Explosive attack targets residence of La Prensa associate deputy director in Panama City

An unidentified individual targeted the residence of La Prensa associate deputy director Rolando Rodríguez with an explosive device in Panama City. The attack occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. on November 14, 2026, at a home located in Brisas del Golf. The explosion and a resulting fire destroyed two vehicles that were parked inside the garage of the residence.

The wife of Rolando Rodríguez was sleeping inside the house with pets at the time of the attack and escaped the scene unharmed. Rolando Rodríguez was outside of Panama City when the explosion occurred. The attack took place while the journalist was conducting a journalistic investigation involving former government officials and state contractors.

Journalistic investigation context

The investigation being conducted by Rolando Rodríguez involves several high-profile individuals. According to reports, the inquiry focuses on connections between former public officials and state contractors. The subjects of the investigation include businessman Roberto Carretero, former Social Security Fund (CSS) director Enrique Lau, former Etesa Legal Advisory director Ewaldo Pittí, and lawyer Lictor Reyna.

Between Wednesday and Thursday, November 11 and November 12, 2026, Rolando Rodríguez sent written questionnaires to several individuals regarding the details of the investigation. The attack occurred shortly after these inquiries were distributed to the subjects of the probe.

Legal and official responses

The Inter American Press Association (SIP) condemned the attack. The organization called for an immediate investigation and requested protection for the journalist and his family. Rolando Rodríguez stated in a press conference that the attack could intimidate journalists and citizens and impact freedom of expression in Panama. He noted that the incident represents a change in the rules of the country and could generate fear among the public.

Legal representatives for those mentioned in the investigation have issued denials regarding any involvement. Lawyer Lictor Reyna denied any connection to the events and expressed regret over the incident. Lawyer Marcela Araúz, who represents businessman Roberto Carretero, denied the involvement of her client. Marcela Araúz called for a prompt investigation by the Public Ministry to identify and sanction the perpetrators of the attack.

Details of the incident

The attack was carried out by an individual who arrived at the residence in Brisas del Golf via taxi. The perpetrator threw an object at the home, which caused the explosion and the subsequent fire that consumed the two vehicles in the garage. While the property sustained significant damage, no injuries were reported among the residents of the home.

Glossary

• Brisas del Golf — Brisas del Golf is a neighborhood located in the district of Panama, Panama province. It is the location of the El Yappy Park sports complex.
• Inter American Press Association (SIP) — The Inter American Press Association (SIP) is an organization that expresses concern regarding public discourse and administrative actions against newspapers.
• Public Ministry — The Public Ministry is an entity that can be tasked with determining whether it is appropriate to pursue criminal proceedings.