Panama dismisses 12 prison officials after mass inmate escape; 4 fugitives remain at large

Panama's government has dismissed 12 prison officials and removed 168 employees from the penitentiary system following a mass escape of 195 inmates from La Joyita Penitentiary on June 1, 2026. Minister of Government Dinoska Montalvo stated that these actions are part of a comprehensive transformation aimed at strengthening order and security within correctional facilities.

Among the implemented measures, the minister highlighted the elimination of inmate purchases through "paquitos" and kiosks, which had facilitated illegal economic activities. Montalvo emphasized that the current situation reflects the initial plan for integral reform, prioritizing order to ensure the proper functioning of the system, which holds individuals deprived of liberty.

Despite the dismissals and reforms, four inmates remain at large. Conversations with the Director of the National Police indicate ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives. The government asserts that these changes are necessary to establish robust controls and maintain security within the penitentiary system.