Missing child reports double in Panama during first half of 2026

Panama is facing a concerning surge in missing child reports, with the first six months of 2026 seeing 594 alerts issued by the National Amber Alert System. This figure represents a doubling of the monthly average recorded between 2024 and 2025, highlighting a significant upward trend.

Since the system's inception in 2024, a total of 1,305 minors have been reported missing nationwide. The majority of these cases involve adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17. Sumilexy Miller, director of the National Amber Alert System, noted that approximately one in four children who are located are found to have some connection to a criminal investigation, while a smaller percentage are cases of abduction or simple misplacement.

Miller explained that the 24-hour waiting period for reporting is unnecessary; immediate reporting is encouraged once a child is confirmed missing. Although about 75% of minors are located within five days of an alert, more complex cases can take longer. She also pointed out that while many reports are filed within one to three days, a significant portion of parents wait two to three weeks to report a disappearance.

The provinces of Chiriquí, Bocas del Toro, Panamá, Panamá Oeste, Comarca Ngäbe Buglé, and Veraguas have registered the highest number of missing child reports. Child development specialists suggest that voluntary home departures are a primary cause, underscoring the importance of strengthening family communication and support as preventative strategies. Authorities are intensifying awareness campaigns and incorporating new technologies to expedite search efforts, while urging the public to provide accurate information through official channels.