As the public awaited announcements of heads rolling in Panama’s security hierarchy the National Police (PN)  stepped forward with news of an increased reward for information leading to the arrest of escaped prisoner Gilberto Ventura serving a 50-year sentence for kidnapping and killing  5 students and another 5 years for a previous escape.

The authorities have issued an orange alert to Interpol after his escape evasion from the high security  "C" sector of La Nueva Joya.

Meanwhile, intense operations are carried out in different parts of the country and at least three police officers were suspended from their positions and are under investigation for alleged participation in the escape. The Security Minister called for their “dishonorable” discharge, while his own fate remained in the balance.