Archive: October 2026
329 stories and official posts from October 2026 older than 5 days, newest first. ← All months
Rebel Bites
Theresa Ejiro EfiakpovworeEdition of October 30, 2026
Bukele: troops will leave Haiti once the four air technicians are handed over, or they will rescue them "by force"
At a joint press conference with Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, on Thursday night, October 29, at the Presidential House, Nayib Bukele said the Salvadoran mission in Haiti aims to rescue the four missing air technicians, not to wipe out Haiti's gangs. He warned that if they are not handed over willingly, "we are going to rescue them by force" (our translation), and that the forces will act against the gangs if they try to block the rescue. Bukele said El Salvador has no intention of staying permanently and that, if the four air technicians are handed over, the troops would withdraw that same day. He gave no end date for the mission, saying its length depends on when they are handed over.
Keiko Fujimori tours Rosales Hospital and the Doctor SV telemedicine platform
On the second day of her official visit, Friday, October 30, Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, toured the facilities of Doctor SV, the health care system that uses artificial intelligence. According to the Presidency, Doctor SV has more than 2 million registered users and more than 5 million consultations. In the afternoon she visited the Rosales National Hospital, accompanied by Peru's health minister, Luis Dyer, and guided by the hospital's director, Marvin Aguilar; the Presidency said the tour included robotic surgery, the automated clinical laboratory and nephrology. Fujimori said Peruvian teams will come to El Salvador to learn more about these health policies.
Fujimori visits a renovated school in Santa Tecla and shows interest in AI tutoring
Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, visited the Marcelino García Flamenco school in Santa Tecla on Friday, one of the schools renovated under the Two Schools a Day program. Education Minister Karla Trigueros presented the government's projects to bring artificial intelligence and new technologies into teaching. Fujimori thanked her for the presentation and expressed interest in taking some of these initiatives to Peru, in particular AI tutoring as a complement to in-person classes. The press office did not announce any specific education agreements.
Fujimori says 14 of 19 chapters of the Peru-El Salvador trade deal are already settled
At a meeting with business leaders in El Salvador, Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, said negotiations on a free trade agreement between the two countries are moving forward with 14 of its 19 chapters settled. According to her, the technical teams are still working on the remaining points. Fujimori invited Salvadoran business owners to invest in Peru without waiting for the agreement to be signed and highlighted mechanisms such as public-private partnerships and Peru's Works for Taxes system. No date was announced for concluding the negotiations.
Air travelers to the US must sign an Ebola declaration starting November 3
Starting November 3, 2026, passengers on international flights to the United States, including those departing from El Salvador, must sign a declaration set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In it they confirm they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before the flight. The measure aims to reduce the risk of Ebola reaching the United States and applies to US citizens, residents and foreigners, including those only connecting through the country. Anyone who was in that country during that period cannot board without an exemption from the US government.
El Salvador's Under-15 team ends its FIFA tournament run with a 3-2 loss to Jamaica
El Salvador's Under-15 team finished its run at the FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival with a 3-2 loss to Jamaica in its last match. El Salvador took the lead with goals from Méndez and Joey Rubio, but Jamaica came back to win. With this result, the young team bows out of the tournament.
Bukele and Keiko Fujimori sign cooperation agreements on security, justice, health and tourism
President Nayib Bukele received Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, at the Presidential House on Thursday, October 29, and the two governments signed several cooperation documents. They include a memorandum of understanding on sharing experience in infrastructure, prison management and strengthening the justice system against crime, an agreement between the two health ministries and a memorandum on tourism, plus a joint declaration. Bukele offered to share El Salvador's security strategy so that Peru can take whatever it finds applicable. Fujimori formally invited Bukele to visit Peru and proposed moving toward a free trade agreement, although no negotiating timetable was announced. Outlets do not agree on the exact number of agreements, so we leave it out.
El Salvador hands down its first life sentence for the rape of a girl, according to the Attorney General's Office
According to the Attorney General's Office (FGR), a court sentenced a man to life in prison after finding him guilty of raping a 13-year-old girl in the east of the country between February and June 2026. The FGR said it is the first case tried in the country under the reform that sets life imprisonment for sex crimes. According to the prosecutors' investigation, the convicted man contacted the victim through social media and took advantage of the age difference to manipulate her. The reform is part of the package of criminal law changes the Legislative Assembly approved in March, after a constitutional amendment allowing that penalty was ratified.
FMLN registers 12 candidates with the electoral tribunal for the diaspora's seats in the Assembly
On Thursday, October 29, the FMLN registered 12 candidates, alternates included, with the Supreme Electoral Tribunal for the district of Salvadorans living abroad in the 2027 elections. According to the party, nine of them live outside the country and eight are women. The candidates live in countries such as the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy and Sweden. The registration was led by the party's presidential candidate, Rafael Aguirre, and its vice-presidential candidate, Madaí Santos.
Police report zero homicides on Thursday, October 29
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Thursday, October 29 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC posted it on X after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the security work of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the eighth day in a row with this official report. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
PNC: It has teams providing security at the Apulo Recreational Park in Ilopango as the weekend begins
The PNC says it has teams providing security at the Apulo Recreational Park in Ilopango as the weekend begins.
Press Secretariat: Quotes Keiko Fujimori during her visit to Rosales Hospital, where she compared its care with that of Peru's hospitals
The press office quotes Keiko Fujimori during her visit to Rosales Hospital, where she compared its care with that of Peru's hospitals.
Presidency: Reports Keiko Fujimori's visit to Rosales Hospital, which included robotic surgery, the automated clinical laboratory and nephrology
The Presidency reports Keiko Fujimori's visit to Rosales Hospital, which included robotic surgery, the automated clinical laboratory and nephrology.
PNC: It is carrying out ground and air operations in rural areas of Santa Cruz Analquito, Cuscatlán Sur, near the borders with San Vicente and La Paz
The PNC says it is carrying out ground and air operations in rural areas of Santa Cruz Analquito, Cuscatlán Sur, near the borders with San Vicente and La Paz.
Presidency: Keiko Fujimori toured Doctor SV and says the system has more than 2 million registered users and more than 5 million consultations
The Presidency reports that Keiko Fujimori toured Doctor SV and says the system has more than 2 million registered users and more than 5 million consultations.
Presidency: Reports Keiko Fujimori's visit to a renovated school in Santa Tecla, where the education minister presented AI projects to her
The Presidency reports Keiko Fujimori's visit to a renovated school in Santa Tecla, where the education minister presented AI projects to her.
Press Secretariat: Shared the Environment Ministry's revised data on an earthquake recorded early in the morning off the coast of San Vicente
The presidential press office shared the Environment Ministry's revised data on an earthquake recorded early in the morning off the coast of San Vicente. The data is in the post's image.
Press Secretariat: Said there were no homicides in the country on Thursday, October 29, and credited the government's security work
The press office said there were no homicides in the country on Thursday, October 29, and credited the government's security work.
PNC: Reported that Thursday, October 29 closed with no homicides in the country
The PNC reported that Thursday, October 29 closed with no homicides in the country.
Press Secretariat: Shared a video of Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori's tour of the CECOT prison
The press office shared a video of Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori's tour of the CECOT prison.
PNC: Said it keeps officers in parks, squares and tourist spots in San Salvador's Historic Center
The PNC said it keeps officers in parks, squares and tourist spots in San Salvador's Historic Center.
Press Secretariat: Keiko Fujimori said Bukele is a role model in Peru because of El Salvador's transformation
According to the press office, Keiko Fujimori said Bukele is a role model in Peru because of El Salvador's transformation.
Press Secretariat: Announced that Keiko Fujimori will visit the Rosales National Hospital on Friday
The press office announced that Keiko Fujimori will visit the Rosales National Hospital on Friday.
Press Secretariat: Quoted Keiko Fujimori calling the CECOT impressive and an emblem of peace and order in El Salvador
The press office quoted Keiko Fujimori calling the CECOT impressive and an emblem of peace and order in El Salvador.
PNC: Said it patrols the area around El Cuco beach, in San Miguel Centro, for tourists and vendors
The PNC said it patrols the area around El Cuco beach, in San Miguel Centro, for tourists and vendors.
Presidency: Reported that Bukele welcomed Keiko Fujimori with full honors at the Presidential House, ahead of a bilateral meeting and a broader one with both delegations
The Presidency reported that Bukele welcomed Keiko Fujimori with full honors at the Presidential House, ahead of a bilateral meeting and a broader one with both delegations.
PNC: Said it watches over public transport stops and buses in Morazán and Ahuachapán
The PNC said it watches over public transport stops and buses in Morazán and Ahuachapán.
PNC: Said its Tourism Police are present in squares and parks of San Salvador's Historic Center
The PNC said its Tourism Police are present in squares and parks of San Salvador's Historic Center.
Edition of October 29, 2026
Keiko Fujimori tours CECOT at the start of her official visit to El Salvador
Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, toured the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) in Tecoluca, San Vicente, on Thursday, October 29, as part of her official visit to El Salvador. According to the Presidency, she was received by Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy and Justice and Public Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro, who were to present the country's security progress and prison model to her. Contrapunto reported that CECOT director Belarmino García was also present, and that her agenda includes a meeting with President Nayib Bukele and visits to a school and a hospital. The Presidency announced that Bukele would receive her on Thursday afternoon at the Presidential House. Contrapunto noted that this model has been questioned by human rights organizations over detention conditions and due-process guarantees.
Bukele tells Haitians the Salvadoran deployment in Haiti "is not an invasion"
President Nayib Bukele posted a message on X in Haitian Creole addressed to the people of Haiti, saying El Salvador is close to finishing the deployment of its soldiers and equipment there. According to the Presidency's press office, Bukele stated: "This is not an operation against the Haitian people, nor an invasion of the country of Haiti" (our translation). In the message he said the only goal is to bring the four Salvadoran aviation technicians home and to fight the gangs, and that El Salvador is covering 90% of the operation's costs with its own resources. He also asked people to pray for Haiti and said that when the mission ends, the Salvadorans will return home. According to Infobae, as of Thursday there was no official information on the whereabouts of the four technicians.
Government reports its largest land drug seizure: 150,000 portions
Justice and Public Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro reported on Thursday, October 29 the seizure of 150,000 portions of drugs that were being transported in a truck and two sedan-type vehicles. According to the minister, "this is the largest land-based drug seizure carried out by our law enforcement" (our translation). According to Villatoro, the operation was carried out by the PNC with the support of canine units, three of those captured are Guatemalan, and the detainees will be prosecuted for drug trafficking, illicit association and money laundering. The total number of detainees is unclear: the minister's post speaks of five arrests but lists seven people. According to Infobae, the type of drug, the weight of the shipment and the exact location of the operation were not disclosed.
Former president Elías Antonio Saca leaves prison and goes to the Isidro Menéndez Judicial Center
Former president Elías Antonio Saca, who governed from 2004 to 2009, left prison and appeared on Thursday afternoon, October 29, at the Isidro Menéndez Judicial Center in San Salvador to complete paperwork tied to his release, according to El Diario de Hoy and Infobae. Saca served his ten-year prison sentence, five years for embezzlement and five for money and asset laundering, handed down in 2018 in a summary proceeding in which he admitted the facts; he had been arrested on October 30, 2016. According to El Diario de Hoy, he arrived with Élmer Charlaix, the Presidency's former private secretary, and avoided making statements to reporters. The same outlet noted that the Attorney General's Office said the assets linked to the case will remain in state custody.
El Salvador confirms more than 2,000 troops in Haiti to search for its four missing soldiers
According to a statement from El Salvador's Foreign Ministry, President Nayib Bukele spoke by phone on Wednesday, October 28 with Haiti's prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, about the operation to rescue four Salvadoran soldiers missing since an ambush on October 18 near Port-au-Prince. The Foreign Ministry said "El Salvador will continue the operational deployment of more than 2,000 soldiers" (our translation) in what it described as a large-scale operation backed by several countries and international organizations. According to the statement, Bukele reaffirmed the country's willingness to keep supporting security work against gangs in Haiti and thanked Haitian authorities for their cooperation. El Diario de Hoy notes that the official figure is higher than the roughly 1,300 troops previously reported by Haitian media. So far there has been no official word on the whereabouts of the four soldiers.
Police report zero homicides on Wednesday, October 28
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Wednesday, October 28 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC posted it on X after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the security work led by President Nayib Bukele. It is the seventh day in a row with this official report. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
Firefighters control a blaze at the Ciudad Arce municipal market
According to the presidential press office, the Fire Department brought under control a fire on the ground floor of the municipal market in the district of Ciudad Arce, La Libertad Centro, and kept the flames from spreading. The information was posted on X early on Thursday, October 29. According to those posts, firefighters were still putting out the remaining hot spots and keeping a safety perimeter around the area. No injuries or cause of the fire were reported.
The US gives $100,000 to digitize about 7,000 archaeological pieces in El Salvador
According to the US Embassy, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers announced a $100,000 grant to digitally document El Salvador's movable cultural heritage. The project aims to protect approximately 7,000 items in the National Archaeology Collection and strengthen cooperation against looting and illicit trafficking of cultural property. The Ministry of Culture will carry it out over 30 months, from September 2026 to March 2029, with a web platform where each piece will have a standardized record and high-resolution photos. Culture Minister Raúl Castillo took part in the launch.
The US extradites a 27-year-old man to El Salvador to face charges over a 2019 femicide
According to the US Embassy, which published a statement from the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California, a 27-year-old man with dual US and Salvadoran citizenship was handed over to Salvadoran authorities on Wednesday, October 28, at El Salvador's request. He will face charges of aggravated femicide and attempted homicide over the death of a woman in 2019. According to the extradition request, the woman's body was found on February 1, 2019 near a road, and days later farmworkers found the couple's son, a child under two, alive and severely dehydrated. The accused had been in US custody since October 2024. These are accusations; he has not been tried.
Firpo lose 2-1 to Saprissa in stoppage time and miss out on the Concacaf Champions Cup
Luis Ángel Firpo were knocked out of the Central American Cup play-in after losing 2-1 to Deportivo Saprissa on Wednesday, October 28 in Costa Rica, following a 0-0 first leg in San Salvador. Saprissa went ahead through Gerson Torres and Mauricio Cerritos equalized from the penalty spot for Firpo. The goal that sent the Costa Rican side through came in the final minutes, in stoppage time. With the result, Saprissa earn a place in the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup and Firpo end their international campaign for 2026. On Tuesday, Alianza had also been knocked out of that tournament.
El Salvador call up seven overseas players for the Gold Cup 2027 play-in against Saint Martin
The Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT) announced the call-up of seven players based abroad for the series against Saint Martin on the road to the 2027 Gold Cup. The list includes, among others, Brayan Gil (Baltika, Russia), Nathan Ordaz (D.C. United, United States), Joshua Pérez (Odra Opole, Poland), Cristian Martínez (San Carlos, Costa Rica) and Nelson Blanco (San Antonio FC, United States). Jorge "Gugu" Méndez of Panama's San Francisco was also called up, although according to FESFUT he is still awaiting FIFA approval to switch federations. The first leg is away on Friday, November 13, and the return leg is on Tuesday, November 17 at the Jorge "Mágico" González stadium.
Presidency: Announced that Bukele would receive Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, at the Presidential House on Thursday
The Presidency announced that Bukele would receive Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, at the Presidential House on Thursday.
Press Secretariat: Said firefighters responded to a house fire in Montes de San Bartolo, Soyapango
The press office said firefighters responded to a house fire in Montes de San Bartolo, Soyapango.
Press Secretariat: Summarized Bukele's message to Haitians: the deployment aims to fight gangs and bring the four technicians home, and is not an invasion
The press office summarized Bukele's message to Haitians: the deployment aims to fight gangs and bring the four technicians home, and is not an invasion.
Bukele: Posted a message in Haitian Creole to the people of Haiti: he says the deployment is not an invasion, that the aim is to bring the four technicians home and fight the gangs, and that El Salvador pays 90% of the costs
Bukele posted a message in Haitian Creole to the people of Haiti: he says the deployment is not an invasion, that the aim is to bring the four technicians home and fight the gangs, and that El Salvador pays 90% of the costs.
Presidency: Said Keiko Fujimori toured CECOT, where she was received by the defense and security ministers
The Presidency said Keiko Fujimori toured CECOT, where she was received by the defense and security ministers.
Press Secretariat: Said firefighters controlled a fire on the ground floor of the Ciudad Arce municipal market and kept it from spreading
The press office said firefighters controlled a fire on the ground floor of the Ciudad Arce municipal market and kept it from spreading.
Press Secretariat: Highlighted another day without homicides and credited it to President Bukele's security work
The press office highlighted another day without homicides and credited it to President Bukele's security work.
PNC: Reported that Wednesday, October 28 ended with no homicides in the country
The PNC reported that Wednesday, October 28 ended with no homicides in the country.
Press Secretariat: Announced that Bukele will receive Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori on an official visit on Thursday
The press office announced that Bukele will receive Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori on an official visit on Thursday.
Press Secretariat: Said it handed over an upgraded drinking water system for a community association in Corinto, Morazán Norte
The government said it handed over an upgraded drinking water system for a community association in Corinto, Morazán Norte.
Presidency: Welcomed Keiko Fujimori, who arrived on an official visit and was received with honors by Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco
The Presidency welcomed Keiko Fujimori, who arrived on an official visit and was received with honors by Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco.
PNC: Showed patrols at recreational areas in San Salvador Sur, Ahuachapán Centro and San Miguel Centro
The PNC showed patrols at recreational areas in San Salvador Sur, Ahuachapán Centro and San Miguel Centro.
PNC: Said its teams and the Armed Forces are deployed nationwide as part of the Territorial Control Plan
The PNC said its teams and the Armed Forces are deployed nationwide as part of the Territorial Control Plan.
Edition of October 28, 2026
Former president Elías Antonio Saca is free after serving his 10-year sentence, according to prosecutors
Former president Elías Antonio Saca has had a release order in effect since Tuesday, October 27, after serving the 10-year prison sentence he received for embezzlement and money laundering in the case known as Destape a la Corrupción. According to the Attorney General's Office (FGR), Saca regained his freedom on completing that sentence. The FGR also said the assets, companies, real estate and vehicles linked to the case will remain in state custody. Saca was arrested in October 2016 and sentenced in September 2018 after admitting the charges in a plea procedure; the court also set civil liability of approximately $260.7 million.
Assembly approves $9.9 million for scholarships for 14,000 young people, funded by an IDB loan
The full Legislative Assembly approved a reform to the 2026 Budget Law that adds $9,907,110 for the Integration Directorate. The money will continue a scholarship and financial-support program for 14,000 low-income young people studying at universities, specialized institutes and technical schools. Of that amount, $9,877,110 goes to the scholarships and $30,000 to consultants, coordinating staff and computer equipment. The funds come from a $100 million Inter-American Development Bank loan approved by the Assembly on August 20. The Finance Committee had backed the measure earlier this week.
Assembly of the Pacific Airport terminal structure moves ahead
Construction of the Pacific Airport, in the Conchagua district of La Unión Sur, is moving ahead with the lifting and assembly of the structural pieces that will form the passenger terminal. Cranes and specialized machinery are raising large steel elements that will make up the building's roof. According to La Página, the project, together with Surf City 2, is part of the plans to transform the country's eastern region.
Police report zero homicides on Tuesday, October 27
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Tuesday, October 27 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC posted it on X after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the work of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the sixth day in a row with this official report. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
CID Gallup: 94% of those surveyed approve of Bukele's performance
A national CID Gallup poll, conducted October 24-27, indicates that 94% of Salvadorans surveyed approve of President Nayib Bukele's performance and 91% feel proud to have him as president. According to Diario El Mundo, the poll was based on 600 interviews with adults, with a 4% margin of error and a 95% confidence level. The survey also asked about the operation in Haiti to search for four missing air force technicians: 82% said they were worried about the risk to Salvadoran personnel, and 68% support keeping or increasing the contingent. In the September measurement, approval stood at 92%, according to El Mundo. Bukele shared the figure on X.
Peru's President Keiko Fujimori begins an official visit to El Salvador
Peru's President Keiko Fujimori was authorized to leave her country from October 28 to 31 for an official visit to El Salvador, with activities in San Salvador and the municipality of Tecoluca. She will then travel to Madrid for the 30th Ibero-American Summit, in a second leg from November 2 to 6. According to Peruvian media, First Vice President Luis Galarreta is in charge of the presidency during her absence, under a supreme resolution published in the official gazette El Peruano. Infobae reported that the agenda includes meetings with Salvadoran ministers of Justice and Public Security, Health and Education.
Public Works presents its 2027 budget and expects to start the Apopa bypass by December at the latest
Public Works Minister Romeo Rodríguez presented his ministry's proposed 2027 budget to the Legislative Assembly's Finance Committee. According to the minister, construction of the Apopa bypass could begin by December at the latest, but the tender is in the final stage of bid evaluation and World Bank reviews are still pending before it is awarded. The project calls for a new 4.8-kilometer, four-lane road with 12 bridges connecting the Carretera de Oro with the Troncal del Norte without passing through central Apopa. Infobae reports that the ministry's total proposed budget is $1,057 million, which it describes as the largest in its history; the Assembly still has to approve it.
Assembly of the first Mejicanos cable car stations will begin in November
Public Works Minister Romeo Rodríguez announced that assembly of the first stations of the Mejicanos cable car and its electromechanical components will begin between the first and second week of November. Meanwhile, tower installation continues. The project will run about 3.5 kilometers, with four stations, 23 towers and 153 cabins. According to the ministry, the system would start operating in 2027, although there is still no opening date.
49 MS gang members who operated in La Paz sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, according to prosecutors
According to the Attorney General's Office (FGR), San Salvador's Third Organized Crime Court sentenced 49 members of the Mara Salvatrucha to up to 30 years in prison for unlawful association. The FGR says the group intimidated residents of La Paz Oeste and La Paz Centro, including San Pedro Masahuat, San Antonio Masahuat, San Miguel Tepezontes and San Juan Tepezontes. Those convicted were arrested under the state of exception between March 2022 and June 2026. Prosecutors said they will face further proceedings for additional crimes.
Alianza draws 0-0 with Marathón and misses out on the Concacaf Champions Cup
Alianza FC failed to qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup after a goalless draw against Honduras' Marathón at the Jorge "Mágico" González stadium in San Salvador. The Salvadoran side needed a win after losing the first leg 2-1 in Honduras. With the 0-0, Marathón held on to its 2-1 aggregate lead and took the spot. elsalvador.com noted that Alianza did not manage a single shot on target in the whole match.
Costa Rica moves its first 123 inmates to a mega-prison inspired by El Salvador's CECOT
On Monday, October 26, Costa Rica moved its first 123 inmates to the High Containment Center against Organized Crime (CACCO), a mega-prison inspired by El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). The inmates arrived with shaved heads and orange uniforms, in images released by Costa Rica's Ministry of Justice and Peace. The prison, in Alajuela province, has capacity for 5,100 inmates. Among the first transferred are people considered highly dangerous, according to Costa Rican authorities.
Presidency: Announced the death of Óscar Bukele Hasfura, President Bukele's uncle, and conveyed the condolences of the president and the first lady
The Presidency announced the death of Óscar Bukele Hasfura, President Bukele's uncle, and conveyed the condolences of the president and the first lady.
PNC: Nine people, including four students, were injured when a truck overturned in El Cedro, Panchimalco; they are in stable condition and the driver, who had no license, is in custody
According to the PNC, nine people, including four students, were injured when a truck overturned in El Cedro, Panchimalco; they are in stable condition and the driver, who had no license, is in custody.
Press Secretariat: Cited another result from the October 24-27 CID Gallup poll: according to the post, 91% say they are proud to have Bukele as president
The Press Office cited another result from the October 24-27 CID Gallup poll: according to the post, 91% say they are proud to have Bukele as president.
Press Secretariat: Announced that the government would welcome Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, tonight
The Press Office announced that the government would welcome Peru's president, Keiko Fujimori, tonight.
Armed Forces: Shared the PNC's report of zero homicides on Tuesday, October 27
The Armed Forces shared the PNC's report of zero homicides on Tuesday, October 27.
Press Secretariat: Said Tuesday, October 27 ended with no homicides nationwide and credited the work of President Bukele's government
The presidential press office said Tuesday, October 27 ended with no homicides nationwide and credited the work of President Bukele's government.
PNC: Said Tuesday, October 27 ended with zero homicides in the country
The PNC said Tuesday, October 27 ended with zero homicides in the country.
Press Secretariat: Published an X article titled "President Nayib Bukele's government designs order and security plan for Los Tucanes concert" (our translation)
The presidential press office published an X article titled "President Nayib Bukele's government designs order and security plan for Los Tucanes concert" (our translation).
PNC: Posted images of the atmosphere at the Mágico González stadium during the Alianza vs
The PNC posted images of the atmosphere at the Mágico González stadium during the Alianza vs. Marathón match and said families and visiting fans were enjoying it calmly.
PNC: Its riot control unit was deployed inside the Mágico González stadium during the Alianza vs
According to the PNC, its riot control unit was deployed inside the Mágico González stadium during the Alianza vs. Marathón match.
Press Secretariat: Shared a video in which First Lady Gabriela de Bukele talks about the work behind the production "El mundo mágico de Cri-Cri: Una historia para imaginar juntos"
The presidential press office shared a video in which First Lady Gabriela de Bukele talks about the work behind the production "El mundo mágico de Cri-Cri: Una historia para imaginar juntos".
Press Secretariat: Quoted the head of Civil Protection, who said there is a contingency plan with four ambulances, the Armed Forces, the PNC, rescue services and firefighters deployed in different areas of the stadium
The presidential press office quoted the head of Civil Protection, who said there is a contingency plan with four ambulances, the Armed Forces, the PNC, rescue services and firefighters deployed in different areas of the stadium.
Press Secretariat: The government handed over the upgraded drinking water system of the Pinares de Corinto Community Association in Morazán Norte, a project also supported by Spanish cooperation (AECID)
According to the presidential press office, the government handed over the upgraded drinking water system of the Pinares de Corinto Community Association in Morazán Norte, a project also supported by Spanish cooperation (AECID).
PNC: Said officers, including the K-9 unit, carried out preventive searches of fans arriving for the Alianza vs
The PNC said officers, including the K-9 unit, carried out preventive searches of fans arriving for the Alianza vs. Marathón match, while the Traffic Division managed traffic around the stadium.
Bukele: Quoted CID Gallup's post about its national poll and wrote only "94%", the approval rating for his performance according to that survey
Bukele quoted CID Gallup's post about its national poll and wrote only "94%", the approval rating for his performance according to that survey.
Bukele: Shared a post by @SA_Defensa saying the Colombian Air Force's FAC-1005 aircraft is taking part in transporting Salvadoran personnel to Haiti
Bukele shared a post by @SA_Defensa saying the Colombian Air Force's FAC-1005 aircraft is taking part in transporting Salvadoran personnel to Haiti.
PNC: Reported a police presence in school zones, bus stops and public transport in La Unión, as part of the Territorial Control Plan
The PNC reported a police presence in school zones, bus stops and public transport in La Unión, as part of the Territorial Control Plan.
Edition of October 27, 2026
More than 40 companies will offer hundreds of permanent jobs this Wednesday at Metrocentro San Salvador
The Labor Ministry is holding a job fair on Wednesday, October 28, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, in the main plaza of Metrocentro San Salvador, with the entrance across from the Hotel Intercontinental. According to Labor Minister Rolando Castro, more than 40 companies from the food, retail, services and industry sectors will take part with hundreds of openings, and he stressed that these are permanent, not temporary, hires. The call is aimed at young people aged 18 and up, people with disabilities, single mothers, young people at risk of migrating, returned migrants and people in social reintegration. Applicants must bring a printed résumé, and job counselors will guide them through the process.
62 Barrio 18 members who operated in Tenancingo sentenced to 20 to 30 years in prison
The Third Organized Crime Court of San Salvador sentenced 62 members of the Barrio 18 gang for illicit association, according to the judicial branch's Centros Judiciales, as reported by La Prensa Gráfica and Diario El Salvador. Of them, 18 were identified as "homeboys" and 38 as active civilian members, and they received sentences of 25 to 30 years; six others, identified as collaborators, were sentenced to 20 to 25 years. The group operated in the district of Tenancingo, in Cuscatlán, and according to Diario El Salvador also in Monte San Juan. That outlet adds that prosecutors linked them to years of extortion of small businesses and that all were detained under the state of exception in force since March 2022.
Campaign period for the 2027 presidential election opens, with no tickets yet registered with the electoral tribunal
The campaign advertising period for president and vice president candidates began on Tuesday, October 27, and runs until February 24, 2027, according to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), which based it on Article 81 of the Constitution and Articles 172 and 175 of the Electoral Code. The election is scheduled for February 28, 2027. According to Infobae and Diario El Mundo, no ticket has yet formally registered with the TSE; Infobae notes that the regular registration deadline is November 19. Nuevas Ideas, with President Nayib Bukele seeking re-election alongside Vice President Félix Ulloa, the FMLN and ARENA have already announced their tickets.
El Salvador's government skips IACHR hearings on the state of exception and the human rights ombudsman's office
El Salvador's government sent no representatives on Monday, October 26, to hearings of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), held in Panama during its 197th session. The first hearing dealt with people detained under the state of exception, and the second with the role of the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman (PDDH), which, according to the organizations, did not attend either. Groups including Cristosal, Socorro Jurídico Humanitario and the Robert Kennedy Human Rights Center alleged arbitrary detentions, torture and deaths in custody, and asked the Commission to urge the government to repeal the state of exception. According to La Prensa Gráfica, the commissioners voiced concern about the government's absence.
Remittances total $7,619.9 million from January to September, up 3.5%, according to the Central Bank
El Salvador received $7,619.9 million in family remittances between January and September 2026, 3.5% more than in the same period of 2025, according to Central Reserve Bank (BCR) data. In the first nine months of 2025 the figure was $7,358.98 million. Less money arrived in September than in August, although the year-to-date total remains above last year's. Most of the money is sent from the United States.
Cold weather will last at least until Wednesday, October 28, with lows of 9 °C in the highlands, according to the Environment Ministry
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) said on Monday, October 26, that minimum temperatures will stay low at least until Wednesday, October 28, because of north winds. According to the forecast, the highlands will see lows between 9 and 14 °C and the inland valleys between 18 and 21 °C. Winds will blow at 15 to 25 km/h, with gusts of up to 45 km/h in high and mountainous areas. The MARN expects the rest of the week to stay cool in the early mornings and forecasts no rain for this Tuesday.
Finance Committee backs raising a housing fund loan to $103.7 million and $9.9 million for scholarships
The Legislative Assembly's Finance Committee issued favorable reports on Monday, October 26, on several budget and loan changes. One backs amending the state guarantee on a Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) credit line with the Social Housing Fund (FSV), which would grow from $53.7 million to $103.7 million. According to the Finance Ministry's presentation, the FSV plans to grant about 1,250 loans, half of them to women. Another report adds $9.9 million, from a $100 million loan, to a post-secondary scholarship program that would cover about 14,000 young people. The reports still have to go to the full Assembly.
Three workers hurt in a gas explosion at a restaurant in Sonsonate
Three people were injured on Monday afternoon, October 26, by a propane gas explosion at a food business in the El Ángel neighborhood of the Sonsonate district. According to Comandos de Salvamento, cited by La Prensa Gráfica, they are two women aged 34 and 24 and a 20-year-old man, all workers there, with first- and second-degree burns; they were taken to a hospital in Sonsonate. Labor Minister Rolando Castro said ministry teams have already visited the restaurant and are investigating the workplace accident.
A 48-year-old Salvadoran man dies in ICE custody at a Georgia facility
A 48-year-old Salvadoran man died on Friday, October 23, while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the D. Ray Processing Center in Folkston, Georgia, according to an agency statement. According to ICE, staff found him at about 1:46 a.m. with a ligature around his neck and tried to resuscitate him. The agency said the death is under investigation and that an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause. ICE also said the man had prior convictions in the United States.
Police report zero homicides on Monday, October 26
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Monday, October 26 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC posted it on X shortly after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the security strategy of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the fifth day in a row with this official report. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
Press Secretariat: A project to improve the drinking water system of the Pinares de Corinto Community Association (Acompinco), in Corinto, Morazán Norte, was handed over on Tuesday afternoon
According to the presidential press office, a project to improve the drinking water system of the Pinares de Corinto Community Association (Acompinco), in Corinto, Morazán Norte, was handed over on Tuesday afternoon.
PNC: Reports preventive searches at several points in Colón, La Libertad Oeste, as part of the Territorial Control Plan, with the stated aim of stopping the movement of illicit goods
The police report preventive searches at several points in Colón, La Libertad Oeste, as part of the Territorial Control Plan, with the stated aim of stopping the movement of illicit goods.
PNC: A woman died and the driver was injured when their vehicle left the road at km 12 of the Comalapa highway, in San Marcos, San Salvador Sur; police are inspecting the scene
According to the police, a woman died and the driver was injured when their vehicle left the road at km 12 of the Comalapa highway, in San Marcos, San Salvador Sur; police are inspecting the scene.
Press Secretariat: Shares Labor Minister Rolando Castro's announcement: more than 40 companies will offer hundreds of permanent jobs on Wednesday at Metrocentro San Salvador, from 8:00 a.m
The presidential press office shares Labor Minister Rolando Castro's announcement: more than 40 companies will offer hundreds of permanent jobs on Wednesday at Metrocentro San Salvador, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Press Secretariat: ANDA water utility head Dagoberto Arévalo explained that customers can ask to receive their water bill digitally and pay it at ANDA offices or online
According to the presidential press office, ANDA water utility head Dagoberto Arévalo explained that customers can ask to receive their water bill digitally and pay it at ANDA offices or online.
Presidency: Conveys President Bukele and the first lady's condolences on the death of Isidro Solano Barrera, father of Colonel Baltazar Solano, head of the Fire Department
The presidency conveys President Bukele and the first lady's condolences on the death of Isidro Solano Barrera, father of Colonel Baltazar Solano, head of the Fire Department.
Press Secretariat: Economy Minister María Luisa Hayem leads the 9th Ministerial Meeting on Intellectual Property this Tuesday, where El Salvador holds the pro tempore secretariat
According to the presidential press office, Economy Minister María Luisa Hayem leads the 9th Ministerial Meeting on Intellectual Property this Tuesday, where El Salvador holds the pro tempore secretariat.
Armed Forces: Shares the PNC's report of 0 homicides on Monday, October 26
The Armed Forces share the PNC's report of 0 homicides on Monday, October 26.
Press Secretariat: Repeats the report of zero homicides on Monday, October 26, and credits the government's security strategy
The presidential press office repeats the report of zero homicides on Monday, October 26, and credits the government's security strategy.
PNC: Monday, October 26 ended with 0 homicides in the country
The PNC reports that Monday, October 26 ended with 0 homicides in the country.
Press Secretariat: Warns that minimum temperatures will drop as low as 9 °C and that the cold will last until Wednesday, October 28
The presidential press office warns that minimum temperatures will drop as low as 9 °C and that the cold will last until Wednesday, October 28.
PNC: It keeps patrolling public transport stops in San Marcos, San Salvador Sur, so people get home safely at night
The PNC says it keeps patrolling public transport stops in San Marcos, San Salvador Sur, so people get home safely at night.
PNC: Says its teams keep a presence on roads and in public spaces across the country
The PNC says its teams keep a presence on roads and in public spaces across the country.
Press Secretariat: The transition to the dry season began on October 15 and ends on November 5; rain will gradually decrease, though showers are still possible
The presidential press office says the transition to the dry season began on October 15 and ends on November 5; rain will gradually decrease, though showers are still possible.
Press Secretariat: The new Eastern Region Water Quality Laboratory cost $2 million and will benefit more than 450,000 people
According to the presidential press office, the new Eastern Region Water Quality Laboratory cost $2 million and will benefit more than 450,000 people.
PNC: Says students from the National Public Security Academy are joining security patrols for visitors in San Salvador's Historic Center
The PNC says students from the National Public Security Academy are joining security patrols for visitors in San Salvador's Historic Center.
Edition of October 26, 2026
Fuel prices stay unchanged through November 9
The General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons and Mines (DGEHM) said on Monday, October 26, that reference fuel prices will not change from Tuesday, October 27, to Monday, November 9. It is the third fortnight in a row with no change. In the central zone, a gallon of premium gasoline stays at $5.13, regular at $4.80 and diesel at $4.86; in the west and east, premium costs $5.14, regular $4.81 and diesel $4.86. According to the DGEHM, international prices remain uncertain because of supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and the agency credits local stability to coordinated work between the government and oil companies.
Puente Cuscatlán sets a record low of 14.6 °C, according to MARN
According to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), the weather station at Puente Cuscatlán, on the Lempa River in San Vicente, recorded 14.6 °C in the early hours of Monday, October 26. MARN presented it as a new record, below the station's previous record of 17.0 °C. The outlets disagree on the year of the previous record, so we left it out. The cold comes with northerly winds, which according to MARN will continue at 15 to 25 km/h with gusts of up to 45 km/h.
Two Colombian tourists die after being swept out to sea at Costa del Sol; one person is still missing
Two Colombian tourists, aged 50 and 57, died on Monday morning, October 26, after being swept away by a sea current at Costa del Sol beach, in the El Zapote area of San Luis La Herradura, La Paz. According to Comandos de Salvamento, a third person was also pulled out to sea and was still missing; the Navy was supporting the search. MARN had announced spring tides along the Salvadoran coast from October 26 to 30.
UN experts list Salvadorans among trafficking victims recruited into Russia's army
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine presented a report to the UN General Assembly on Monday, October 26. It says it has evidence that Russian authorities trafficked people from 29 countries into their armed forces through deception and coercion. Salvadorans are among the victims. La Prensa Gráfica had documented in July the case of at least five Salvadorans taken to Russia under false pretenses who remain missing.
Exports reach $5,093.1 million through September, up 3.7%, according to the central bank
According to Central Reserve Bank (BCR) data, El Salvador exported $5,093.1 million between January and September 2026, 3.7% more than in the same period of 2025. By volume, exports grew 6.1%. In September alone, exports rose 8.2% compared with the same month last year. These are official BCR figures reported by several outlets.
The U-15 team beats Tunisia and Guinea-Bissau and finishes the group stage with three wins
El Salvador's U-15 team won two matches on Monday, October 26, at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. Early in the morning it beat Tunisia 2-1 with goals from Jericho Ayala (12th minute) and Marcos Plana (37th minute). Hours later it beat Guinea-Bissau 1-0 with a goal from Keneth Salguero in the 27th minute. Kilmar Jiménez's team finished the group stage with three wins, against Congo, Tunisia and Guinea-Bissau, and two losses, against Brazil and Nepal.
San Salvador Centro's 18 cemeteries will open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Day of the Dead
The San Salvador Centro mayor's office said its 18 municipal cemeteries will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 31 and November 1 and 2 for the Day of the Dead. The cemeteries are in the districts of San Salvador, Mejicanos, Ayutuxtepeque, Ciudad Delgado and Cuscatancingo. The city expects more than 70,000 visitors over those three days. There will be information points to help locate graves, Cajas Express payment points and first-aid stations.
Pablo Torres, the living-statue artist who played Moses in downtown San Salvador, dies after being hit by a vehicle
Artist Pablo Ernesto Torres, 30, died on Sunday, October 25, after being hit by a vehicle on the Litoral highway near the Los Zacatillos bridge in San Juan Nonualco, La Paz Este. Torres was known for performing as a living statue in San Salvador's historic downtown, especially as Moses. The National Civil Police is investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Dominican Republic says statements attributed to Bukele against its government and military are fake
The Dominican Republic's Foreign Ministry said on Monday, October 26, that Nayib Bukele did not make the statements against the Dominican government and its armed forces that are circulating on social media. According to the Dominican foreign ministry, the message was attributed to an account that does not exist. The ministry said it is checking where that account came from and does not rule out legal action against those responsible. It also urged people to verify anything attributed to foreign officials and reiterated that relations between the two countries are based on cooperation.
Salvadoran streamer Komanche dies at 30 in Monterrey, Mexico
The Salvadoran content creator known as Komanche has died at 30 in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico. His representative, Byron Reyes, confirmed the news on Monday, October 26, after speaking with the family. According to Mexican media, the body was found on Sunday, October 25, in a home in the Paseo de Cumbres neighborhood. Mexican authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death. His death prompted farewell messages from well-known Spanish-speaking streamers.
Sandra Yanira Martínez, pioneering meteorologist and former lawmaker, dies
Meteorologist Sandra Yanira Martínez Tobar died on Sunday, October 25, at age 67, national media reported; her party, Nuevas Ideas, announced her death. She worked for decades in weather forecasting, aeronautical and marine meteorology and hydrology, and was one of the first women to practice the profession in El Salvador. From 2021 to 2024 she was a lawmaker for La Libertad with Nuevas Ideas. The presidential office posted that President Nayib Bukele and First Lady Gabriela de Bukele mourn her passing. The cause of death has not been made public.
Police report zero homicides on Sunday, October 25
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Sunday, October 25 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC posted it on X shortly after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the strategy of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the fourth day in a row with this official report, after Thursday, October 22, Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
Grandparents' Festival draws more than 20,000 people at El Cafetalón, the government says
On Sunday, October 25, El Cafetalón park in Santa Tecla hosted the Grandparents' Festival, "Wonderful Resources of the Salvadoran Flourishing," organized by the Integration Directorate. According to the presidential press office, more than 20,000 people attended. Older adults, university scholarship students and residents of different communities shared workshops, music and games. The day included the finals of art, culture and sports competitions.
El Salvador's U-15 team loses to Brazil and Nepal at the FIFA World Cup and Festival
El Salvador's U-15 team lost both of its games on Sunday, October 25 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan: 0-7 to Brazil and 1-3 to Nepal. Joey Rubio scored El Salvador's only goal of the day. The team, coached by Kilmar Jiménez, has three points in Group D, thanks to its opening 3-2 win over DR Congo. On Monday the 26th it closes the group stage with another double day, against Tunisia and Guinea-Bissau.
Águila beats FAS 3-1 in the Clásico and Firpo stays top of the Apertura with 32 points
In matchday 17 of the 2026 Apertura tournament, Águila beat FAS 3-1 on Saturday at the Juan Francisco Barraza stadium in San Miguel, in a new edition of the Clásico Nacional. FAS went ahead with a goal by Édgar Medrano, but Águila came back. On Sunday, Luis Ángel Firpo drew 1-1 with Platense in Zacatecoluca and stays in first place with 32 points, one more than FAS.
University of El Salvador and Rotaract open a free program for survivors of sexual violence
A new comprehensive, free program for survivors of sexual violence will operate at the Valencia Regional Health Center of the University of El Salvador's (UES) School of Medicine. The initiative is led by the Rotaract Maquilishuat club, with the Rotary Club of Stockton, California, as sponsor. It will offer medical and psychological care, with an emphasis on suicide prevention. Outlets report different coverage targets, so we have left them out.
PNC: Says Tourism Police officers helped bring a 31-year-old tourist down from the Ilamatepec volcano in Santa Ana after she fell; she was taken to a medical facility for evaluation
The PNC says Tourism Police officers helped bring a 31-year-old tourist down from the Ilamatepec volcano in Santa Ana after she fell; she was taken to a medical facility for evaluation.
Press Secretariat: Says ANDA is repairing a pipe from the El Zapote tank after a leak and is supplying water by tanker truck while the work goes on
The presidential press office says ANDA is repairing a pipe from the El Zapote tank after a leak and is supplying water by tanker truck while the work goes on.
PNC: Shows patrols with the Armed Forces in rural areas of Santiago Texacuangos, Panchimalco and Rosario de Mora, in San Salvador Sur
The PNC shows patrols with the Armed Forces in rural areas of Santiago Texacuangos, Panchimalco and Rosario de Mora, in San Salvador Sur.
Press Secretariat: Economy Minister María Luisa Hayem highlighted that the economy grew 5.1% in the second quarter of 2026 and linked that boost to security conditions
According to the presidential press office, Economy Minister María Luisa Hayem highlighted that the economy grew 5.1% in the second quarter of 2026 and linked that boost to security conditions.
Armed Forces: Shares the PNC's report of 0 homicides on Sunday, October 25
The Armed Forces share the PNC's report of 0 homicides on Sunday, October 25.
Press Secretariat: Repeats the PNC's report of zero homicides on Sunday, October 25 and credits the government's strategy
The presidential press office repeats the PNC's report of zero homicides on Sunday, October 25 and credits the government's strategy.
PNC: Sunday, October 25 ended with 0 homicides in the country
The PNC reports that Sunday, October 25 ended with 0 homicides in the country.
Presidency: The presidential office says President Bukele and the first lady mourn the death of meteorologist and former lawmaker Sandra Yanira Martínez
The presidential office says President Bukele and the first lady mourn the death of meteorologist and former lawmaker Sandra Yanira Martínez.
PNC: Shows families at Puerta del Diablo Natural Park in San Salvador Sur and says security there is guaranteed
The PNC shows families at Puerta del Diablo Natural Park in San Salvador Sur and says security there is guaranteed.
PNC: Shows tourists at the Cerro Verde Natural Park lookouts in Santa Ana and says its tourism police unit (Politur) provides security
The PNC shows tourists at the Cerro Verde Natural Park lookouts in Santa Ana and says its tourism police unit (Politur) provides security.
Press Secretariat: Promotes Cifco Jurásico, a family attraction open from October 30 to November 1
The presidential press office promotes Cifco Jurásico, a family attraction open from October 30 to November 1.
Press Secretariat: More than 20,000 people took part in the Grandparents' Festival at El Cafetalón, Santa Tecla
The presidential press office says more than 20,000 people took part in the Grandparents' Festival at El Cafetalón, Santa Tecla.
PNC: Says its officers are watching over recreational parks around the country during the weekend
The PNC says its officers are watching over recreational parks around the country during the weekend.
PNC: Shows tourist spots in Alegría, Santiago Texacuangos, Santa Ana and Atiquizaya, and says they are welcoming local and foreign visitors
The PNC shows tourist spots in Alegría, Santiago Texacuangos, Santa Ana and Atiquizaya, and says they are welcoming local and foreign visitors.
Bukele: Shares a correction by the Haití en Español account, which clarifies that he did not say the soldier whose ID card he showed was dead
Bukele shares a correction by the Haití en Español account, which clarifies that he did not say the soldier whose ID card he showed was dead.
Security Ministry: Shares the PNC's report of 0 homicides on Saturday, October 24
The Security Ministry shares the PNC's report of 0 homicides on Saturday, October 24.
Edition of October 25, 2026
ARENA ratifies Mayteé Iraheta and Verónica Henríquez as its presidential ticket for 2027
The Nationalist Republican Alliance party (ARENA) ratified on Sunday, at its 45th General Assembly, Mayteé Iraheta as its presidential candidate and Verónica Henríquez as its vice-presidential candidate for the 2027 elections. The president of the party's National Executive Council (COENA), Carlos García Saade, spoke during the assembly. Candidate Iraheta, for her part, thanked the party members who have kept the party alive.
Haiti's anti-gang force received human remains but says it cannot yet confirm whether they are the four Salvadorans
The Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the multinational mission operating in Haiti with UN authorization, said in a statement that a humanitarian organization handed it unidentified human remains that could belong to the four Salvadoran soldiers missing since the October 18 attack in Croix-des-Bouquets. The GSF said it is not currently in a position to confirm whether the remains are those of its personnel and that it will share more information through its official channels once it has verified data. On Saturday, President Nayib Bukele had said the remains were not those of the air force technicians. The mission also clarified that a Chadian soldier's ID that circulated on social media belongs to a soldier from that contingent who lost it during the search, and that he is safe with his unit. The four Salvadorans remain officially missing.
Abinader says he spoke with Bukele about logistics and intelligence cooperation for operations in Haiti
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader said on Saturday on his X account that he spoke with Nayib Bukele “about logistics and intelligence cooperation for the operations against the criminal gangs in Haiti” (our translation), where the search continues for the four Salvadoran air force technicians missing since October 18. According to El Diario de Hoy and ContraPunto, Abinader did not specify what resources or information his country would provide, nor did he announce the deployment of Dominican troops. He also said his government is in contact with the Gang Suppression Force and has reinforced the border with Haiti, especially in the south, with more personnel, armored vehicles and equipment.
The Inter American Press Association warns of a hostile climate for the press in El Salvador
The Inter American Press Association (IAPA/SIP) said in the conclusions of its 82nd General Assembly, which ended on Sunday in Bogotá, that at least 210 attacks against the press were recorded in El Salvador between January and mid-July 2026. According to the country report cited by EFE, that figure comes from the Journalists Attacks Monitoring Center of the Association of Journalists of El Salvador (APES), and the most frequent forms were stigmatizing statements and digital harassment. The IAPA says fear and caution prevail among independent journalists and media, and in its conclusions it says at least 40 Salvadoran journalists had to go into exile. The report also mentions restrictions on access to official events and public information.
Los Chorros reopens on Sunday morning, well ahead of schedule, after a slope was blasted
The Ministry of Public Works reopened the Los Chorros stretch of the Pan-American Highway at around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, even though the full closure had been scheduled from midnight until 11:59 p.m. A controlled blast was carried out in the early hours on a slope near the Los Chorros recreational park, as part of the highway widening and viaduct construction. Afterwards, crews with heavy machinery removed the rocks and debris that fell onto the road. Los Chorros is the main link between San Salvador and the west of the country.
Bukele says the remains handed over in Haiti are not those of the four Salvadoran air force technicians
The New York Times and Reuters reported on Saturday that four bodies had been found on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince that could be those of the four Salvadoran air force technicians kidnapped by gangs in Haiti, as reported by Diario Co Latino and El Diario de Hoy. Hours later, President Nayib Bukele denied it on X: “They are not our men” (our translation). According to Bukele, an NGO handed over human remains at the airport claiming they belonged to the technicians, but they are those of a child, a man considerably taller than them, and a person wearing part of another army's uniform; ID cards and military uniforms from other countries were also found. The government has given no new information on the whereabouts of the four soldiers, who are still being searched for.
Peru's President Keiko Fujimori will visit El Salvador from October 28 to 31 with her foreign and justice ministers
Peru's government authorized Foreign Minister Carlos Espá and Justice and Human Rights Minister Ernesto Álvarez to accompany President Keiko Fujimori on her official visit to El Salvador, from October 28 to 31, according to Infobae (with EFE) and Willax. The schedule includes a private meeting between Fujimori and President Nayib Bukele, meetings with El Salvador's ministers of Justice and Public Security, Education and Health, and a visit to the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot).
Def Leppard plays the Estadio Cuscatlán again, with police and army security in place
British rock band Def Leppard performed on Saturday night, October 24, at the Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, in a concert that drew fans from several generations, according to El Diario de Hoy and Contrapunto. Both outlets highlight a show with a big visual production and a set of the band's classics. According to the PNC, police teams ran a security operation at the stadium and around it and searched attendees to keep illegal items out. The Armed Forces said they took part in that operation alongside the PNC.
Police report zero homicides on Saturday, October 24
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Saturday, October 24 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC announced it on X shortly after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the work of President Nayib Bukele's government to guarantee security. It is the third day in a row with this official report, after Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
Press Secretariat: The audience at the open-air cinema on the Monseñor Romero boulevard plaza watched Real Madrid's 2-1 win over FC Barcelona in the Spanish Clásico
The presidential press office says the audience at the open-air cinema on the Monseñor Romero boulevard plaza watched Real Madrid's 2-1 win over FC Barcelona in the Spanish Clásico.
PNC: Shows their Special Forces carrying out stops and document checks in Usulután Oeste, San Salvador Sur and Cuscatlán Sur
The police show their Special Forces carrying out stops and document checks in Usulután Oeste, San Salvador Sur and Cuscatlán Sur.
Press Secretariat: Promotes live music this afternoon at the tourist pier in Puerto de La Libertad
The presidential press office promotes live music this afternoon at the tourist pier in Puerto de La Libertad.
PNC: Shows officers at Lake Güija, Cerro Verde and Lake Coatepeque, tourist spots in Santa Ana, on Sunday
The police show officers at Lake Güija, Cerro Verde and Lake Coatepeque, tourist spots in Santa Ana, on Sunday.
Bukele: Quotes a correction by the account Haití en Español, which acknowledged that he did not claim the soldier whose ID card he showed was dead and apologized; the president thanks it for the clarification
Bukele quotes a correction by the account Haití en Español, which acknowledged that he did not claim the soldier whose ID card he showed was dead and apologized; the president thanks it for the clarification.
PNC: Says they are providing security at the traditional Field Day for farming and livestock families in Ciudad Arce, La Libertad Centro
The police say they are providing security at the traditional Field Day for farming and livestock families in Ciudad Arce, La Libertad Centro.
PNC: Officers are taking part in and providing security at the Games Festival at the Arturo Simeón Magaña stadium in Ahuachapán Centro
The police say officers are taking part in and providing security at the Games Festival at the Arturo Simeón Magaña stadium in Ahuachapán Centro.
PNC: A security detail is escorting women runners through the streets of San Miguel, Cabañas and Santa Ana
The police say a security detail is escorting women runners through the streets of San Miguel, Cabañas and Santa Ana.
PNC: Says they keep a permanent presence at farmers' markets and deployments in all 14 departments
The police say they keep a permanent presence at farmers' markets and deployments in all 14 departments.
Press Secretariat: Repeats that the Atlas Leader docked on Saturday at the port of La Unión with more than 400 vehicles
The press office repeats that the Atlas Leader docked on Saturday at the port of La Unión with more than 400 vehicles.
Press Secretariat: Highlights the widening of the Pan-American Highway and the construction of the Francisco Morazán viaduct
The press office highlights the widening of the Pan-American Highway and the construction of the Francisco Morazán viaduct.
Press Secretariat: A controlled blast of a slope was carried out on Saturday night on the Pan-American Highway at Los Chorros, which remains closed on Sunday
The press office reports that a controlled blast of a slope was carried out on Saturday night on the Pan-American Highway at Los Chorros, which remains closed on Sunday.
Press Secretariat: Echoes the PNC's report of zero homicides on Saturday, October 24
The press office echoes the PNC's report of zero homicides on Saturday, October 24.
PNC: Saturday, October 24 ended with zero homicides in the country
The PNC reports that Saturday, October 24 ended with zero homicides in the country.
Armed Forces: Shows Salvadorans and foreign tourists arriving at a show on Saturday night and highlight security
The Armed Forces show Salvadorans and foreign tourists arriving at a show on Saturday night and highlight security.
PNC: Shows officers searching people attending the Def Leppard concert at the Estadio Cuscatlán
The PNC shows officers searching people attending the Def Leppard concert at the Estadio Cuscatlán.
Armed Forces: Says they are running a security operation with the PNC around the Estadio Cuscatlán during the Def Leppard concert
The Armed Forces say they are running a security operation with the PNC around the Estadio Cuscatlán during the Def Leppard concert.
PNC: Shows fans arriving at the Estadio Cuscatlán for the Def Leppard concert
The PNC shows fans arriving at the Estadio Cuscatlán for the Def Leppard concert.
Bukele: The human remains handed over by an NGO at the airport are not those of the four Salvadoran air force technicians missing in Haiti
Bukele says the human remains handed over by an NGO at the airport are not those of the four Salvadoran air force technicians missing in Haiti.
PNC: Reports on its security operation at and around the Estadio Cuscatlán for the Def Leppard concert
The PNC reports on its security operation at and around the Estadio Cuscatlán for the Def Leppard concert.
PNC: Shows its deployments at tourist spots in Tejutla, Santiago Texacuangos, Atiquizaya and Berlín
The PNC shows its deployments at tourist spots in Tejutla, Santiago Texacuangos, Atiquizaya and Berlín.
Edition of October 24, 2026
The Atlas Leader car carrier arrives at the port of La Unión with more than 400 vehicles
The Atlas Leader, a ship built to carry vehicles, docked on Saturday at the port of La Unión. According to the presidential press office, it is carrying more than 400 vehicles, including cargo and passenger vehicles, and El Salvador is the last stop on its route to unload pickups, trucks and minibuses. The press office said the ship sails under the Japanese flag and that staff from the Unión Portuaria del Pacífico are running the unloading. The government presents the arrival as part of its push to expand activity at the port of La Unión.
Eight injured, six of them minors, in a crash between a pickup and a tractor-trailer in Cabañas
Eight people were injured, six of them minors, in a crash on Saturday morning at kilometer 60 of the road from San Salvador to Sensuntepeque, Cabañas. According to the PNC, all of them were riding in a pickup that lost control and hit a tractor-trailer. The injured were taken to a hospital; La Página reports that Cruz Verde Ilobasco rescuers stabilized them before the transfer. The PNC said the pickup's 58-year-old driver remains in custody at the hospital on a charge of negligent injury.
Health Ministry confirms a fourth dengue death in 2026 and 64 confirmed cases
The Health Ministry recorded the year's fourth dengue death in its epidemiological bulletin for week 41 (October 11 to 17), according to El Diario de Hoy and Diario El Mundo. The country has 64 laboratory-confirmed cases and 56 hospital discharges. There were 350 visits for suspected dengue in week 40 and 347 in week 41, and one case of severe dengue was reported. The ministry has not released the ages of the people who died or where the deaths occurred.
Haitian media report 450 Salvadoran troops in Haiti searching for the four missing soldiers
Haitian newspapers Le Nouvelliste and Haïti Libre report that the Salvadoran contingent in Haiti has reached 450 troops, sent to search for the four Salvadorans missing since October 18 after a gang attack in Croix-des-Bouquets, on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. Contrapunto and Infobae carry those reports, which cite the arrival of new flights with troops. Contrapunto notes that neither the Armed Forces nor the Salvadoran government has publicly confirmed how many troops were sent, so the figure comes from the Haitian media. Contrapunto also quotes a former Haitian military commander who warns that the terrain and the gangs' resistance make the rescue difficult.
Weak northerly winds bring gusts of up to 40 km/h and cooler nights this weekend
According to the Environment Ministry (MARN), the country is under the influence of weak northerly winds, with gusts that can reach 40 km/h, mainly in higher areas. Diario El Salvador explains, citing MARN, that the pattern is caused by a high-pressure system northeast of Texas. Saturday and Sunday afternoons will be warm, but nights and early mornings cooler. Isolated rain was expected on Saturday afternoon and night in northern Morazán and La Unión and along the eastern coast; no rain is forecast for Sunday.
El Salvador's U-15 team opens with a 3-2 win over DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup and Festival
El Salvador's U-15 team beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3-2 in its first match of the 2026 FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, being played in Baku, Azerbaijan. Joey Rubio scored twice and Jericho Ayala added the third; the African side pulled back two goals in the second half. With the win, El Salvador has its first three points in Group D. On Sunday, October 25, the team plays twice: against Brazil at 4:30 a.m. and against Nepal at 10:45 a.m., El Salvador time, according to El Gráfico.
Police report zero homicides on Friday, October 23
According to the National Civil Police (PNC), Friday, October 23 ended with no homicides in the country. The PNC announced it on X shortly after midnight, and the presidential press office credited it to the security strategy of President Nayib Bukele's government. It is the second day in a row with this official report, after Thursday, October 22. The figure is the PNC's own; no further breakdown was published.
Firefighters put out a blaze in a building on Calle Gerardo Barrios in downtown San Salvador
The Fire Department responded Thursday afternoon to a fire in a building on Calle Gerardo Barrios in San Salvador's Historic Center. According to the presidential press office, the fire started on the fourth floor and was handled with no victims, only property damage. Diario La Página reported that the fire hit the storeroom of a business and was brought under control. The press office added that Civil Protection helped remove merchandise from the building to reduce losses. No cause has been given.
The Pan-American Highway at Los Chorros will be closed all day Sunday, October 25
The Los Chorros stretch of the Pan-American Highway will be closed on Sunday, October 25 for controlled blasting work. According to Diario La Página, no vehicles will be able to pass from midnight until 11:59 p.m. that Sunday while rock is removed from one of the slopes. Authorities recommend alternative routes such as the road toward El Boquerón, the Jayaque road and the route through Quezaltepeque. The presidential press office posted a video with the alternative routes and asked drivers to plan their trips ahead of time.
PNC: Shows the Tourism Police patrolling the beaches of La Libertad Costa
The PNC shows the Tourism Police patrolling the beaches of La Libertad Costa.
Press Secretariat: Announces the arrival of the Atlas Leader at the port of La Unión with more than 400 vehicles
The press office announces the arrival of the Atlas Leader at the port of La Unión with more than 400 vehicles.
Press Secretariat: Civil Protection rescued two people trapped in a vehicle that fell into a ravine in Santa Ana, according to the press office
Civil Protection rescued two people trapped in a vehicle that fell into a ravine in Santa Ana, according to the press office.
PNC: Shows its presence on the tourist hike up the Ilamatepec volcano in Santa Ana
The PNC shows its presence on the tourist hike up the Ilamatepec volcano in Santa Ana.
PNC: Reports on its security operation at the Juan Francisco Barraza stadium for the Águila vs
The PNC reports on its security operation at the Juan Francisco Barraza stadium for the Águila vs. FAS match.
PNC: More Guatemalan visitors are entering at the Las Chinamas border, partly for tonight's Def Leppard concert
The PNC says more Guatemalan visitors are entering at the Las Chinamas border, partly for tonight's Def Leppard concert.
Armed Forces: Says they handed a 17-year-old with four portions of marijuana over to the PNC in San Juan Opico
The Armed Forces say they handed a 17-year-old with four portions of marijuana over to the PNC in San Juan Opico.
Press Secretariat: Repeats the zero-homicide report for October 23 and credits the government's security strategy
The press office repeats the zero-homicide report for October 23 and credits the government's security strategy.
PNC: Friday, October 23 ended with no homicides in the country
The police report that Friday, October 23 ended with no homicides in the country.
Press Secretariat: Shares a video of alternative routes for Sunday's Los Chorros closure
The press office shares a video of alternative routes for Sunday's Los Chorros closure.
Press Secretariat: Shares a video of Bukele discussing the rescue operation in Haiti and saying he trusts the soldiers will complete their task
The press office shares a video of Bukele discussing the rescue operation in Haiti and saying he trusts the soldiers will complete their task.
Press Secretariat: A fourth-floor fire on Calle Gerardo Barrios, handled by firefighters with no victims
The press office reports a fourth-floor fire on Calle Gerardo Barrios, handled by firefighters with no victims.
Press Secretariat: Warns that on Sunday, October 25 there will be no running water in the San Vicente district and nearby areas from 5:30 a.m
The press office warns that on Sunday, October 25 there will be no running water in the San Vicente district and nearby areas from 5:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. due to electrical maintenance.
PNC: Shares photos of families at the Apulo recreational park in Ilopango and highlight their patrols there
The police share photos of families at the Apulo recreational park in Ilopango and highlight their patrols there.
Edition of October 23, 2026
Bukele answers criticism of the Haiti mission: “we have never listened to them and we are not going to start now”
President Nayib Bukele replied on X to messages and analyses warning that Haiti's gangs are more dangerous than El Salvador's and that the mission could fail. He wrote that, if victory comes, today's critics will change their tune, and added: “we have never listened to them and we are not going to start now” (our translation). Bukele said everyone who enlisted is a believer and that the mission has been entrusted to God, and he described Haiti's gangs as “satanic”, which is his own characterization. He closed with the line “God will grant us victory. The Creator of the Universe is with us” (our translation) and a quote from Deuteronomy 28:7. The post comes as the search continues for the four Salvadoran soldiers missing in Haiti since October 18.
Small-business report: confidence at a record high and 925,815 businesses in the country
FUSAI's LID School MYPE Observatory and Flacso El Salvador presented the report “The State of the MYPE 2026: The Other Side of the Economy” on Friday. According to the study, El Salvador has 925,815 micro and small businesses, which make up 99% of all businesses and contribute 48.8% of GDP. The Business Confidence Index for these businesses reached 109.1 points in the second quarter of 2026, the highest level since measurement began. The researchers said that, despite the optimism, the sector needs a better environment for that confidence to turn into more sales, jobs and investment.
Salvadoran retirees with TPS report US Social Security letters suspending their pensions
Some Salvadoran retirees covered by TPS in the United States say they received letters from the Social Security Administration (SSA) suspending their monthly payments, according to a Univision report picked up by Salvadoran media. The letters argue that they do not meet the “legal presence” requirement and cite Section 202(y) of the Social Security Act. Specialists believe it could be a coordination problem between federal agencies, but the SSA has not confirmed this. Those affected are seeking clarity, while immigration authorities have said TPS protection remains in force pending a final decision.
El Salvador will host the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026 from October 28 to November 1
According to the presidential press office, El Salvador will host the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026 basketball tournament from October 28 to November 1. Forty-five national teams from the Americas will take part: 24 men's and 21 women's. The head of the sports institute INDES, René Martínez, said the visiting teams are “of the highest level” (our translation) and that athletes who have competed at the Olympic Games will play. The government presents the tournament as part of its investment in sport.
A Salvadoran military contingent arrives in Haiti to search for the four missing technicians
The Gang Suppression Force (GSF), the international anti-gang mission in Haiti, confirmed that a contingent from El Salvador arrived in Port-au-Prince on October 22. According to the GSF, it will take part in search and security operations in the Cul-de-Sac plain, in coordination with the Haitian National Police. The mission did not say how many troops arrived; the US newspaper Miami Herald reported about 100 special forces soldiers, a figure that has not been officially confirmed. The four Salvadoran aviation technicians have been missing since Sunday, October 18, after a gang attack in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets. The GSF asked residents of that area to stay away from places where operations are under way.
Prosecutors seek life sentences for 564 Barrio 18 gang leaders
The Attorney General's Office filed its final indictment on Thursday, October 22, against 564 leaders of the Revolucionarios and Sureños factions of the Barrio 18 gang, according to El Mundo and NTN24. Of the defendants, 474 are in custody and 90 will be tried in absentia. According to deputy prosecutor for organized crime Max Muñoz, they are charged with more than 14,000 crimes, including homicide and extortion, as well as membership in a terrorist organization. Prosecutors are asking for a mass trial and life imprisonment, which Salvadoran law allows for that crime after a reform approved this year. The case adds to the mass trial of MS-13 leaders that began in April.
The urban basic food basket reaches $269.15, its highest recorded cost
The urban basic food basket cost $269.15 in September 2026, the highest value in the records of the Central Reserve Bank's National Statistics and Census Office (ONEC), according to La Prensa Gráfica and El Diario de Hoy. The figure surpasses the previous high, recorded in July 2024. The urban calculation is based on a household of 3.73 people and includes foods such as tortillas, beans, rice, eggs, milk and vegetables. Both outlets note that the increase puts pressure on household budgets.
Police report zero homicides on Thursday, October 22
According to the police, Thursday, October 22 ended with no homicides nationwide. The presidential press office repeated the figure and credited the government's security strategy. These are government figures; no independent count has been published for the date.
Press Secretariat: El Salvador will host the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026, with 45 national teams from the Americas
The presidential press office announces that El Salvador will host the FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup 2026, with 45 national teams from the Americas.
PNC: Shows Rural Police patrols in hard-to-reach areas of Ahuachapán, including document checks
The police show Rural Police patrols in hard-to-reach areas of Ahuachapán, including document checks.
Press Secretariat: Says Los Chorros park will be closed on Sunday, October 25, because of work on the Pan-American Highway
The government says Los Chorros park will be closed on Sunday, October 25, because of work on the Pan-American Highway.
Press Secretariat: Summarizes figures from the annual report on the country's micro and small businesses
The presidential press office summarizes figures from the annual report on the country's micro and small businesses.
PNC: Describes Border Police checks at the La Hachadura bridge on the border with Guatemala
The police describe Border Police checks at the La Hachadura bridge on the border with Guatemala.
Press Secretariat: Summarizes Bukele's reply to criticism of the Haiti mission
The presidential press office summarizes Bukele's reply to criticism of the Haiti mission.
Bukele: Answers those who warn the Haiti mission will fail and says he will not change course
Bukele answers those who warn the Haiti mission will fail and says he will not change course.
PNC: Police and the Armed Forces patrol remote rural communities in Morazán
Police and the Armed Forces patrol remote rural communities in Morazán.
PNC: A deployment with patrols and vehicle checks in Santa Ana and El Porvenir
The police report a deployment with patrols and vehicle checks in Santa Ana and El Porvenir.
Armed Forces: Shares the police report of zero homicides on Thursday, October 22
The Armed Forces share the police report of zero homicides on Thursday, October 22.
Press Secretariat: Repeats that Thursday, October 22 ended with no homicides and credits the government's security strategy
The presidential press office repeats that Thursday, October 22 ended with no homicides and credits the government's security strategy.
PNC: Thursday, October 22 ended with zero homicides nationwide
The police report that Thursday, October 22 ended with zero homicides nationwide.
PNC: Shows families at the fairground in San Rafael Obrajuelo, La Paz Este, with officers deployed in the area
The police show families at the fairground in San Rafael Obrajuelo, La Paz Este, with officers deployed in the area.
Press Secretariat: Firefighters responded to a fire in a heavy cargo vehicle on the Sonsonate-San Salvador highway, near Las Higueras in Izalco
According to the presidential press office, firefighters responded to a fire in a heavy cargo vehicle on the Sonsonate-San Salvador highway, near Las Higueras in Izalco.
PNC: Shows officers present at sports courts in San Miguel Oeste
The police show officers present at sports courts in San Miguel Oeste.
Press Secretariat: Describes the new Eastern Region Water Quality Laboratory and says it will benefit about 450,000 residents
The presidential press office describes the new Eastern Region Water Quality Laboratory and says it will benefit about 450,000 residents.
Press Secretariat: Promotes Gastro-Lab Surf City, which offers free technical training in cooking, nutrition, food hygiene and customer service
The presidential press office promotes Gastro-Lab Surf City, which offers free technical training in cooking, nutrition, food hygiene and customer service.
Press Secretariat: Handed the national flag to the athletes heading to the 12th Central American Sports Games for Students with Disabilities, in Guatemala from October 25 to 31
The government handed the national flag to the athletes heading to the 12th Central American Sports Games for Students with Disabilities, in Guatemala from October 25 to 31.
PNC: Shows families in the plazas of Ahuachapán Centro and highlight the police presence
The police show families in the plazas of Ahuachapán Centro and highlight the police presence.
Press Secretariat: CONAMYPE closed the training of the first group in the Up Digital project, which trained entrepreneurs for three months with support from Luxembourg
CONAMYPE closed the training of the first group in the Up Digital project, which trained entrepreneurs for three months with support from Luxembourg.
PNC: The Tourism Police (Politur) accompany visitors climbing the Ilamatepec volcano in Santa Ana
The Tourism Police (Politur) accompany visitors climbing the Ilamatepec volcano in Santa Ana.
Edition of October 22, 2026
Multi-vehicle crash on the Litoral highway in Zacatecoluca leaves three injured
A route 171 bus, a semi-truck, a truck and a pickup collided on Thursday, October 22, at kilometer 62 of the Litoral highway in Zacatecoluca, La Paz Este. According to Comandos de Salvamento, three people were injured: one was taken to the Santa Teresa National Hospital and two to an ISSS (social security) facility. According to the PNC, the traffic inspection found the cause was inappropriate speed and identified the semi-truck driver, a 48-year-old man with seven traffic violations, three of them for speeding, as responsible. The PNC said he will be referred to court for negligent injuries. Vice Ministry of Transport tow trucks moved the vehicles and firefighters cleaned up spilled fuel and oil.
Fire destroys three buses and damages a fourth in Santa Ana
A fire hit four buses at the far end of 25th West Street in Santa Ana on Wednesday night, October 21. According to the Fire Department, three buses were completely destroyed and one was partly damaged. Firefighters brought the emergency under control, kept the flames from reaching other vehicles and kept cooling the buses so the fire would not flare up again. No injuries were reported, and authorities have not said what caused the fire.
France wins the team title at the World Longboard Championship in El Sunzal; Peru's Piccolo Clemente takes men's gold
The Surf City El Salvador ISA World Longboard Championship 2026 ended on Thursday, October 22, at El Sunzal beach in La Libertad. France won the team gold medal and the United States took silver. In the men's division, 44-year-old Peruvian Piccolo Clemente won the final ahead of American Tony Silvagni, earning his second ISA world title. Alice Lemoigne won the women's division. The outlets we checked disagree on which country finished third in the team ranking, so we left it out.
ECLAC raises its 2026 growth forecast for El Salvador to 4.5%
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC, CEPAL in Spanish) raised its 2026 growth forecast for El Salvador's economy to 4.5%, up from the 3.9% it estimated in August, La Prensa Gráfica and ContraPunto reported. At that figure, El Salvador shares the 4.5% forecast with Panama. For 2027, ECLAC expects the country's growth to ease to 4.1%. In the region, it forecasts 4.1% for Guatemala, 3.7% for Nicaragua and 3.5% for Costa Rica and Honduras. These are forecasts, not results.
ANDA opens a water-quality lab for the eastern region
The National Water and Sewer Administration (ANDA) opened the Eastern Region Water Quality Laboratory on Thursday, October 22. It joins the labs the agency already runs in the San Salvador metro area and in the west of the country, and will be used to test drinking water and wastewater in the region. According to the presidential press office, the lab will be able to run more than 1,500 analyses a year. The World Bank's country manager for El Salvador, Diletta Doretti, attended the opening and said the eastern region will gain "analytical autonomy" (our translation).
Semi-trucks and trailers must pass vehicle inspection starting November 1
According to the Vice Ministry of Transport (VMT), starting November 1 articulated cargo vehicles, meaning a tractor unit plus trailer, must pass the mandatory technical vehicle inspection. Truckers can book an appointment online on the VMT website. The measure adds to the mandatory inspection for dump trucks of 3.01 tons and up, in force since October 5, according to Diario La Página. The VMT says the goal is to broaden safety checks on cargo and public transport vehicles.
CONAMYPE says 4,000 of 8,000 supported businesses will get non-repayable capital
The head of the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprise (CONAMYPE), Paul Steiner, said one of the agency's programs will support 8,000 businesses and that half of them, 4,000, will receive non-repayable capital to launch new business plans or speed up existing ones. According to Infobae, which reported his remarks, the program is funded with a World Bank loan and includes technical assistance and training before participants present their plans to an evaluation panel. These are CONAMYPE's own figures.
Police report zero homicides on Wednesday, October 21
According to the police, Wednesday, October 21 ended with no homicides nationwide. The presidential press office repeated the figure and credited the government's security work. These are government figures; no independent count has been published for the date.
Assembly approves the tax amnesty, with a deadline of December 11
The Legislative Assembly approved the new tax amnesty on Wednesday, October 21, with 60 votes, El Diario de Hoy and Diario Digital Cronio reported. The law lets people and businesses catch up on tax and customs debts without paying certain interest, surcharges and late-payment fines, and it also covers surcharges on traffic fines and some other administrative penalties. The tax owed and the original amount of traffic fines must still be paid, and municipal fines are excluded. The deadline to apply is December 11, 2026. Days earlier, the Finance Committee had issued a favorable report on the Finance Ministry's proposal.
Haiti's government says freeing the Salvadoran soldiers is its priority
The Haitian prime minister's office said in a statement on Wednesday, October 21, that freeing the kidnapped Salvadoran soldiers is an "absolute priority" (our translation), according to Infobae and the Dominican newspaper Hoy. The prime minister met with the authorities in charge to review the actions under way and to strengthen, together with the international anti-gang force, the operations against the armed groups. The Haitian government said it is mobilizing the resources needed to secure their release. The Salvadorans are part of the international force, and contact with them was lost after an ambush on Sunday, October 18, near Port-au-Prince.
Lanes toward the monument on Los Próceres reopen as power is restored
According to the presidential press office, on Wednesday night the electricity distributor worked on Los Próceres Boulevard to restore service after several poles collapsed when a cargo truck hit them. Structures had to be replaced and 23,000-volt primary line cables installed, and Transport Vice Ministry staff temporarily closed the lanes to make the work easier. Later, the press office said the lanes toward the Hermano Bienvenido a Casa monument had reopened. According to the same source, the company finished installing the primary line and on Thursday will keep connecting the affected businesses to restore their service.
Woman trapped by a sudden rise of the Metayate River in Chalatenango is rescued alive
A woman was trapped on Wednesday by a sudden rise of the Metayate River while washing clothes in the hamlet of Chanzunte, in the Nueva Concepción district of Chalatenango Centro, Diario La Página and Infobae reported. To avoid being swept away by the current, she held on to trees and brush until rescuers reached her. The Fire Department and Cruz Verde Salvadoreña took part in the rescue, along with other Civil Protection institutions. According to Cruz Verde, cited by Infobae, she was taken by ambulance to the Nueva Concepción hospital.
Salvadoran students win three silvers and a bronze at the Ibero-American Chemistry Olympiad
The four students on El Salvador's team won three silver medals and one bronze at the 30th Ibero-American Chemistry Olympiad, held October 13 to 19 in Fortaleza, Brazil, El Diario de Hoy and Infobae reported. The competition brought together teams from 19 countries and included theory and lab tests. The results were announced by El Salvador's Young Talent Program, which trains the students through the University of El Salvador.
Firpo and Saprissa draw 0-0 in San Salvador, and the series will be decided in Costa Rica
Luis Ángel Firpo and Deportivo Saprissa drew 0-0 on Wednesday at the Jorge "Mágico" González stadium in the first leg of the Concacaf Central American Cup play-in, El Diario de Hoy and Costa Rican outlet CR Hoy reported. Firpo had several chances, but Saprissa goalkeeper Abraham Madriz kept them out, according to CR Hoy. The second leg will be played at Saprissa's stadium in Costa Rica, with a place in the Concacaf Champions Cup at stake. The police and the armed forces reported preventive searches and a presence around the stadium during the match.
PNC: Shows National Public Security Academy students patrolling San Salvador's Historic Center on bicycles
The police show National Public Security Academy students patrolling San Salvador's Historic Center on bicycles.
Press Secretariat: Quotes Surf City director Alejo Campos, who says 37 countries took part in the World Longboard Championship and that it awards spots for the Pan American Games
The press office quotes Surf City director Alejo Campos, who says 37 countries took part in the World Longboard Championship and that it awards spots for the Pan American Games.
Press Secretariat: Promotes the lineup of the open-air cinema at the Monseñor Romero boulevard plaza and the Nuevo Cuscatlán park
The government promotes the lineup of the open-air cinema at the Monseñor Romero boulevard plaza and the Nuevo Cuscatlán park.
Press Secretariat: Reminds women aged 22 and older that the free HPV vaccine is still available and that they can get the second dose at their local health unit
The government reminds women aged 22 and older that the free HPV vaccine is still available and that they can get the second dose at their local health unit.
PNC: Posts photos from farming areas in La Paz, San Miguel and Ahuachapán and credit the Territorial Control Plan for families no longer suffering livestock theft
The police post photos from farming areas in La Paz, San Miguel and Ahuachapán and credit the Territorial Control Plan for families no longer suffering livestock theft.
Press Secretariat: Tourism Minister Morena Valdez says Guatemalan visitors came to the beaches of La Libertad over the last long weekend
Tourism Minister Morena Valdez says Guatemalan visitors came to the beaches of La Libertad over the last long weekend.
PNC: Shows educational talks for young children in Morazán
The police show educational talks for young children in Morazán.
Armed Forces: Shows the Navy providing support during the World Longboard Championship at El Sunzal beach
The armed forces show the Navy providing support during the World Longboard Championship at El Sunzal beach.
Press Secretariat: From November 1, semi-trucks and trailers must pass the mandatory vehicle inspection
The government announces that from November 1, semi-trucks and trailers must pass the mandatory vehicle inspection.
Press Secretariat: Quotes CONAMYPE head Paul Steiner: of 8,000 businesses supported, 4,000 will receive non-repayable capital
The press office quotes CONAMYPE head Paul Steiner: of 8,000 businesses supported, 4,000 will receive non-repayable capital.
Press Secretariat: Says ANDA's new eastern water-quality lab will be able to run more than 1,500 analyses a year
The press office says ANDA's new eastern water-quality lab will be able to run more than 1,500 analyses a year.
PNC: Joined an early-childhood science week at the Ignacio Ellacuría school in Ciudad Arce
The police joined an early-childhood science week at the Ignacio Ellacuría school in Ciudad Arce.
PNC: Posts photos of their deployments in Ahuachapán, San Miguel, San Salvador and Chalatenango
The police post photos of their deployments in Ahuachapán, San Miguel, San Salvador and Chalatenango.
Press Secretariat: Repeats the police report of zero homicides on October 21 and credits the government's security work
The press office repeats the police report of zero homicides on October 21 and credits the government's security work.
PNC: Says Wednesday, October 21 ended with no homicides in the country
The police say Wednesday, October 21 ended with no homicides in the country.
Press Secretariat: Reports overnight work by the power company on Los Próceres to restore electricity after the truck crash
The press office reports overnight work by the power company on Los Próceres to restore electricity after the truck crash.
PNC: Shows their security deployment at the Óscar Quiteño stadium in Santa Ana during the FAS vs
The police show their security deployment at the Óscar Quiteño stadium in Santa Ana during the FAS vs. Metapán match.
Press Secretariat: Promotes a virtual CONAMYPE workshop on building digital catalogs with artificial intelligence, on October 30
The press office promotes a virtual CONAMYPE workshop on building digital catalogs with artificial intelligence, on October 30.
PNC: Reports preventive searches of fans at the entrances of the Mágico González stadium for Firpo vs
The police report preventive searches of fans at the entrances of the Mágico González stadium for Firpo vs. Saprissa.
Armed Forces: Says they supported the police with a presence around the Mágico González stadium before Firpo vs
The armed forces say they supported the police with a presence around the Mágico González stadium before Firpo vs. Saprissa.
PNC: Shares photos of the sunset at El Tunco beach and highlight their presence in the tourist area
The police share photos of the sunset at El Tunco beach and highlight their presence in the tourist area.
Edition of October 21, 2026
A cargo truck knocks down utility poles on Los Próceres Boulevard, injuring several people
A cargo truck crashed into utility poles on Wednesday afternoon on Los Próceres Boulevard, in the lanes heading toward the Hermano Bienvenido a Casa monument. Several people were injured; the figures differ between institutions and outlets, so we leave them out. According to the police, the driver, a 32-year-old man, was arrested and will be charged with negligent injury. The police blamed the crash on mechanical failure, while Public Works Minister Romeo Rodríguez blamed excessive speed and announced the truck would be seized and sanctions applied. According to the presidential press office, the lanes toward the monument remained closed for debris removal and power line repairs, while the lane toward Monseñor Romero Boulevard and Santa Tecla was flowing normally.
The Legislative Assembly approves the 56th extension of the state of exception
On Wednesday the Legislative Assembly approved, with 57 votes in favor and one against, the 56th extension of the state of exception, in force since March 2022. According to Diario El Mundo, the vote against came from lawmaker Claudia Ortiz of Vamos, and ARENA's lawmakers were absent. In its request, quoted by Diario El Mundo, the government argues it has detected conduct aimed at financing and providing logistical support to criminal structures. Nuevas Ideas lawmakers defended the measure on the floor, according to Infobae. Non-governmental organizations question the regime over arbitrary arrests and deaths of people in state custody, El Mundo notes.
Bukele announces a military operation in Haiti and demands that gangs free the four Salvadorans
President Nayib Bukele on Wednesday posted a message in Haitian Creole addressed to the gang leaders who, he says, are holding four Salvadorans hostage in Haiti. He said the captives are not combatants but aviation technicians from the Salvadoran mission, which mainly carries out medical evacuations, and that they were kidnapped while returning from buying food. Bukele said a military operation to rescue them was launched that day and warned that action could intensify if they are not released. "Return our four compatriots to us alive, unharmed, and everything will go back to how it was before the kidnapping" (our translation), he said, according to the Spanish version reported by La Página and El Diario de Hoy. The four went missing after the October 18 ambush in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets.
The international airport opens a single security checkpoint and separates arrivals and departures at gates 2 to 6
The Autonomous Executive Port Commission (CEPA) presented changes at El Salvador International Airport as part of the modernization of 14 waiting areas. At gates 2 to 6, arriving and departing passengers now have separate routes. According to El Diario de Hoy, those gates have a single security checkpoint with X-ray machines and metal-detector arches, so travelers are screened only once and can buy food before boarding. According to CEPA figures cited by ContraPunto, the terminal has handled more than 4.1 million passengers.
Assembly committee backs reports to toughen penalties for dangerous driving
The Legislative Assembly's National Security and Justice Committee on Tuesday issued favorable reports on reforms to the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Land Transport, Traffic and Road Safety Law, presented by Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro, Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado and Deputy Transport Minister Nelson Reyes. According to the Security Ministry, the reforms provide for prison sentences of up to 10 years for negligent homicide or injury, and up to 15 years when the driver is operating a bus or a cargo vehicle. Driving with any concentration of alcohol would count as dangerous driving, and these cases could no longer be closed through conciliation or mediation. The Deputy Ministry of Transport also proposes letting inspectors hold vehicles with dangerous defects and expanding technical inspections. The changes still have to go to the full Assembly.
UN-backed force in Haiti keeps searching for four Salvadoran soldiers after ambush
The UN-created Gang Suppression Force (GSF) said Tuesday that it is still searching for four of its Salvadoran members, with whom it lost contact after the attack on Sunday, October 18, in the Santo area of Croix-des-Bouquets, near Port-au-Prince. According to its statement, its troops have fought armed gangs with helicopter support, and preliminary reports indicate several gang members were killed and others wounded. Four GSF members were also wounded and are receiving medical care. The force thanked the government of El Salvador for its coordination and asked residents of the area to stay in their homes.
Security budget for 2027 drops by $20 million, with the cut falling mostly on the police
The 2027 budget proposal for the security sector that Minister Gustavo Villatoro presented to the Finance Committee totals $682.59 million, $20 million less than in 2026, according to Co Latino and Infobae. Most of it goes to the National Civil Police, which would go from $471.92 million to $446.29 million. Villatoro said the money is being redirected to education and said the cut will not affect police operations or the payment of salaries and benefits. "Of course we are going to miss those twenty million, but that's where efficiency comes in," the minister said, according to Infobae (our translation).
Attorney General's Office requests $95.3 million for 2027 and plans AI-assisted complaints
Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado presented the office's 2027 budget request to the Assembly's Finance Committee; according to Infobae it totals $95.3 million, almost all of it for operating costs. Among the projects is the second phase of the Smart Complaint Intake system, which will use artificial intelligence so people can file complaints from phones and computers. According to La Página, the office will also extend its psychosocial care model for victims to its Sonsonate and San Vicente offices. Delgado said the funds aim "to sustain those results, assist victims and guarantee the legality of the 2027 elections" (our translation).
Electoral tribunal completes departmental and municipal election boards for 2027
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) on Tuesday held the draw for the fifth seat and assigned posts to form the Departmental (JED) and Municipal (JEM) Election Boards for the February 28, 2027 elections. The first four seats belong to Nuevas Ideas, ARENA, FMLN and PCN, and FPS, PDC, GANA, Fuerza Solidaria and VAMOS took part in the draw for the fifth, according to Diario El Salvador. Representatives of the Electoral Prosecutor's Office, the PGR, the human rights ombudsman's office (PDDH), the Electoral Oversight Board and the parties attended. TSE president Roxana Soriano said making these procedures public strengthens confidence in the electoral process.
Driver accused over the Los Chorros pileup will remain in pretrial detention
The Second Magistrate's Court of Colón ordered that the truck driver accused over the October 2 crash at Los Chorros, on the Pan-American Highway, remain in pretrial detention while the case proceeds. Prosecutors charge him with negligent homicide, negligent injury and dangerous driving, and say he was speeding and driving without a license. The crash, in which the truck hit several vehicles and a route 202 bus, left five people dead and more than 12 injured.
Police arrest a 64-year-old man for dangling a dog from a balcony
The National Civil Police said Tuesday it had arrested a 64-year-old man after a video spread on social media showing him holding a dog by its legs from the balcony of his apartment in San Salvador. According to the police, he will be charged with animal cruelty. The police said they will not tolerate this kind of act. The case came to light through complaints from social media users, who asked the authorities to step in.
Police report zero homicides on Tuesday, October 20
The National Civil Police (PNC) said on its X account that Tuesday, October 20, ended "with 0 homicides in the country" (our translation). The Presidency's press office picked up the figure and credited the government's security strategy. Homicide figures come from the PNC; there is no independent count published for the same date.
Press Secretariat: The lanes toward the Hermano Bienvenido a Casa monument remain closed after the Los Próceres crash, while traffic toward Santa Tecla is flowing normally
The press office says the lanes toward the Hermano Bienvenido a Casa monument remain closed after the Los Próceres crash, while traffic toward Santa Tecla is flowing normally.
PNC: Shows activities of their Police Sports League with students in San Pedro Perulapán and Rosario de Mora, which they present as violence prevention
The police show activities of their Police Sports League with students in San Pedro Perulapán and Rosario de Mora, which they present as violence prevention.
PNC: The police's first report on the truck that hit a pole on Los Próceres Boulevard; it blames mechanical failure
The police's first report on the truck that hit a pole on Los Próceres Boulevard; it blames mechanical failure.
Bukele: A message in Haitian Creole to the gangs holding four Salvadorans in Haiti: he announces a military rescue operation and demands their release alive
A message in Haitian Creole to the gangs holding four Salvadorans in Haiti: he announces a military rescue operation and demands their release alive.
Press Secretariat: Repeats the report of zero homicides on Tuesday, October 20
The press office repeats the report of zero homicides on Tuesday, October 20.
PNC: Tuesday, October 20, ended with no homicides in the country
The police report that Tuesday, October 20, ended with no homicides in the country.
Armed Forces: Clears debris from a landslide at a home in Santiago Nonualco, La Paz, with no damage or injuries reported
The armed forces clear debris from a landslide at a home in Santiago Nonualco, La Paz, with no damage or injuries reported.
PNC: Shows night patrols with the armed forces in recreational spaces
The police show night patrols with the armed forces in recreational spaces.
Press Secretariat: Shows a free yoga class at El Sunzal during the World Longboard Championship
The press office shows a free yoga class at El Sunzal during the World Longboard Championship.
Security Ministry: Summarizes the proposed reforms against dangerous driving, with sentences of up to 15 years for bus and truck drivers
The Security Ministry summarizes the proposed reforms against dangerous driving, with sentences of up to 15 years for bus and truck drivers.
Security Ministry: Minister Villatoro, the attorney general and the deputy transport minister present the road-safety and criminal law reform package at the Assembly
Minister Villatoro, the attorney general and the deputy transport minister present the road-safety and criminal law reform package at the Assembly.
Bukele: Reposts a post from the @maps_black account that, citing Latinobarómetro, says 75% and 71% of the population trust the armed forces and the police
Bukele reposts a post from the @maps_black account that, citing Latinobarómetro, says 75% and 71% of the population trust the armed forces and the police.
Edition of October 20, 2026
Villatoro defends the 2027 security budget before the Assembly's Finance Committee
Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro appeared on Tuesday before the Legislative Assembly's Finance and Budget Committee to explain how this year's funds were used and the plans for 2027. According to the Security Ministry, the 2026 budget is 77.6% executed and the goal is to close the year at 99.3%. Villatoro said the country has had 1,350 days without homicides and that more than 80% of those days fell under the state of exception. He also said President Bukele's strategy is to "reduce arms purchases and invest that in education" (our translation), and that the 2027 goal is to go from 17 to 50 "digital twins" inside the police. ContraPunto noted that the minister did not detail how much developing and maintaining those artificial-intelligence tools costs.
Prosecutors report more than 10,500 convictions of gang members since the state of exception began
Attorney General Rodolfo Delgado told the Legislative Assembly committee reviewing the 2027 budget on Tuesday that prosecutors have obtained 10,561 convictions of gang members since March 2022. According to Delgado, most of those convicted belong to MS-13 and Barrio 18. The figures run through October 16. They are court convictions and are not the same as the total number of people detained under the state of exception.
Environment Ministry records more than 50 small earthquakes in Mercedes Umaña, Usulután, within hours
According to the Environment Ministry (MARN), the National Seismic Network recorded a sequence of more than 50 earthquakes on Tuesday centered in the Mercedes Umaña district of Usulután, starting at 11:11 a.m. The strongest came at 11:23 a.m., with magnitude 3.6 and intensity IV on the Modified Mercalli scale in Mercedes Umaña. The MARN attributes the activity to local geological faults becoming active and is keeping it under watch. The ministry asked people to ignore rumors and follow official channels.
Weak north winds expected from Wednesday and less rain from Thursday, says the Environment Ministry
The Environment Ministry (MARN) forecasts weak north winds starting Wednesday, October 21, at 10 to 20 kilometers per hour with gusts of up to 35 km/h, mainly in high and open areas. According to the MARN, rain will decrease from Thursday the 22nd. Afternoons will stay hot, with highs of up to 37 degrees Celsius possible in the east, while early mornings stay cool.
Environment ministry reports two small earthquakes in Apaneca, Ahuachapán, early this morning
The Environment Ministry (MARN) reported on X two low-magnitude earthquakes in the Apaneca district, Ahuachapán Centro, early on Tuesday, October 20. The first, magnitude 2.9, occurred at 4:28 a.m. 3 kilometers northeast of Apaneca at a depth of 2 kilometers, according to MARN. The second was reported as a felt quake: MARN gave it a preliminary magnitude of 3.2 and later revised it to 3.1, with the epicenter 2 kilometers east of Apaneca, 4 kilometers deep, at 4:35 a.m. The Presidency's press office also shared the ministry's report.
A minor dies in a crash into a tractor-trailer on the Sonsonate-Acajutla highway, police say
The National Civil Police (PNC) reported on Monday night, October 19, a crash at kilometer 82 of the highway from Sonsonate to Acajutla, in Sonsonate Oeste. According to the PNC, a sedan hit the back of a tractor-trailer; one minor died and another was injured. Police said the sedan's driver, a 16-year-old, was at the scene. The PNC described the case as a developing story.
Police report zero homicides on Monday, October 19
The National Civil Police (PNC) said on its X account that Monday, October 19, ended "with 0 homicides in the country" (our translation). The Presidency's press office picked up the figure and credited the government's security strategy. Homicide figures come from the PNC; there is no independent count published for the same date.
El Salvador and CABEI add $50 million to the Social Housing Fund's credit line
The Finance Ministry, the Social Housing Fund (FSV) and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) signed on Monday, October 19, a $50 million expansion of the global credit line for the FSV, backed by a sovereign guarantee from the state. With the increase, the line reaches $103.7 million for loans to buy new or used homes. According to CABEI, the money will fund about 1,250 loans, half of them for women, and will support programs such as Casa Joven, Vivienda Cercana and Casa Mujer. The multilateral bank said 99.55% of the funds from the earlier line have already been used.
Claudia Ortiz calls the plan to review gang collaborators' cases "improvisation"
VAMOS lawmaker Claudia Ortiz called President Nayib Bukele's statements about reviewing the cases of detained gang collaborators "improvisation" (our translation) in a TV interview on Monday, October 19. "The problem we have in our country, I'll say it concisely, is a security and justice model that is unsustainable," she said, according to Diario El Salvador (our translation). Ortiz acknowledged that the model has delivered security results, but said what she asks for is justice, both for those who committed crimes and for those jailed without having done anything. She also mentioned forced disappearances inside the prison system, according to both outlets.
Firpo hosts Saprissa on Wednesday in a playoff for a Champions Cup spot
Luis Ángel Firpo and Costa Rica's Deportivo Saprissa play the first leg of the Central American Cup playoff on Wednesday, October 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jorge "Mágico" González stadium in San Salvador. The return leg is on Wednesday, October 28, also at 6:30 p.m., at the Ricardo Saprissa stadium in Costa Rica. Both teams were knocked out in the tournament's quarterfinals, and the winner of the series earns a spot in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Press Secretariat: Highlights the government's air and sea infrastructure projects
The press office highlights the government's air and sea infrastructure projects.
Press Secretariat: Shows a free surf class at El Sunzal during the World Longboard Championship, which has athletes from 37 countries
Shows a free surf class at El Sunzal during the World Longboard Championship, which has athletes from 37 countries.
PNC: Shows officers at schools in Jerusalén (La Paz) and Chilanga (Morazán) at dismissal time
The police show officers at schools in Jerusalén (La Paz) and Chilanga (Morazán) at dismissal time.
Security Ministry: Quotes Minister Villatoro: 1,350 days without homicides, more than 80% under the state of exception
Quotes Minister Villatoro: 1,350 days without homicides, more than 80% under the state of exception.
Security Ministry: Minister Villatoro presented the 2027 security budget at the Assembly's Finance Committee
Minister Villatoro presented the 2027 security budget at the Assembly's Finance Committee.
PNC: Shows document checks and vehicle searches at the Anguiatú border crossing in Metapán
The police show document checks and vehicle searches at the Anguiatú border crossing in Metapán.
Armed Forces: Soldiers clear a fallen tree blocking a street in San Luis Talpa; no damage reported
Soldiers clear a fallen tree blocking a street in San Luis Talpa; no damage reported.
Press Secretariat: Shares the Environment Ministry's report on the early-morning earthquake in Apaneca, Ahuachapán Centro
Shares the Environment Ministry's report on the early-morning earthquake in Apaneca, Ahuachapán Centro.
Press Secretariat: Picks up the police report of zero homicides on Monday, October 19, and credits the government's security strategy
Picks up the police report of zero homicides on Monday, October 19, and credits the government's security strategy.
PNC: Daily report: zero homicides on Monday, October 19
Daily report: zero homicides on Monday, October 19.
PNC: A crash into a tractor-trailer at km 82 of the Sonsonate-Acajutla highway, with one minor killed and another injured
Reports a crash into a tractor-trailer at km 82 of the Sonsonate-Acajutla highway, with one minor killed and another injured.
PNC: Photos of plazas and public spaces with police presence across the country
Photos of plazas and public spaces with police presence across the country.
Press Secretariat: Shares the schedule of free activities at the ISA World Longboard Championship for October 20 and 21
Shares the schedule of free activities at the ISA World Longboard Championship for October 20 and 21.
Press Secretariat: A video quoting President Bukele: "no gang member is going to walk free" (our translation)
A video quoting President Bukele: "no gang member is going to walk free" (our translation).
Edition of October 19, 2026
Assembly finance committee backs the new tax amnesty; a full floor vote is still pending
The Legislative Assembly's Finance Committee on Monday gave a favorable opinion to the Finance Ministry's proposal for a new tax amnesty, Diario El Mundo and Diario La Página reported. The measure would waive interest, surcharges and, in some cases, fines, but the original tax would still have to be paid. According to El Mundo, the director of Internal Revenue, Marvin Sorto, told lawmakers that for traffic fines only the surcharges would be forgiven, not the fine itself, and that the amnesty does not apply to fines with a final ruling. If approved, it would be in force until December 11, 2026. The proposal still has to be voted on by the full Assembly to become law.
Los Chorros highway to close all day Sunday, October 25, for a rock blast
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) will close the Los Chorros highway on Sunday, October 25, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., for a blast on a slope below the Los Chorros water park, Minister Romeo Rodríguez announced. The work is part of the widening of the Pan-American Highway and the construction of the viaduct, and some of the rock will fall onto the road, so it must be cleared before reopening. As alternative routes, the ministry suggested the calle al Volcán, the Quezaltepeque highway and the Comasagua highway via Jayaque. People who live in the area will still be able to reach their homes, and the minister said they will try to reopen earlier than planned. According to Infobae, Rodríguez also said the new highway will carry a three-year workmanship guarantee once it is handed over.
El Salvador urges the UN Security Council to step up the search for four soldiers missing in Haiti
El Salvador's ambassador to the UN, Egriselda López, on Monday condemned before the Security Council the October 18 ambush on four Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti and asked for stronger international coordination to find them, Diario El Mundo and Diario La Huella reported. According to López, the soldiers were returning to their camp in an armored vehicle when they were attacked with firearms and explosives, the vehicle caught fire, and the helicopters sent in support were also attacked. The ambassador said contact with them has still not been established. "Our immediate priority is to ensure the prompt and safe recovery of our personnel" (our translation), she said. She also called for strengthening the mission's capabilities such as intelligence, surveillance, mobility and communications, according to La Huella.
Tourism ministry reports 3.5 million international visitors through September and projects 4.2 million for 2026
El Salvador received 3.5 million international visitors between January and September, according to Tourism Minister Morena Valdez, quoted by Diario El Mundo, El Diario de Hoy and Forbes Centroamérica. The Tourism Ministry projects closing 2026 with 4.2 million visitors; El Diario de Hoy and Forbes, citing EFE, say that would be about 100,000 more than in 2025. Guatemala, Honduras and the United States remain among the main countries of origin, and the minister highlighted more travelers arriving from Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. According to official information cited by those outlets, the government estimates tourism income will grow 10% this year, to $3.6 billion. Valdez did not say how much visitors spent from January to September.
Port of Acajutla doubles container handling in 2026, its operator says
The port of Acajutla has doubled its container handling so far in 2026 compared with the same period of 2025, according to Luis Canto, general manager of Unión Portuaria del Pacífico (UPDP), quoted by Diario La Página, Contrapunto and Última Hora. Canto attributed it to higher exports and operational improvements, which he said have led exporters that used ports in Guatemala, Panama and other countries to move their cargo through Acajutla. The modernization plan with YILPORT Holding includes a new pier 610 meters long with a 17.5-meter draft; the tender is under way and works were expected to start between January and February. Canto also said container ships' waiting time fell from up to 12 days to less than 24 hours. He spoke at the TradeExpo El Salvador fair.
Armed Forces confirm ambush on four Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti; efforts to make contact continue
The Armed Forces of El Salvador (FAES) said in a statement posted on the night of Sunday, October 18, that four Salvadoran soldiers serving with the Gang Suppression Force (GSF) were ambushed in Haiti while returning to their camp in an armored vehicle. According to the FAES, the attackers used firearms and explosive devices; the vehicle caught fire, but the soldiers managed to get out. Helicopters sent in support also came under fire. The institution said operations are continuing to make contact with the four soldiers and determine where they are. Early media reports spoke of five soldiers; the FAES says four. Local media cited by Diario El Mundo and Infobae place the attack in the Croix-des-Bouquets area, about 12 kilometers from Port-au-Prince.
Police report zero homicides on Sunday, October 18
The National Civil Police (PNC) said on its X account that Sunday, October 18, ended "with 0 homicides in the country" (our translation). Diario El Salvador, which picked up the figure, counts 247 days without homicides so far in 2026, according to its own tally. Homicide figures come from the PNC; there is no independent count published for the same date.
Two dead in truck-bus crash on the Ruta de Paz highway in Morazán; truck driver arrested
The PNC reported the arrest of a 39-year-old man accused of causing a crash at kilometer 162 of the Ruta de Paz highway in San Carlos, Morazán Sur. According to the police, he was driving a truck, crossed into another lane and hit a route 328 bus. Two people died and several were injured. Diario La Página reports he will be referred to prosecutors for culpable homicide and culpable injuries.
Government asks lawmakers for a new amnesty on tax, customs and traffic-fine debts
The Finance Ministry sent the Legislative Assembly a special, temporary bill that would let taxpayers with pending cases settle up without paying interest, surcharges and, in some cases, fines; the principal owed would still have to be paid, according to Infobae. The law would run from its publication until December 11, 2026, and would cover tax and customs debts, traffic fines and other public-administration fines, except municipal ones. Diario Co Latino reports that it allows installment plans with a first payment of 10% of the debt plus eight monthly payments, and that the Assembly's Finance Committee was due to discuss it this Monday at 10 a.m.
Bukele says France "could do it in a week" after the unrest there
On Sunday, October 18, President Nayib Bukele posted a message in French on X about the cost-of-living riots in France. According to El Diario de Hoy's translation, he said El Salvador overcame "in one year a problem a hundred times more serious" without the resources France has, and that France "could do it in a week". Infobae notes that Bukele did not specify which problem he meant. Outlets give different arrest figures for France, so we leave them out.
Rain and thunderstorms forecast for Monday, including the San Salvador metro area
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) forecasts rain and thunderstorms for Monday, October 19, mainly in the afternoon and evening, along the volcanic range, in the north and in the San Salvador metropolitan area, driven by a trough and moisture coming in from the Caribbean. MARN is also watching a low-pressure area southwest of the Salvadoran coast with potential for cyclone development, and has ruled out any direct influence on the country from the Trudy system off Mexico.
Second victim dies after attack and house fire in Ciudad Barrios
The PNC confirmed the death of a 46-year-old woman who had been in intensive care since October 7 with burns over 90% of her body. She was injured in an attack inside a home in Ciudad Barrios, San Miguel Norte, that was also set on fire. Infobae reports she is the second person to die from the incident and that a 55-year-old man was arrested as the alleged perpetrator. The PNC counted this case as the only homicide on Saturday, October 17.
Ivonne Nóchez wraps up the World Skate Games with gold, silver and bronze
Salvadoran skater Ivonne Nóchez won gold in the One Lap race (31.405 seconds), silver in the 100 meters lanes and bronze in the 200 meters finish-to-finish at the World Skate Games Asunción 2026 in Paraguay. In the 200 meters she clocked 18.389 seconds, a time the Olympic Committee of El Salvador and INDES report as a world record.
Press Secretariat: Announces rock blasting near the Los Chorros park on Sunday, October 25, with traffic in the area temporarily suspended
Announces rock blasting near the Los Chorros park on Sunday, October 25, with traffic in the area temporarily suspended.
Press Secretariat: Highlights El Salvador hosting another international surf event, the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Longboard Championship at El Sunzal
Highlights El Salvador hosting another international surf event, the Surf City El Salvador ISA World Longboard Championship at El Sunzal.
PNC: Patrols in four districts, checking people's and vehicles' documents in the ONI system
Patrols in four districts, checking people's and vehicles' documents in the ONI system.
PNC: Police checks at four border crossings in the west of the country
Police checks at four border crossings in the west of the country.
PNC: Officers provided security for a breast cancer awareness run
Officers provided security for a breast cancer awareness run.
PNC: Officers posted at pedestrian crossings near schools in San Francisco Gotera, Morazán Sur, for the return to classes
Officers posted at pedestrian crossings near schools in San Francisco Gotera, Morazán Sur, for the return to classes.
Press Secretariat: Quotes Tourism Minister Morena Valdez: 3.5 million international visitors had arrived through September
Quotes Tourism Minister Morena Valdez: 3.5 million international visitors had arrived through September.
Security Ministry: Reshared the PNC report of zero homicides on Sunday, October 18
Reshared the PNC report of zero homicides on Sunday, October 18.
PNC: "We ended Sunday, October 18, with 0 homicides in the country" (our translation)
"We ended Sunday, October 18, with 0 homicides in the country" (our translation).
Armed Forces: Statement posted as an image about the ambush on four Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti
Statement posted as an image about the ambush on four Salvadoran soldiers in Haiti. Its content was reported by Diario El Mundo, Contrapunto and Infobae (see the story).
Bukele: Says they were always told living in peace was impossible, that he is convinced it is possible anywhere, and that Costa Rica will achieve it too
Says they were always told living in peace was impossible, that he is convinced it is possible anywhere, and that Costa Rica will achieve it too.
Bukele: Message in French about the unrest in France (see the related story)
Message in French about the unrest in France (see the related story).
Presidency: Latest own post: Bukele's bilateral meeting with Costa Rican President Laura Fernández during her official visit
Latest own post: Bukele's bilateral meeting with Costa Rican President Laura Fernández during her official visit.