Secretary of State Rubio Speaks with Panamanian President Mulino... "The American People Will Stand Firmly by Panama Throughout Earthquake Recovery"

Washington, D.C.

Secretary of State Rubio held a telephone call on October 27 (local time) with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino. The U.S. Department of State announced the readout of the call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Mulino on the same day. In a readout, the Office of the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State announced that "Secretary Rubio spoke today with Panamanian President Mulino to discuss earthquake recovery, regional issues, and the UN Secretary General election."

The U.S. Department of State announced that the call reaffirmed the deepening U.S.-Panama partnership following the October 9 earthquake. According to the U.S. Department of State, Secretary Rubio said, "the American people will stand firmly with Panama throughout its recovery." Secretary Rubio stated that the strong relationship between the two nations enabled the United States to deliver humanitarian, logistical, communications, and technical support—including food, drinking water, and urban search and rescue teams—to affected communities within 24 hours.

State Department: "Call Reaffirms Deepening U.S.-Panama Partnership Following Earthquake"

The U.S. Department of State categorized the readout under tags including Western Hemisphere Affairs, Bureau of Disaster and Humanitarian Response, Panama, Earthquakes, and Humanitarian Assistance and Response. Juan Pablo Segura, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, posted the contents of the call in English and Spanish on his official X account on the same day. Assistant Secretary Segura posted, "In today’s call with President Mulino, Secretary Rubio emphasized that the American people will continue to stand firmly with Panama through its recovery following the October earthquake," adding that "They also discussed regional issues and the UN Secretary General election."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama also published the readout of the call on its official website on the same day. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, President Mulino and Secretary Rubio discussed bilateral cooperation to assist victims of the October 9 earthquake, the state of democracy in the region, and the upcoming election of the next UN Secretary-General. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama posted that President Mulino expressed gratitude for the humanitarian aid and personnel provided by the United States to support earthquake victims and conduct structural damage assessments, noting that this assistance greatly aided ongoing reconstruction efforts.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, President Mulino and Secretary Rubio agreed on the need for a broad consensus to identify candidates regarding the UN Secretary-General election. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama posted that President Mulino stated that Latin American and Caribbean nations hope the unwritten rule of regional rotation will be taken into account in electing the Secretary-General, and that a figure from this region should assume the post of Secretary-General this time.

U.S. Embassy in Panama: "20 Search and Rescue Experts Deployed Within 24 Hours of Earthquake... Over 370 Structural Assessments Conducted"

On October 26, the U.S. Embassy in Panama posted the achievements of U.S. assistance following the earthquake on its official X account. The embassy posted: "The United States stands with Panama. And we’re backing our words with action," adding that "Following the October 9 earthquake, the United States rapidly mobilized rescue teams, humanitarian assistance, helicopters, emergency supplies, and private sector support to help affected communities."

According to the embassy, the United States provided $10 million in humanitarian and logistical assistance. The embassy posted that 20 U.S. search and rescue experts were deployed within 24 hours, conducting over 370 structural assessments alongside Panama's National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC). The embassy posted that more than 60 tons of humanitarian aid and emergency supplies were mobilized, providing thousands of families with food, drinking water, shelter, and essential supplies. The embassy posted, "From emergency disaster response to long-term recovery, we will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Panamanian partners and help families get back on their feet," adding, "Our partnership is defined by action."

In an October 19 announcement, the embassy stated that U.S. Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera visited Tonosí in Los Santos Province, an area affected by the earthquake, and announced an additional $1 million in humanitarian assistance. According to the embassy, this additional support brought the total U.S. humanitarian assistance commitment to $6 million. The embassy announced that the additional funding was in addition to the initial $5 million commitment. According to the embassy, the additional funding will be used by U.S. engineering firm Miyamoto International to deploy technical experts and proven technology to evaluate damaged structures prioritized by the Panamanian government.

According to the embassy, Ambassador Cabrera introduced humanitarian assistance and recovery efforts that day at the Rosa María Angulo de Arce School in Tonosí alongside Panamanian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Arturo Hoyos, Miyamoto International CEO Kit Miyamoto, and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Director Simon Rodriguez. The embassy announced that Miyamoto International's structural assessments will assist Panamanian authorities in identifying structural risks, establishing recovery priorities, and safely rebuilding affected communities.

According to the embassy, Ambassador Cabrera visited Tonosí Rural Hospital that same day and received a briefing from the hospital director, affiliated with Panama's Ministry of Health (MINSA), on post-earthquake medical services and local needs. Ambassador Cabrera also toured a U.S.-funded temporary shelter for residents of Isla Cañas set up in Cigua, Los Santos Province. The embassy announced that this shelter was established to house a portion of the approximately 400 individuals displaced following the earthquake. Ambassador Cabrera received a briefing from the WFP and the Panamanian Red Cross on services being provided to displaced families, and distributed sandwiches and juice to residents at the shelter.

Ambassador Cabrera said, "Under President Trump, the United States responded immediately when our Panamanian friends needed us," adding, "U.S. rescue teams, military personnel, humanitarian organizations, and private sector partners are delivering real results on the ground." Ambassador Cabrera said, "In times of need, the United States shows up," and affirmed, "We will continue to stand with Panama as it recovers." In this announcement, the embassy stated that "The United States remains committed to helping Panama recover, protecting lives, and strengthening the safety and security of our hemisphere." The embassy announced that the additional support reflects ongoing collaboration with the Panamanian government, local authorities, and humanitarian organizations.

U.S. Southern Command Deploys Chinooks and Black Hawks, Backing State Department-Led Disaster Relief

According to the embassy, immediately following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake, the United States rapidly mobilized Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART), urban search and rescue experts, structural assessment specialists, and U.S. Southern Command Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters, working in close coordination with Panamanian authorities to support humanitarian operations. On October 24, U.S. Southern Command posted a photograph on its official X account of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter flight engineer assigned to Joint Task Force-Bravo (JTF-Bravo) looking out the window prior to conducting a mission in Los Ñopos, Panama, on October 16. U.S. Southern Command posted: "The Department of War is supporting the Department of State-led U.S. disaster assistance to the people of Panama following the October 9 earthquake."

On October 26, U.S. Southern Command posted on its X account: "The Department of War is proud to support the Department of State’s U.S. disaster assistance efforts," adding, "When our friends in Panama needed help, the U.S. military rapidly deployed and answered the call."

According to the embassy, helicopters supported by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and operated by Panama's National Aeronaval Service also transported emergency supplies to affected communities. The embassy announced that the U.S.-funded International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) response, implemented through the Panamanian Red Cross, delivered nearly 30 tons of humanitarian supplies—including water and sanitation items, tarpaulins, tools, and hygiene kits—capable of supporting up to 2,000 families across the Azuero Peninsula following the earthquake. According to the embassy, U.S.-funded humanitarian stockpiles managed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) supported the mobilization of emergency shelter materials and essential relief items such as blankets and mosquito nets for approximately 12,000 people. The United States also provided funding to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide logistical support, including the installation of mobile storage units for patients at Tonosí Rural Hospital.

In an October 26 announcement, the embassy also highlighted support from U.S. corporations and private-sector partners. According to the embassy, SpaceX's Starlink activated and provided free satellite internet access to the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue Team (USA-1), supported by the U.S. Department of State. Coca-Cola delivered drinking water to hospitals in Las Tablas, Penonomé, and Santiago. Maersk responded on the same day to an urgent request from the Panamanian Ministry of Health to transport generators from La Chorrera to Chitré to maintain power for hospital neonatal units. Ambassador Cabrera said, "The United States is the largest foreign investor in Panama, and in difficult times, the United States shows up."

According to the embassy, through the public-private partnership between Starlink and the U.S. Department of State, several humanitarian agencies in Panama continue to receive high-speed internet for responders and affected communities. Maersk delivered food, drinking water, and mattresses to affected communities in the Azuero region. The Dōrben Group dispatched 40 tents to Pedasí and delivered emergency supplies to hospitals in Aguadulce and Chitré, with the embassy reporting the total value of Dōrben Group's contribution at approximately $30,000. EnfraGen delivered cots, blankets, hygiene items, canned food, and infant formula to residents in Penonomé, Coclé Province, and Soná, Veraguas Province. The Colón 2000 Cruise Port delivered relief supplies to affected areas across Coclé Province, including Aguadulce, and Panamá Oeste Province. Panama Rainwater supplied solar kits, solar lighting, and portable power banks to Pedasí, Los Santos, and Mariato. McDonald's donated meals to volunteers carrying out relief activities in Herrera Province. The embassy announced that through its own 'Agua en Tu Aula' program, the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and the International Red Cross rapidly assessed drinking water needs in affected areas, with the results being utilized to restore safe drinking water in schools.

The embassy posted on its X account that same day that the contributions of these companies complement the "$10 million in humanitarian and logistical assistance committed by the U.S. government under the leadership of President Trump." In an October 26 press release, the embassy announced that corporate contributions complement the "U.S. government humanitarian assistance now totaling $6 million," as well as disaster response experts and logistical support deployed at the direction of President Trump.

On October 22, the embassy announced that Ambassador Cabrera delivered four 55-passenger Hyundai Universe buses and one mobile field kitchen vehicle, valued at approximately $1.4 million, to Panamanian Minister of Public Security Frank Ábrego and National Border Service (SENAFRONT) Director Larry Solís. According to the embassy, these buses will be used to rapidly deploy SENAFRONT personnel for both border operations and disaster response. Ambassador Cabrera said, "Strong border security requires the means to move rapidly, whether responding to a crisis or countering cartels that threaten both our nations." The embassy announced that the United States recently delivered 17 heavy-duty trucks to SENAFRONT as part of its earthquake assistance.

Sources (KST)

• Office of the Spokesperson, U.S. Department of State, "Secretary Rubio's Call with Panama President Mulino" (October 27, 2026): https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesman/2026/10/secretary-rubios-call-with-panama-president-mulino
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, "Presidente Mulino conversa con el secretario de Estado sobre cooperación ante el sismo y la próxima elección de un secretario general de la ONU" (October 27, 2026): https://mire.gob.pa/presidente-mulino-conversa-con-el-secretario-de-estado-sobre-cooperacion-ante-el-sismo-y-la-proxima-eleccion-de-un-secretario-general-de-la-onu/
• U.S. Embassy in Panama, "United States Announces Additional $1 Million in Earthquake Relief for Panama, Bringing Total Humanitarian Assistance to $6 Million" (October 19, 2026): https://pa.usembassy.gov/united-states-announces-additional-1-million-in-earthquake-relief-for-panama-bringing-total-humanitarian-assistance-to-6-million/
• U.S. Embassy in Panama, "U.S. Embassy and Private Sector Partners Join Forces to Support Panama's Earthquake Response" (October 26, 2026): https://pa.usembassy.gov/u-s-embassy-and-private-sector-partners-join-forces-to-support-panamas-earthquake-response/
• U.S. Embassy in Panama, "United States Delivers $1.4 Million in Buses to Strengthen Panama's Border Security and Disaster Response" (October 22, 2026): https://pa.usembassy.gov/united-states-delivers-1-4-million-in-buses-to-strengthen-panamas-border-security-and-disaster-response/
• U.S. Embassy in Panama X post (October 26, 2026, private sector assistance): https://x.com/USEmbPAN/status/2114723837015114022
• Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs X post (October 27, 2026): https://x.com/WHAAsstSecty/status/2115135199902146876
• U.S. Embassy in Panama X post (October 26, 2026): https://x.com/USEmbPAN/status/2114734312457208261
• U.S. Southern Command X post and photograph (October 24, 2026): https://x.com/Southcom/status/2114042988926247056
• U.S. Southern Command X post (October 26, 2026): https://x.com/Southcom/status/2114776380286083138