Human chain at UTP demands answers after Jafeth González disappears in Veraguas

A week after student Jafeth González vanished, his community is mobilizing to find him. Family members and classmates at the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) regional campus in Veraguas formed a human chain along the Inter-American highway. Holding banners and white balloons, they called for public assistance and urged authorities to intensify search efforts.

The student's disappearance has cast a somber mood over the start of the second academic semester. His absence is a palpable void for both faculty and fellow students. González's mother, Jaimi Urriola, made a tearful appeal to anyone who might have information, pleading for the safe return of her only son.

"I ask those who still hold him, please... he is my only son. I need my son home. We are waiting for him," Urriola stated, visibly distressed. Miguel García, a classmate, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for community cooperation to uncover concrete leads. "Please, give any kind of information, whatever can be given to find him or at least have a clue of his location... Most importantly, we want to know that he is well," García expressed.

UTP Veraguas director Adriano Martínez lamented the situation, noting the profound impact on the academic community. "We have lived this since the first day we learned of his disappearance. Knowing that today, the first day of classes for the second semester, someone from our community is missing," Martínez said during the demonstration. As solidarity actions and peaceful protests continue across Veraguas, authorities are actively investigating to locate Jafeth González.