Housing José Domingo Arias, announced today, Friday July 20, on RPC Radio, that they have carried out a social assessment of each of the 55 families, because when dealing with funds for social management, they must be used responsibly, and he said they have already interviewed the families to ascertain their income levels. "There is no uniform format for families (...)", said Arias.

He said the families without exception will receive a rented apartment until they are given a final solution. He also said some of the departments in the Miviot are there to receive them (the families). He said they cannot provide an immediate response by building new apartments on the same site where the fire occurred, there are only off-site solutions.

Arias said they have presented several options for lodging solutions in the departments of social projects, and with others who have land or properties have requested assistance with materials. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: In Panamanian Spanish, when they talk about "solutions" after a fire like this, what they mean is apartments, houses, or a place for these people to live. In Panama it's actually rare for poor people to have any kind of fire insurance, so when a catastrophic fire destroys the homes of 55 families, it's expected that the government will step in to provide a "solution" for them. The land under the old wooden building that burned is privately owned, so normally the government can't just come in and build something on the same spot.

Nine firefighters were injured during a supermarket fire in the area of El Cangrejo, in Panama City. This was reported by the Captain of the Fire Department of Panama, Angel Delgado, who said the situation was already controlled. According to Delgado, at this time the firemen are working to control the fire in the basement area to declare the area safe. Delgado said the work has been arduous, so they had to call volunteers to provide support. The captain said there was much resistance from local residents to evacuate near their homes. However, with the intervention of other authorities who came to the scene, they cleared out the area affected by smoke. Access to the area near the Casa de la Carne supermarket has been closed as a precaution. So far it is unclear what caused the fire. (Prensa)

An industrial accident claimed the life of the Mexican citizen Arturo Cruz Mendez, 56, when he was hit in the head Wednesday afternoon by a crane while working. The incident occurred in the project of Las Islas de Punta Pacífica in the district of San Francisco at approximately 5:00 pm, when the crane was moving stones. Witnesses said apparently the foreigner, who was a crane mechanic, did not realize the machine was about to make a turn, and he was caught by a blow to the head which killed him instantly.

Tried To Help - Javier Castillo, Director of Operations of Sinaproc, said after the accident an ambulance arrived at the site where the medical staff attended to the worker, but it was too late, the man died at the scene. Authorities are investigating the incident. (Siglo)

According to information from the 911 Emergency System, a man was trapped when a wall slid at the time in which an excavation conducted in a residence. The incident occurred this afternoon in the sector of Las Mañanitas. Firemen arrived at the scene to perform the rescue, and after he was taken by 911 to the Susana Jones Hospital in stable condition. (TVN)

Isaac Morales got the shock of his life when the motorcycle he was driving caught fire on the Pan American Highway in David, Chiriqui. The incident occurred yesterday morning in front of the Mae Lewis Medical Center of David. Morales was bringing some things to a store he has in the community of San Carlos when the motorcycle caught fire. The bike was totaled. (Siglo)

A car caught fire on Via Ricardo J. Alfaro today (Tumba Muerto) with no reported injuries. The vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames and caused fear among the bystanders. This is the second vehicle fire in less than a week. On Saturday another vehicle, a truck, which had mechanical problems, was burned on Via Simon Bolivar Transístmica. (TVN)

They feel fear. The rain last night did not stop Alvaro Smith from staying up all night to protect what little remains of his belongings in his apartment in Building 57 on Calle 15, which was consumed on Friday afternoon by a raging fire. Surrounded by belongings and waste, residents are asking the government for an answer as soon as possible because they do not want to go the way of other victims, who have been relocated away from their place of residence.

Tomorrow, the authorities plan to meet with those affected and explain the next step. The Ministry of Housing and Land Management (Miviot) recorded 56 families, making a total of 155 people. For now, they are staying in hotels in the capital. Furthermore, the Mayor of Panama opened a collection center at its headquarters, located on Avenida Peru, for all who want to donate dry food and diapers to these families. (Dia a Dia)

A car that had stopped because it had mechanical problems caught fire on the Via Simon Bolivar, Transístmica, when supposedly a traffic police officer ordered the driver to move it from where it had stopped. Firemen arrived at the scene to put out the fire, who verified what had happened. (TVN)

Editor's Comment: Whoops. "I'm ordering you to move that car right now..." and up in flames she goes.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - There's a huge fire burning somewhere in Pueblo Nuevo, possibly near Via Transistmica and the intersection with 12 de Octubre, maybe near the Kiener plant. The fire was burning free and putting up a massive column of black smoke visible from practically anywhere in Panama City. Since then the Fire Department has arrived and they're getting water on the fire, and the column of smoke has turned to white for the most part. They're still trying to get it under control. More details as they become available. So far, I don't know what's burning.

Update: What burned was one of those old wooden houses known as "Barraca 57" on 15th Street in Pueblo Nuevo. There are reportedly 72 families that have been made homeless as a result of this fire. So far there are no reports of anyone who has been injured or killed.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

This morning, students from the Instituto Panamericano (IPA) school, located in Las Sabanas, were evacuated from the building for reasons that have not yet been confirmed by authorities. Students ended up occupying part of a block, being watched by their teachers. Initially there was talk of a suspected outbreak of fire, however there are unofficial reports of a bomb threat, while reporters at the scene confirmed the presence of anti-explosives and canine units. Arturo Alvarado, director of the National Civil Protection System, confirmed the presence of units of that entity. It is speculated that the warning could have resulted from an anonymous caller who warned about the presence of an explosive device. (Telemetro)

Sinaproc personnel Wednesday morning recovered the body of Jose Quiroz, 48, who had been missing since Monday morning on Gatun Lake, in the area of Arosemena, in La Chorrera. Jose fell into the lake when his boat crashed and overturned. Family and friends described him as very friendly and hardworking. (Siglo)

Editor's Comment: Lake Gatun is full of submerged stumps, and I imagine this guy might have hit a stump and flipped his boat. Most of the local Panamanians never wear any kind of life preserver or flotation device when they are out on the water. He probably hit is head or something when the boat flipped, and that was it. Shame...

A dip cost him his life. That is the sad story of the youngster from Bocas del Toro, Elio Richard Smith Bonilla, 15 years old, who left the house on Sunday without his mother's permission to go to the Changuinola river with some friends. He took advantage of the fact that his mother was doing household chores, like every Sunday. "It was about 1:30 pm when he left. First I had prepared his food, then he left without saying anything," recalled Delia Bonilla. At about 4:55 pm people told her that her son had suffered an accident. "What I know is that he made a dive from the bridge structure, and because he lost his footing to prevent a fall he grabbed an electrical cord then he jerked and he fell into the pool. That was the last time anyone saw him," said Bonilla as she watched units of the National Civil Protection System preparing to continue to search for Elio. According to some of the friends who accompanied the young man at the time of the accident, when he fell into the water he was completely black, a product of the electric shock. Elio, who attended school through the fifth grade, lived about 300 meters from the Changuinola River. This young man's body was found yesterday at about 3:30 pm. (Mi Diario)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The following was issued by the US Embassy in Panama City today; "The Director of SINAPROC has issued a safety warning to all persons living in Panama concerning the high tides of 15.7 to 17.3 feet that will be occurring between July 2nd and July 8th and the accompanying strong swells that may make it more dangerous to be on the ocean during that time. He is advising everyone to use caution and make sure that they are wearing the life jackets required by the Panamanian Marine Authority when they go near the water.

For updated information on the security situation in Panama, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy at (011)-507-317-5030. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in Clayton, Building 783, in the Clayton section of Panama. The Embassy web site is http://panama.usembassy.gov/ and e-mails should be addressed to Panama-ACS@state.gov. The after-hours and emergency phone number is (011)-507-317-5000.

For up-to-date information on security, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. Further information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Panama are encouraged to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step/. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of an emergency."

Editor's Comment: SINAPROC issues these things every 28 days or so, like clockwork. The "higher than normal" tides accompany the full moon so recently the SINAPROC has taken to issuing these warnings in the form of a press release.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

One person was injured when his vehicle hit a truck on the Northern Corridor. After the strong impact with the truck's wheel, the smaller car was destroyed, with part of the body breaking off. Some witnesses said the accident was caused by speeding, because the driver was allegedly racing. The accident occurred near the toll booth at Cerro Patacón in the lane heading towards the Albrook Mall, and it caused a traffic jam in the area of El Dorado. (TVN)

A garbage truck from the company Aguaaseo ended up inside of a residence in the area of ​​New Mexico, Sabanitas township, province of Colon. Tibisay Rodriguez, owner of the house, said she was in the living room with her children when they heard the noise, and found out the truck had broken down the iron gate. It also caused damage to a car that was parked the area. Early reports indicate the driver of the garbage truck lost control due to the narrowness of the road. No one was injured, but there was damage to private property. (Critica)

A car crashed into the sea from the Amador Causeway last night at about 9:00 pm. The driver, apparently traveling at excessive speed, lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the sea. There were three other people in the car with her, who were unharmed. The car was an SUV. The authorities of the Transit Police continue to investigate this case. (Critica)

Editor's Comment: Now, there's a photo for the insurance company...

Mauricio Ceballos, a worker for the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), died under the wheels of a "Diablo Rojo" bus from the Puerto Escondido route, with license plate number 3B-214. The victim was headed to work when he was hit by the bus near Arco Iris, in the area of Cristobal. This accident was reported at 6:40 am this morning. The authorities of the Transit Police are investigating the cause of this accident. (Critica)

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Do you think she passed? This morning a woman lost control of her vehicle and crashed during her driving test with the Setracen on Albrook. Well done. She'll fit right in.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

One person was killed and four others inured after two traffic accidents that occurred in the Azuero region over the weekend. The first occurred in the community of La Colorada, on the road from Macaracas to La Villa de Los Santos, where 43 year old Manuel Corrales was struck and killed.

Then, on the road from Macaracas to Los Pozos, two vehicles collided in the community of Ojo de Agua in Los Pozos de Herrera. Four people were injured in the accident, who were taken to the emergency room of the Luis Horacio Moreno hospital in Macaracas. Three of the injured were taken by members of Macaracas firefighters, while one came in a private vehicle, said medical sources.

So far this year in Herrera ten people have died in traffic accidents, while in Los Santos there have been another eleven, totaling 21. (Mi Diario)