The plane carrying one of the most influential figures in the history of this nation to his hometown, Coclesito, crashed in Cerro Marta on July 31, 1981.

Since he took office in 1968 until his death, Torrijos led a government with a marked nationalist, reformist, and populist focus, promoting changes that redefined the country’s direction, analysts stated.

Characterized by a close relationship with the people and policies defending sovereignty, his leadership had as its leading milestone the recovery of the Panama Canal through the signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977.

Torrijos also maintained an active foreign policy, supported liberation movements in Latin America, and established diplomatic relations with socialist countries.

Following intense protests against a pension regulation and a memorandum signed between the Government of President Jose Raul Mulino and the United States to guarantee the Canal’s security, amid threats from President Donald Trump to seize control of the man-made waterway, several organizations believe that Torrijos’ legacy is more vital than ever.

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