Crime trends show rising homicides in Panama and security shifts in El Salvador

Panama has recorded 369 intentional homicides through August 16, 2026, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. According to the National Integrated Criminal Statistics System (SIEC), the national homicide rate stands at 7.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. The province of Panama reported the highest volume with 234 cases, while Colon maintained the highest rate at 19.6 per 100,000 inhabitants despite a 16% decrease in total cases.

Specific crime trends in Panama show a 76% increase in gang-related homicides and a 67% rise in femicides. Conversely, homicides related to criminal disputes and drug trafficking have seen declines. In Chiriqui, homicides rose by 113% compared to 2025.

In El Salvador, authorities reported 197 days without homicides so far in 2026. Statistics from the Ministry of Security indicate that under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, there have been 1,299 days without murders. Since the implementation of the state of exception on March 27, 2022, authorities report the capture of 92,838 individuals linked to criminal structures and the seizure of approximately $1.7 billion in drugs.