A powerful earthquake registering 7.7 on the Richter scale hit Panama on October 9, leading to the collapse of a bell tower at the historic San Juan Bautista Church in Penonomé. This church, which has stood for more than 400 years, was housing Bishop Edgardo Cedeño and several priests during the quake.

The earthquake occurred around noon, causing significant damage to one of the two bell towers of the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, located in Coclé province, approximately 150 kilometers from Panama City. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene to assess the damage and ensure the safety of the remaining structure. However, officials have yet to release technical conclusions regarding the extent of the damage to the main building, the remaining bell tower, or the interior items.

The San Juan Bautista Church is a vital part of local heritage, reflecting the history of the city since the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century. Over its 440-year history, the church has undergone multiple renovations, including the bell tower that was originally built in 1882, which was previously damaged by earthquakes and dismantled in 1913. A new bell tower was constructed in 1917, and the other was added in 1994, creating the church's iconic twin towers. The church also underwent restoration in 2014.

Inside the church, several historically significant religious artifacts are preserved, including a statue of the Immaculate Conception brought from Quito, Ecuador, in 1775, and a crucifix in the Quito artistic style, believed to date back to the late 17th to early 18th century. The current status of these artifacts following the earthquake remains unknown.

The church is a key stop on the cultural and historical tourism route in Penonomé, connecting visitors to the old town of San Antonio, the 8 de Diciembre park, and various museums that showcase the local history.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the earthquake's epicenter was near Tonosí, approximately 239 kilometers from Panama City. Earthquakes are relatively rare in Panama, typically occurring in the western province of Chiriquí, which borders Costa Rica.