Leadership; Ministry of Security Updates Methods for Identifying Foreigners in Panama; Amber Alert; Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes.

Friday, November 14, 2025. Leadership: Honorable Principals to Live By This past week marked two important moments in American tradition and service: the birthday of the United States Marine Corps and the observance of Veterans Day. For many, these dates are reminders of uniforms, ceremonies, and military history. But for those who have served, and for those who work alongside veterans every day, they carry a deeper meaning. The Marine Corps is known not only for its discipline and battlefield legacy, but for its uncompromising standard of leadership. Marines are trained to lead with clarity, decisiveness, loyalty, and personal accountability, qualities forged in conditions most people will never experience. And yet, these same principles have tremendous value far beyond the military. Whether in business, in our families, or in the daily decisions that shape who we become, the Marine Corps’ leadership philosophy offers a blueprint for excellence. Knowing yourself, setting the example, communicating clearly, taking responsibility, training as a team; these are not only the foundations of military success. They are the foundations of a successful life. These same principles guide the way we work inside our investigations office every day. When we take on a case, we incorporate the discipline of clear communication so clients are never left in the dark. We train our team to operate as one cohesive unit, investigators, analysts, administrators, field specialists, each person understanding their role and supporting the next. We emphasize responsibility and accountability by ensuring every report is accurate, every lead is verified, and every conclusion is backed by evidence, not assumption. We set the example by meeting deadlines, maintaining professionalism under pressure, and treating every case, whether corporate, legal, or personal, with integrity and vigilance. These Marine Corps principles are not abstract; they are active, practical, and part of the daily rhythm of how we conduct investigations with excellence. As we honor the men and women who served, Marines and veterans from every branch, it’s worth pausing to recognize that the qualities they exemplify are lessons for all of us. Leadership is not a rank. It is a practice. And the 11 principles that guide Marines can be adapted to strengthen our companies, elevate our personal standards, and improve how we show up for each other every single day. This month, as we reflect on service and sacrifice, we also reflect on leadership. The kind that builds strong teams, strong families, and strong character, the kind every one of us can strive to live by. Brett Mikkelson Director, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Ministry of Security Updates Methods for Identifying Foreigners in Panama According to the new provision, members of the National Migration Service and public security forces are authorized to request identification from any foreigner. The Ministry of Public Security has modified, as of Wednesday, November 12, the methods for identifying foreigners present in the country. Through Executive Decree No. 84 of November 11, 2025, Article No. 1 of Executive Decree No. 804 of December 22, 2009, regarding the identification of these individuals, has been amended. According to the new provision, members of the National Migration Service and public security agencies are authorized to require identification from any foreigner within the country, in compliance with current immigration regulations. The decree maintains the requirement that all foreigners must carry identification documents at all times. However, it updates the procedure by incorporating technological mechanisms to verify identity more quickly and efficiently. The document, signed by President José Raúl Mulino and the Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, establishes that the measure aims to strengthen immigration controls and improve the monitoring of foreigners’ stay in the country. In addition, the decree cites as its legal basis the Constitution, Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, and its subsequent amendments, which regulate the functions of the National Migration Service. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE They Clarify that the Dissemination of Images in Amber Alert Cases Must End Within 24 Hours, According to the Law The National Amber Alert System reminded the public this Tuesday, November 11, through an official statement, that the dissemination of the image of a child or adolescent reported missing may only remain active while the alert is in effect, and for a maximum of 24 hours, as established by Law 469 of 2025. Once this period has expired, authorities must remove the data and images from media outlets and digital platforms in order to protect the identity and safety of the minor. If the child or adolescent has not been located within 24 hours, the case will be referred to the Specialized Unit for Missing Persons of the Public Ministry, the entity responsible for initiating a formal disappearance investigation. “In order to keep the public informed, statements will be issued for each recovered minor. These statements will be published for a maximum of 48 hours, exclusively for public knowledge,” the official release states. According to the regulations, the image of minors will only be disseminated while the alert remains active and within the legal time frame established, in order to respect their right to privacy and personal security. Each information release regarding the location of a minor will include the child’s initials, the type of disappearance, and the dates of disappearance and recovery, written in a way that preserves the minor’s identity and guarantees their rights, in compliance with Law 285 of 2022, which protects Panamanian children and adolescents. The current legislation reaffirms the principle of the best interests of the child and the State’s obligation to safeguard their privacy, preventing any undue public exposure that could affect their well-being. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Green Light Given for the Purchase of 4 Aircraft Worth Over $76 Million The Government of Panama has given the green light for the purchase of four “Super Tucano” aircraft for more than 76 million dollars—an investment aimed at strengthening the country’s air and maritime surveillance and delivering a direct blow to organized crime and drug trafficking affecting Panamanian