President Mulino opposes Panama City Municipal Police

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has publicly opposed the new Municipal Police concept implemented by the Panama City Mayor's Office, labeling it unconstitutional. Mulino stated that the force was originally intended to protect parks and monuments rather than function as a secondary police body. He warned that if other mayors replicate this model, it could lead to a "disaster," noting that the new uniforms are easily confused with those of the Institutional Protection Service (SPI).

The controversy centers on Agreement 162, which transformed former municipal guards into a structured police force with new ranks, regulated weapon use, and expanded powers. Former Mayor José Isabel Blandón has also questioned the legality of the force's expanded attributes.

The Supreme Court of Justice is currently reviewing the legality of the agreement. While the Court recently declined to admit an unconstitutionality lawsuit filed by the National Police due to insufficient arguments, a dissenting magistrate noted that the judiciary must determine if municipal councils have the constitutional authority to organize police services, as Article 310 of the Constitution suggests such services must be organized by law.