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2 clusters · 4 sources · 6 days · First seen · Last updated

Child protection and mistreatment investigations in Panama

Overview

In September 2026, the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents, and Family (Senniaf) activated protection protocols following the death of a child in the Pedasí district of Los Santos province. The Public Ministry launched an investigation into the circumstances of the death, while the deceased child’s siblings were placed under the temporary care of a family member.

Separately, legal proceedings emerged involving former Senniaf officials and staff. Four individuals were charged with aggravated mistreatment of minors at the Tocumen Integral Care Center (CAI) following an inspection that uncovered irregular conditions. A judge imposed precautionary measures on the defendants, including travel bans and restrictions on social media use, while the Public Ministry appealed to seek pretrial detention.

Entities

SENNIAF · Ventura Vega · Pedasí · Marlenis Boutet · Ministério Público

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Panama officials charged with aggravated mistreatment of minors

    Four former Senniaf officials face charges for the aggravated mistreatment of minors at the Tocumen CAI in Panama. Precautionary measures include travel bans and social media restrictions.

  2. [CRIME] 2 sources
    Senniaf activates protection protocols after child's death in Pedasí

    Senniaf has activated protection protocols and the Public Ministry is investigating the death of a child in Pedasí, Panama. The deceased's siblings are under temporary family care.

Sources

destinopanama.com.pa · elmundo.hn · laverdadpa.com · panamaamerica.com.pa