Itapúa

Authorities from the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) and the Social Security Institute (IPS) met to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation and expand access to health services, with successful examples in Itapúa and Ayolas. The meeting also addressed challenges such as the shortage of specialized professionals and the need to plan new hospitals under a complementary model.

Security cameras captured two suspects stealing electrical cables at the main beach resort of Carmen del Paraná, leaving Playa Pirayú partially without lighting. The local municipality filed a complaint and the National Police are investigating the case, which reignites concerns about tourist safety and the recurrence of wire theft in the region.

The National Police of Paraguay and the Public Prosecutor's Office are conducting operations in Encarnación and Cambyretá to capture Gustavo Rubén Goncalvez Vera, the main suspect in the double homicide of Francisco Alcides Saucedo Quiñónez and Brian Ariel Lugo. During the raids, weapons, ammunition, drugs, and vehicles were seized, including a car reported stolen in Argentina. Investigations point to a possible connection with drug trafficking.

The Catholic University Campus Itapúa and the Diocese of the Most Holy Incarnation held a ceremony to thank companies and institutions that supported the 2026 Catholic Biennial, an event that gathered thousands of people in cultural and religious activities.

Hernán Adolar Schlender, former mayor of Jesús de Tavarangüé (ANR), has been a fugitive since October 2025, accused of using Fonacide funds to launder drug trafficking money. Former accountant Zenón Cáceres Duarte was sentenced to four years in prison, with the sentence confirmed in March. The estimated loss to the municipality is G. 7.418 billion.

The Departmental Directorate of the National Police in Itapúa sent 30 agents from the Special Operations Group (GEO) from Asunción to reinforce bank security in the northeastern region of the department, following a thwarted robbery attempt on Friday, May 15, in Capitán Meza. The preventive action comes after intelligence indicated a possible attack on a bank branch during the extended Independence and Mother's Day holiday.

Mauro Andrés Vera González, 28, was detained again after being caught walking along the Costanera of Cambyretá, violating the house arrest he was serving for domestic violence. He had threatened his grandmother and uncle with a machete in April.

The Hospital General de Itapúa provides free access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), a method that reduces the risk of contracting HIV through sexual contact by up to 99%. The initiative is part of a national campaign by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare.

The National Police of Paraguay identified Gustavo Rubén Goncalvez Vera, 31, as the main suspect in the double homicide that occurred on May 16 in Colônia Paraná, district of Cambyretá, department of Itapúa. The victims are Francisco Alcides Saucedo Quiñónez, 28, and Brian Ariel Lugo, 24. After searches in Encarnación, the suspect was not located, but police seized cocaine, weapons, and ammunition at his residence.

Paraguay's onion production faces climate-related delays but promises profitability, while the basalt industry, led by Alto Paraná, posts strong economic figures.

Paraguay's Ministry of Justice concluded this Sunday the transfer of 361 women deprived of liberty from six penitentiaries to the Penitentiary Complex for Women Deprived of Liberty (COMPLE) in Emboscada. The operation, named Umbral 2.5, was carried out jointly with the National Police and the Armed Forces, with no incidents reported.

A survey by the Paraguayan Chamber of Meat (CPC) based on Senacsa data shows that between 2015 and 2025, more than 34,000 cattle farmers left the activity, while about 3% of establishments account for 61% of bovine production. The Eastern Region concentrates 90% of the reduction, with emphasis on San Pedro, Concepción, Caaguazú, Itapúa, and Caazapá.

A collision between a car and a motorcycle in downtown Encarnación left the motorcyclist injured. The car driver tested positive on the breathalyzer, with 0.663 mg/l of alcohol in exhaled air. Inspector Giovanna Vera ordered the driver's release and the seizure of the vehicles.

The Departmental Directorate in Itapuã of the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) confirmed that works at the National Technical College of Encarnación were suspended due to administrative and contractual issues, and committed to resuming them in the second half of May. The school community, which had reported the abandonment since August 2025, awaits the fulfillment of the promise.

On Saturday, May 17, two homicides were recorded in Cambyretá, Itapúa. A 28-year-old man was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head on a rural road, and another charred body was discovered inside a burned vehicle. Investigations are ongoing.

A police patrol in Mayor Otaño, Itapúa, ended with the seizure of 760 kg of marijuana, the arrest of Nazario Lencina Oliveira, and the death of Miguel Ángel Talavera Amarilla after an exchange of gunfire.

Paraguay's Ministry of Justice concluded Operation Umbral 2.5 this Sunday (17), transferring 361 women deprived of liberty from six penitentiaries to the Penitentiary Complex for Women Deprived of Liberty (COMPLE) in Emboscada. The operation, supported by the National Police and the Armed Forces, proceeded without incidents, following security protocols and respect for human rights. A press conference is scheduled for Monday (18) to detail the action.

The national highway PY04, linking Ñeembucú to San Ignacio, is in a critical state of deterioration, with deep potholes forcing drivers into dangerous maneuvers. Users and transporters denounce abandonment after the end of the maintenance contract with Topografía y Caminos SA, while the MOPC announces repairs that have not materialized.

Fiscal agents and security forces seized 760 kilograms of marijuana from a vehicle during an operation in Mayor Otaño, Itapúa department.

INE data released on World Telecommunications Day show that 85.4% of Paraguayans aged 10 or older used the internet in 2025, with highlights for women, young people, and urban areas.

The Paraguayan Ministry of Health reported a successful surgery at the General Hospital of Villa Elisa, where a nearly 4 kg fibroid was removed from a 42-year-old patient. The procedure was performed without complications, and the patient is recovering well.

A 28-year-old man was discovered dead inside a fully incinerated car in Cambyretá, Itapúa, with a bullet wound to the head. Authorities are investigating the case as a homicide.

Over the weekend, the National Police of Paraguay transferred women deprived of liberty from six mixed-gender penitentiaries to the Emboscada Women's Prison Complex as part of Operation 'Umbral 2.5'. The transfer occurred without incidents, with support from the Armed Forces and police escort in stages. The Ministry of Justice has not yet disclosed the exact number of detainees transferred.

The department concentrates nearly half of the national revenue in the sector, driven by infrastructure and construction works.