Panama Representative Héctor Sambrano Laid to Rest Amidst Calls for Justice

Family, friends, and local authorities gathered on July 11 to bid a final farewell to Héctor Sambrano, the representative of Barrio Colón in La Chorrera, Panama Oeste. As the community mourned, investigations into the circumstances of his death continued.

The day's events began with a tribute at Plaza 28 de Noviembre at 10:00 a.m., followed by a mass at the San Francisco de Paula Church at 2:00 p.m. Throughout the ceremonies, Sambrano's mother made a public plea for justice, her voice filled with anguish.

"People, I want justice, please. A mother had her only child taken from her. How would you feel? They had no mercy. Let there be justice, please, let there be justice," she implored, her pain palpable. "I know I lost him, but I want justice, justice. I beg the Government, please, Mr. President. You know that for a mother, her children are the most important thing. My son did not deserve to die like this. No, I cannot accept it like this. Do justice."

Sambrano was discovered lifeless in his apartment in the Carrasquilla sector of Panama City on July 3. The superior prosecutor for the Homicide Section, Jorge Ferguson, stated that the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences would determine the cause of death, though initial findings suggested it might be violent. The Public Ministry is interviewing relatives and close associates, reconstructing Sambrano's environment, and reviewing surveillance footage to establish a line of investigation. Authorities also confirmed that a gray double-cab pickup truck, believed to belong to Sambrano, was found on July 4 in the Cocobolo sector of San Miguelito.

As the investigation progresses, the community of Barrio Colón prepares to say goodbye to a representative they describe as dedicated to his residents.