Panama Probes Bombing Attack at Home of Investigative Journalist Rolando Rodríguez

PANAMA CITY, Panama — Panamanian authorities are investigating a bombing attack that targeted the home of investigative journalist Rolando Rodríguez on Saturday, according to newspaper “La Prensa.”

No one was injured in the explosion at Rodríguez’s residence, the outlet reported. His work is published by “La Prensa.”

The Attorney General’s Office of Panama said it is investigating a possible case of arson, though the inquiry could be expanded if additional crimes are uncovered.

“While this was an attack on my life and the lives of my family, I must say that it changes the rules of the game in Panama,” Rodríguez told reporters on Saturday. “Because now, we are all potentially exposed to this kind of thing.”

Rodríguez is a veteran investigative journalist and columnist who has led or contributed to numerous investigations into alleged corruption and irregularities across Panama’s public sector, judiciary, and business community.

“La Prensa” reported that the attack occurred while Rodríguez was preparing to publish a story implicating former officials from President José Raúl Mulino’s administration and a government contractor.

According to the newspaper, an individual arrived at Rodríguez’s home by taxi around 2:30 a.m., exited the vehicle, and threw an object toward the residence, causing an explosion. Rodríguez’s wife escaped the house unharmed, and the journalist was not in Panama City at the time. The attack caused property damage.

President Mulino took to social media to condemn the act, stating that the National Police, in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, were investigating the incident and gathering evidence. Mulino said Panama does not tolerate such acts under any circumstances and added that he had reached out to Rodríguez to express his solidarity.

National and international journalists also condemned the attack. The National College of Journalists called for a rigorous and transparent investigation to identify those responsible.

“What happened in the early hours of the morning — which you have learned about throughout the day — is a matter that concerns the entire country,” said Jorge Molina, president of Corporación La Prensa. “This goes beyond the press; it is an act of terrorism. That is a harsh term, especially given Panama’s history.”

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