Friday, January 17, 2025.
One of the most gut-wrenching nightmares imaginable is facing the agony of a missing child. Every missing person case I’ve worked has driven that fear home, putting my own family’s safety into sharp focus. I can’t help but picture my two teenage boys, or my 32-year-old daughter, and feel the gnawing terror parents endure when the unknown swallows their child whole. Experts say the torment of uncertainty often outweighs the grim finality of closure. In those moments, time doesn’t just stop—it implodes.
This week, we got hit with one of those cases, but this one had a different edge. A young man in his late 20s decided to drive from Texas to Tijuana. But instead of taking the straightforward route on the U.S. side, he opted for the unpredictable journey along Mexico’s border roads. Day 1 passed without incident. But on Day 2, things took a turn. His texts to his parents became erratic—short, cryptic messages that set off alarm bells. His parents, panicked and helpless, tracked his spending using access to his bank account. The last recorded transactions, placed him near an area where they happened to know someone.
While I was chasing down leads through my contacts—trying to determine if he’d been arrested—friends of his family were searching for his vehicle along the desolate roadways. We hit a brick wall when the local police refused to file a missing person report. They wouldn’t even offer basic assistance, leaving the family floundering in a sea of unanswered questions.
The situation turned surreal when we confirmed he hadn’t been picked up by the national police, though the possibility remained that he could be held in a municipal jail for 24 to 72 hours. With time slipping through our fingers, every passing moment felt like quicksand. Then came a break: we learned his vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. Relief was short-lived—the authorities refused to share more details. The way they brushed off the urgency raised a red flag in my mind. Did they know something they weren’t telling us?
But the real twist came when a new charge appeared on his debit card, nearly 24 hours after all communication had ceased. At first, we thought it might be thieves splurging on personal items—but no. The card was used at an OXXO convenience store for a purchase of less than $2. Then, minutes later, it was used to pay for a hotel room. Thieves don’t use stolen cards for hotels—they know better than to leave a trail like that.
Armed with this intel, the family acted fast. They called the hotel, heart pounding, and finally got confirmation: their son was there. No car. No phone. No suitcase. Just him, his wallet, and his Chihuahua, “Taco.”
The adrenaline surged, but so did the questions. Why had he gone silent? What had happened in the last 48 hours? Why did he abandon his car? And why was he still alive to tell the tale when so many aren’t as lucky?
We were lucky. This case could have ended much differently. Mexico has reported over 116,000 individuals as missing. While about 65% of missing persons are eventually located, either alive or deceased, around 35% remain unaccounted for. Adding to this grim reality, the country faces a forensic crisis with an estimated 52,000 unidentified remains. It’s a staggering reminder of the countless families left without answers, grappling with the agonizing unknown.
So, what should someone do if their loved one goes missing in a place like Mexico? Hire a professional private investigator immediately. So many rely on local law enforcement, but in many cases, they’ll show desinterest. And sometimes as in this case, they won’t even entertain a missing person’s report. Time is of the essence, and every second counts. A professional PI has the experience, local contacts, and urgency that traditional authorities may lack, making us vital allies in the fight to bring someone home.
TOP NEWS and TIDBITS:
National Police and Public Prosecutor’s Office Dismantle International Human Trafficking Network
In a joint operation between the National Police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, called “Operation Red Claw,” multiple raids were carried out in various areas of the capital city with the objective of capturing suspected migrant traffickers.
The detainees are allegedly linked to an international network that facilitates the irregular entry of Vietnamese citizens into the United States.
Authorities Dismantle Migrant Trafficking Network
Authorities reported that the operation is part of an extensive investigation that has identified members of the criminal organization dedicated to the illicit trafficking of people. During the raids, crucial evidence was seized, strengthening the charges against those involved.
The operation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering information and expanding their investigations.
What is Pre-Obesity? The New WHO Classification Beyond the Body Mass Index
Overweight and obesity are diseases that continue to affect the Panamanian population and are major contributors to other chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, bone health issues, and an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced a new weight-related classification: pre-obesity.
This classification is determined using the Body Mass Index (BMI). When a person’s BMI is between 25 and 29.9, they are categorized as overweight or pre-obese. While this range overlaps with what is traditionally considered overweight, pre-obesity specifically refers to individuals who are on the brink of obesity if preventive measures are not taken.
According to Nilka López from the National Department of Nutritional Health, 35% of the Panamanian population is obese, while an additional 72% is overweight. This means that 7 out of 10 Panamanians are dealing with excess weight.
López emphasized the importance of prevention, recommending a healthy diet and regular exercise to combat these statistics. Of particular concern is the growing prevalence of overweight and obesity among those under 18 years old and even among children under 5 years old.
“Children mimic what their parents do, so we must teach them about healthy eating and lifestyles starting in early childhood and within school environments,” she stated.
She also noted that being thin is not necessarily a sign of good health. People who consume excessive fats may store them around their internal organs, posing a significant risk by impairing organ function.
Recommendations:
- Prepare homemade meals.
- Reduce foods high in sodium, sugars, and fats.
- Engage in regular physical activity and avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
The Ministry of Health will soon launch a strategic plan to combat obesity, focusing on school food environments, food advertising, and comprehensive care for individuals dealing with overweight or obesity issues.
What is the Body Mass Index (BMI)?
BMI measures a person’s weight relative to their height, helping doctors determine if their weight falls into the categories of “underweight,” “overweight,” or “obesity,” which could pose health risks.
How to Calculate BMI
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared.
Example:
- Height: 165 cm (1.65 m)
- Weight: 68 kg
- Calculation: 68 ÷ 1.65² (2.7225) = 24.98
Cobre Panamá Confirms the Transport of Ammonium Nitrate Starting This Thursday
Cobre Panamáhas confirmed that the removal of ammonium nitrate stored at the mine is scheduled for Thursday, January 16, as announced by Minister of the Environment, Juan Carlos Navarro.
Austin Powder, the company responsible for the operation, stated that it will begin transporting the white crystalline solid commonly used in mining activities. This decision follows the suspension of operations at the mine, rendering the material unnecessary.
Cobre Panamá’s industrial safety team will oversee the process to ensure the highest safety standards and compliance with legal regulations, aiming to mitigate any risks to nearby communities and the environment.
The company emphasized that all personnel involved in this operation have been properly trained.
The ammonium nitrate will be removed from the warehouse located in the international port area of Punta Rincón. Austin Powder has obtained the necessary permits from national authorities to re-export the material.
The Debate on the Transfer of Public Easement from the Residential Areas to the State Begins
On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 15, the second debate in the plenary session of the National Assembly began on Bill 77, which establishes the procedure for transferring public easement of residential areas, subdivisions, and plots to the state.
The document aims to streamline and ensure the transfer of streets, sidewalks, pedestrian paths, and green spaces from housing developers to government administration.
Currently, many neighborhoods have had damaged streets for up to two decades because developers have not taken responsibility or managed the transfer of easement to the nation.
The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) generally claims that its hands are tied and it cannot intervene to improve the internal roads of the residential areas.
The discussion, which lasted about two hours, will continue on Thursday after a recess was declared.
The Assembly Evaluates Bill to Toughen Penalties for Failing to Comply with Alimony Payments
The National Assembly is evaluating a bill that proposes to toughen penalties for failing to comply with alimony payments, a problem affecting thousands of children and teenagers in the country.
The initiative, which was welcomed by the Women, Children, and Family Committee, seeks to establish more severe measures to ensure that those responsible for these obligations fulfill their duty to provide financial support to their children.
Among the penalties being considered are measures such as the imposition of community service, coordinated by the Ministry of Social Development (Mides), as well as the restriction or suspension of important documents such as passports, municipal clearance certificates, and driver’s licenses. These restrictions would apply until the obligated person fulfills their responsibilities. Ultimately, the possibility of detention for up to 45 days is being considered for those who persist in non-compliance.
Deputy Alexandra Brenes, who presented the proposal, shared with the committee members the figures obtained from enforcement courts related to the non-compliance with alimony payments. According to the legislator, these data reflect the seriousness of the problem and underline the urgent need to apply more effective sanctions to protect the rights of the minors involved.
“The non-compliance figures are increasing. Yesterday was an unusual figure, but there were almost 11 arrests for non-compliance issues in San Miguelito, and there are about 11,000 cases for Panama and around 3,700 cases for San Miguelito,” Brenes explained.
The deputy emphasized that the proposal aims not only to punish but also to ensure the welfare and rights of minors, who depend on these payments for their comprehensive development.
“Any credit base will be affected if the father or mother is involved in a non-compliance issue with alimony. We are adding fifteen days of imprisonment, primarily 30 days as established by the law. Many of the complaints we received were about parents who are non-compliant and tend to leave the country without any restrictions. However, we can suspend the passport,” Brenes stated during her intervention.
In addition to the discussion on toughening sanctions for alimony payments, the Women, Children, and Family Committee also made progress on other projects of great importance for the protection of children’s rights. Specifically, a bill on the adoption of minors was sent to a subcommittee, aiming to establish a clearer and more efficient legal framework to ensure that adoption processes are more agile and protect the best interests of children.
Another project sent to a subcommittee addresses the protection of breastfeeding. The initiative seeks to promote an environment that supports breastfeeding mothers and ensures that they are provided with the necessary conditions to feed their children in a healthy and safe manner. The subcommittee will further evaluate the proposal to determine the best measures to implement in the country.
Science in Panama: $285 Million Invested in Scientific Activities in 2024
The recent report “Indicators of Scientific and Technological Activities 2024,” published by the Panamanian Observatory of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Opcyt) of the National Secretariat of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Senacyt), reflects an encouraging outlook for scientific development in Panama. This document details the increase in investment in scientific activities, as well as the growth in the number of researchers, highlighting a significant boost in the sector.
For several years, Senacyt has led the task of gathering information from various national institutions dedicated to research and the promotion of science. This work is reflected in the annual report, which aims to support policy formulation, plan strategies, and evaluate the impact of scientific initiatives in the country. In 2024, the results show a remarkable progress.
The total investment in scientific and technological activities reached $285 million in 2024, marking an increase of more than $100 million compared to 2023, when the figure was $183 million. In previous years, the investment had been $166 million in 2021 and $186 million in 2022. This sustained growth can be attributed to both the expansion of data collection coverage and the increase in resources allocated to science, technology, and innovation after the COVID-19 pandemic, as the report highlights.
In the specific area of Research and Development (R&D), an upward trend was also observed. The investment in this area was $119 million in 2021, $139 million in 2022, $132 million in 2023, and $162 million in 2024.
Another highlighted indicator in the report is the increase in the number of scientific researchers. In 2021, there were 1,127 researchers, a number that increased to 1,340 in 2022. Although there was a slight decrease to 1,277 in 2023, in 2024, a new high was reached with 1,955 researchers. These professionals are distributed across various disciplines, such as engineering and technology, social sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, humanities, and arts.
The report not only highlights figures but also emphasizes the importance of continuing to foster investment in science and technology to maintain this positive trend.
Senacyt reaffirms its commitment to providing accurate data that allows for informed decision-making and promotes an environment that values research as the foundation of national progress. With these results, Panama is taking firm steps toward a more innovative and competitive future in the global scientific arena.
The data in the report are the result of the Scientific and Technological Activities Survey, conducted online by Opcyt with 116 institutions from different sectors, such as the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies, the Panama Agricultural Innovation Institute, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, various ministries, and universities, among other entities.
One of the priority goals of this new 2024-2029 administration is to ensure that investment in science, technology, and innovation finally reaches 1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The plan is to increase investment by 0.2% of GDP per year until it reaches 1% by 2029.
The Los Quetzales Trail Opens its Doors to Ecotourism in the Barú Volcano National Park
The Los Quetzales Trail, in the Barú Volcano National Park, reopens after a process of improvements to welcome both national and international tourists who visit this protected area for ecotourism and to enjoy adventure and nature.
“The Los Quetzales Trail is a true natural treasure that offers rich vegetation and diverse wildlife, including emblematic species such as the quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), hummingbirds (Trochilidae), puma (Puma concolor), and various species of frogs and orchids, among many others, which signal to visitors the health of this valuable ecosystem,” said Ernesto Ponce, regional director of MiAmbiente in Chiriquí.
Rehabilitation and Sustainability of the Los Quetzales Trail
The recent rehabilitation of the trail had an investment of B/.793,192.67, executed through the Support for the Conservation and Management of Cultural and Natural Heritage Project, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This improvement aims to enhance the trail’s appeal for activities such as guided hikes and birdwatching, promoting safe and sustainable tourism.
The Los Quetzales Trail and Barú Volcano National Park are essential for biodiversity conservation in Panama, hosting over 400 species and being a key resource for scientific research and environmental education. MiAmbiente urges visitors to practice responsible tourism, keeping this natural gem clean and protected.
Exclusive Invitation: Business Cocktail Hour
Exclusive Business Cocktail Hour to be held at the prestigious Global Hotel.
Date: Tuesday, January 21
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Location: Global Hotel
This event will be a unique opportunity to connect with business leaders, industry professionals, and visionaries like yourself, in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy an evening of networking while we share innovative ideas and build strategic relationships.
Don’t miss the chance to be part of this experience!
