Boquete Veteran Outreach

19/02/2026

A public service announcement.

People are calling pretending to be from Banco General using numbers similar to Banco General's, like 800-5000 or 300-5000, but with a 01 or other symbol added at the beginning.

This is a red flag. They're also using landlines like +507 203-1033, claiming they stopped a fraud attempt, and so on. The idea is to transfer you to another department, supposedly the hero who stopped the fraud, and then get you to transfer your funds to a backup account that's part of the new contract update.

They tell you not to worry, if you don't have one, they'll create one for you over the phone—easy peasy. Be very careful, everyone. They've already started doing this with Banistmo accounts too.

These are call centers in Mexico and other Latin American countries that specialize in fraud, especially when people are panicking about their money.

16/02/2026

There is an online tool for tracking services outages for TiGo and +Movil here in Panama. It relies on user reports, so the more people that use it, the more accurate the information will be. Please bookmark the site and use it to report any outages that you personally experience. Please pass the link on to your friends. The service is provided by the internationally recognized company Ookla, a division of Ziff Davis.

Here is the link:

03/02/2026

Panama, January 26, 2026

Receive a cordial greeting from Banco General.

We are writing to you to communicate an important change in the way you receive your pension or retirement payments from the U.S. Government. USA.

From March 2026, the Direct Deposit service through Bank of New York will be replaced by the ACH International service, which will allow you to receive your funds safely, directly and at no cost per transaction.

To make the change to the ACH International service, you must complete the form at the branch of your choice, where one of our executives will help you with the process.

This procedure can take up to 90 days, so we thank you for doing this management before March 2026, the date on which the Direct Deposit service through Bank of New York will be suspended.

We appreciate your understanding and prompt attention. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call us at 800-5000 or 300-5000.

Sincerely,

General Bank

IN SPANISH:

Panamá, 26 de enero de 2026

Reciba un cordial saludo de Banco General.

Nos dirigimos a usted para comunicar un cambio importante en la forma de recibir sus pagos de pensión o jubilación del Gobierno de EE. UU.

A partir de marzo de 2026, el servicio de Depósito Directo a través de Bank of New York será reemplazado por el servicio ACH Internacional, el cual le permitirá recibir sus fondos de manera segura, directa y sin costo por transacción.

Para realizar el cambio al servicio ACH Internacional, debe completar el formulario en la sucursal de su preferencia, donde uno de nuestros ejecutivos le ayudará con el proceso.

Este trámite puede tardar hasta 90 días, por lo que le agradecemos realizar esta gestión antes de marzo de 2026, fecha en la que se suspenderá el servicio de Depósito Directo a través de Bank of New York.

Agradecemos su comprensión y pronta atención. Si tiene alguna consulta, no dude en llamarnos al 800-5000 o 300-5000.

Atentamente,
Banco General

11/09/2025

H.R. 4837, the Written Informed Consent Act, proposes the requirement of written informed consent for veterans who are prescribed high-risk medications, including antipsychotics, stimulants, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and narcotics. The bill seeks to enhance patient rights and safety by ensuring veterans are fully informed about the medications they are prescribed.

H.R. 4837, the Written Informed Consent Act

11/09/2025

For those of you who are going to Volcan for the Paradas de Las Flores here are some useful tips:

Parada de las Flores*

Helpful *TIPS* for the weekend.

1. Do *shopping* before Friday. Stores will be busy and get low on some items.

2. Wear *comfortable shoes* that can get wet and muddy. ( Grass terrains can get bad with rain and lot of foot traffic)

3. Have *change* to pay for entrance (±$2) & bathroom visits (±0.50 per use).

4. Don't forget your *umbrella* for rain or sun.

5. *Hat & sunscreen* will be helpful even when it is cloudy.

6. *No Parking* will be available close by be prepared to walk.

7. If you need to leave town during parades make sure you have extra time for traveling traffic is going to be crazy.

8. Main street will be closed off for parades. Don't go do shopping and park on the main road you will not get your car out.

9. Limited seating available inside the grounds.

10. Pack water and toilet paper.

11. If you want a good spot for the parade be early.

12. Take chair, umbrella, water, snacks for the parade and be prepared to wait.

13. *Be patient*.

14. ATMs run out of money, so plan wisely.

Program.

*Friday 12th (5:30 pm - 11:30 pm)
Inside Escuela Básica Primaria de Volcán

*Saturday 13th (8:00 am - 11:30 pm)
Horse Parade will be on Saturday

*Sunday 14th (9:00am - 11:30 pm )
Parade down main street.
* Floats, bands, folklore groups*
From Berard supermarket in Nueva California to the Puma Fuel Station in Volcán

*Monday 15th (8:30 am - 11:30 pm)*

*Tuesday 16th (8:30 am - 11:30 pm)*

Be safe and enjoy the flowers and festivities.

10/09/2025

U.S. Social Security Services

Panama, September 15-19, 2025

The U.S. Embassy in Panama is pleased to announce that representatives from the Regional Federal Benefits Office will visit two locations in Panama to offer services for beneficiaries or individuals with questions about U.S. Social Security benefits.



• Where: U.S. Embassy Consular Section, U.S. Embassy Panama City, Panama

When: Monday, September 15, through Wednesday, September 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; and Thursday, September 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.



• Where: Biblioteca Boquete, Ave. Belisario Porras, Bajo Boquete.

When: Friday, September 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



No appointment necessary, but please be prepared to wait as all services are “first come, first served.”



What to bring for Social Security services (please bring the originals and legible copies of all documents to be submitted):



Applying for Social Security Benefits: Bring the original and one copy of the following documents for each applicant: birth certificate and passport. If applying for auxiliary benefits or survivor’s benefits, please also bring your marriage certificate and/or spouse’s death certificate.



Social Security Number (SSN) Card Application (under age 12): Bring copies of the valid U.S. passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad of the applicant, as well as a completed form SS-5FS signed by applicant. Alternatively, bring the original foreign birth certificate of the applicant (registered before age 5), as well as a completed form SS-5FS signed by applicant’s parent or guardian.



Social Security Number (SSN) Card Application (over age 12): An in-person interview for the applicant is also a requirement for SSN card applicants over the age of 12. Applicants should bring copies of the valid U.S. passport, original birth certificate (registered before age 5) or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of the applicant, and a completed form SS-5FS signed by applicant. Additionally, we require proof of all the years the applicant has been residing abroad (e.g.: letters from schools and universities indicating enrollment dates, vaccination records, medical records, identification or passports (valid or expired), employment letters, marriage certificate(s), divorce certificate(s), children’s birth certificates, etc.)

19/08/2025

This is a result of the new tightening of entry rules for visitors from countries like America & Canada

13/08/2025

Starting this Wednesday, August 13, Resolution 146 of January 2025, which prohibits va**ng in public spaces; the sale and consumption of e-ci******es to minors; and the display of these products in stores, goes into effect.

Dr. Norma Astudillo, from the Planning Directorate and Coordinator of the National To***co Control Commission of the Ministry of Health (MINSA), stated that "six months were given for the necessary adjustments to be made, but by August 13, the same regulations that apply to traditional ci******es must be followed."

"For now, they can be sold; we hope to return to the regulation that completely prohibited them," Astudillo emphasized.

Among the main provisions that merchants and the general public must take into account are the following:

1. They cannot be within reach or visible to the public. The products regulated by this resolution must not be displayed in open windows, on counters, or be directly accessible to customers. They are only permitted to be kept in closed display cases or shelves during the first two years the regulation is in effect. Improper display may lead to confiscation and penalties.

2. Use of these products is prohibited in all places where smoking to***co products is already prohibited. This includes public and private offices, schools, hospitals, transportation, restaurants, bars, shopping malls, stadiums, churches, hotels, nightclubs, and sports venues, among others. Where smoking is prohibited, va**ng or the use of these devices is also prohibited.

3. Sale to minors is prohibited. Points of sale must post visible signs warning of this prohibition and are required to verify the age of buyers using any valid official identification (personal identification card, driver's license, passport).

4. Advertising or promotion of these products, directly or indirectly, is prohibited, including on packaging, social media, and traditional or digital media.