According to Jaime Fernández, Director General of Panama‘s National Police, the incident occurred while prison authorities were conducting prisoner transfers and reassignments. The transfer operation involved inmates from multiple cell blocks, including several gang leaders, which triggered resistance among certain prisoner groups.
The most critical issue is severe overcrowding. As of 2026, Panama's prison system holds approximately in facilities with an official capacity of only 14,695 . This creates an occupancy level of nearly 168% .
Prison Break Panama Official
According to Jaime Fernández, Director General of Panama‘s National Police, the incident occurred while prison authorities were conducting prisoner transfers and reassignments. The transfer operation involved inmates from multiple cell blocks, including several gang leaders, which triggered resistance among certain prisoner groups.
The most critical issue is severe overcrowding. As of 2026, Panama's prison system holds approximately in facilities with an official capacity of only 14,695 . This creates an occupancy level of nearly 168% . prison break panama