The Second Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime of Panama issued arrest warrants for Saúl Méndez, general secretary of the National Single Union of Construction and Related Workers (Suntracs), and Genaro López, a former leader of the organization. Both are being investigated for their alleged involvement in a case of aggravated fraud.
Upon learning of the judicial mandate, Méndez sought diplomatic shielding and headed to the Bolivian Embassy in Panama in the small hours of May 21, 2025, to formally apply for political asylum. As for López, officials had yet to verify his exact location, although intelligence suggested he could possibly be found within the province of Chiriquí.
The judicial measure came amid a period of growing tension between the Panamanian government and Suntracs. In the preceding weeks, the union had staged a strike in the construction sector, along with demonstrations, protests, and road blockades in various parts of the country.
The conflict also intensified after the Panamanian Autonomous Cooperative Institute (Ipacoop) ordered the closure of the cooperative linked to the union. The measure was related to allegations of financial irregularities and possible money-laundering operations.
According to Panama’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bolivia’s chargé d’affaires, Carlos Javier Suárez Cornejo, confirmed Méndez’s arrival at the diplomatic mission. The union leader entered the premises and subsequently formally submitted his request for political asylum.
The request was to be reviewed by Bolivia’s National Refugee Council, based in La Paz, the body responsible for determining whether protection should be granted. While the case was being evaluated, Méndez remained under temporary protection at the Bolivian diplomatic mission in Panama.
The aforementioned allegations are part of an ongoing inquiry and do not, by themselves, amount to a definitive verdict against the union officials.
Source: Mi Diario