Panama: Unionized teachers stage protest march in Panama City Oct. 17

Unionized teachers affiliated with multiple organizations are staging a protest march in downtown Panama City on Oct. 17. The purpose of the action is to demand improved pension benefits and denounce a possible increase in the retirement age. Protest participants were slated to gather at Parque Belisario Porras from 16:00 before marching toward the President's office. The number of people participating in the demonstration was not immediately clear.

Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to monitor the protest march. Localized transport and business disruptions will probably affect areas along the march route. While the demonstration will likely pass off peacefully, isolated clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.