Explosive device attack targets residence of Panamanian journalist Rolando Rodríguez

An explosive device was thrown at the residence of Rolando Rodríguez during the early hours of November 14, 2026, in the San Miguelito district. The attack occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. in the Brisas del Golf area near Panama City. The explosion caused a fire that destroyed two vehicles parked in front of the home and damaged a portion of the residence.

Details of the explosive attack

The incident involved an unidentified individual who arrived at the scene in a taxi. According to security footage reported by La Republica, the perpetrator exited the vehicle and carried a backpack on his chest while throwing the device toward the house. Rolando Rodríguez, who serves as the associate deputy director of La Prensa, was not physically injured in the attack. His wife and pets were inside the residence at the time of the explosion, but his wife escaped the scene without injury.

The attack follows the celebration of Journalist Day in Panama on November 13, 2026. According to reports from CR Hoy, this incident represents the first attack of its kind against a journalist in Panama. The attack occurred only one day after the national celebration of the profession.

Investigation into the motive

The incident occurred while Rolando Rodríguez was preparing an investigation involving former government officials and a state contractor. Rodríguez is part of an investigative alliance that includes CLIP, Transparencia Venezuela, Diario de Cuba, and Armando.info. This alliance has previously investigated business links between the Carretero family and the regimes in Venezuela and Cuba.

Rolando Rodríguez stated that the attack was a terrorist act and a warning intended to attack democratic values and freedom of expression. The National Police and the San Miguelito Regional Prosecutor's Office are currently investigating the incident to identify the perpetrator.

Official response from leadership

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino strongly rejected the violent action. The president stated that the National Police are investigating the matter. The attack has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of media professionals in the region.

While some reports described the location generally as San Miguelito, other reports specified the Brisas del Golf area within the district. Law enforcement officials continue to process the scene to gather evidence related to the explosive device and the taxi used by the perpetrator.

Glossary

• San Miguelito district — The San Miguelito district is a location where an aerial lift line is planned for the Panama Metro system. It is also the location where an explosive device was thrown at a residence.
• Brisas del Golf — Brisas del Golf is a neighborhood located in the Ernesto Córdoba Campos corregimiento of the Panama district. It is the location of El Yappy Park sports complex.
• CLIP — CLIP is a musical band within a broad genre that emerged in the 1960s. It is part of an investigative alliance that includes several other organizations.
• Transparencia Venezuela — Transparencia Venezuela is an organization that has published reports regarding illegal activities and their impact on the GDP in Venezuela. It is also part of an investigative alliance.