Panama Shuts Down Internet, Mobile Services amid Violent Protests in Bocas del Toro

Panama's president José Raúl Molinar declared a state of emergency on Friday, suspending the rights to assemble and move freely in the province of Bocas del Toro, after demonstrators set up roadblocks, damaged the local airport, and caused significant disruptions to businesses and offices.

In a statement released on X, the National Public Services Authority confirmed that, under the emergency decree, "temporary suspension of mobile phone and home internet services will be implemented in the province of Bocas del Toro until June 25."

The authority clarified that internet access will still be available for healthcare institutions, businesses, and government agencies.

The unrest in Bocas del Toro, a key banana-producing region, erupted nearly two months ago in opposition to government pension reforms. The protests escalated into violence on Thursday in the town of Changuinola, where masked groups looted several stores and set part of a baseball field on fire while police officers were inside. According to authorities, the violence resulted in one fatality, more than 100 arrests, and dozens of injuries, including 13 police officers.

The protests initially began in late April with workers from the American banana giant, Chiquita, striking against pension reforms they argued would force them to work longer before retiring. In response, Chiquita terminated thousands of workers, which led to further unrest. Although banana farmer unions called off their protest last week in an attempt to prevent more layoffs, other groups and unions have continued their blockades and sit-ins.

President Molinar is facing growing discontent on multiple fronts. In addition to the pension reform protests, Panamanians have also taken to the streets in opposition to a controversial agreement signed between the Panamanian government and U.S. President Donald Trump in April, which allows U.S. forces to deploy at U.S. military bases along the Panama Canal.

In response to the increasing instability, the U.S. Embassy in Panama issued a security warning on Friday, advising American government employees against traveling to the protest epicenter in Bocas del Toro "until further notice."