AGP Executive Report

Property Rights Push: Vice President Raquel Peña delivered 450 property titles to families in Guayacanal, Azua, part of a broader National Titling Plan aimed at legal security for thousands and regularizing millions of square meters. Border Security & Trade: The government broke ground on “Strong Border” works along the northern frontier, including a national market, ford reconstruction, and new access controls to tighten territorial presence and organize commerce. Party Politics: PRM leader Alfredo Pacheco stepped back from his bid for the General Secretariat for now, urging unity and monolithic internal cohesion while leaving the door open for primaries later. Courts & Justice: A court held a coercive-measure hearing for a man accused in the death of athlete Yeuri Rodríguez Batista, while the Coral and Coral 5G case verdict reading was pushed to Sept. 23. Public Safety & Drugs: DNCD seized 303 alleged cocaine packages hidden in the floor of a container at Caucedo, and DICRIM arrested a man wanted for a safe robbery in Santiago. Health System Overhaul: SNS plans to move 150 hospitals toward greater administrative and financial autonomy within two years. Military & Order: The Army graduated 587 new privates after training. Sports Spotlight: Abinader congratulated MenaRD for gold in Street Fighter 6 and the Queens of the Caribbean for volleyball gold; meanwhile, Venezuela’s Julio Mayora won weightlifting gold after earthquake rescue work. U.S. Visa Policy: The U.S. Embassy says the Dominican Republic will be a pilot site for a bond requirement for some immigrant visa applicants.

Health System Modernization: The SNS says 150 hospitals could gain greater administrative and financial autonomy within two years, using a pilot decentralization plan and standardized public accounting rules. Education Logistics: INABIE reports steady school-supply distribution for the 2026-2027 year, with 744,489 kits delivered across the National District and multiple provinces, and more shipments scheduled this weekend. Judicial Timeline: The Coral and Coral 5G corruption/money-laundering case will see the full verdict reading on September 23, after judges cited the file’s complexity and long trial record. Political Party Building: Leonel Fernández will swear in new People’s Force members in Santo Domingo and Duarte this weekend, while continuing consultations with productive sectors. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: The Agriculture Ministry and Indomet sign a cooperation deal to strengthen climate risk management, expand agroclimatic roundtables, and improve weather info for farmers. U.S. Immigration Policy Pilot: The U.S. Embassy says the Dominican Republic will be a pilot site for a bond requirement for some immigrant visa applicants during consular evaluation. Public Safety Case: A Santo Domingo Este court ordered periodic reporting for a man arrested with an undocumented shotgun and monitor in Los Frailes amid a store-fire investigation. Sports Spotlight: President Abinader congratulates the Queens of the Caribbean for winning gold at Santo Domingo 2026.

Health System Overhaul: The National Health Service (SNS) says 150 public hospitals could gain greater administrative and financial autonomy within two years, using a pilot decentralization plan with Digecog and standardized public accounting rules. Opposition Party Organizing: Leonel Fernández will swear in new People’s Force members in Santo Domingo on Saturday and in Duarte province on Sunday, while continuing consultations with producers and business sectors. High-Profile Corruption Case: The court set September 23 for the full reading of the verdict in the Coral and Coral 5G corruption and money-laundering case. U.S. Immigration Policy Spillover: The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo says the Dominican Republic is the first pilot site for a bond requirement for certain immigrant visa applicants deemed at risk of becoming a “public charge.” Education Logistics: INABIE reports steady progress distributing 2026-2027 school supply kits, with expanded delivery capacity and next-week shipments in the Northeast. Justice & Security: Dominican authorities approved extradition of two nationals to the U.S. on drug trafficking, money laundering, and murder charges. Environment Enforcement: Operation “Environmental Commitment 2.0” recovered 775 acres of protected land, dismantled illegal structures, and led to 384 arrests, including 381 Haitians.

Extradition & Justice: The Dominican government approved the extradition of two nationals to the U.S., including a case tied to alleged cocaine trafficking, money laundering, and a second-degree murder charge, via decrees 541-26 and 542-26. Immigration Pressure From Abroad: U.S. DHS is moving to revoke green cards of two Dominican men accused in a deadly Connecticut home invasion, as the agency targets “criminal alien” status. Migration Enforcement: Dominican Migration detained four Russian nationals in Puerto Plata for overstaying and living irregularly, sending them to a processing center while they seek voluntary departure. U.S. Visa Policy Impact: The U.S. State Department selected the Dominican Republic as a first pilot site for an immigrant visa bond measure tied to “public charge” findings, with consular officers setting bond amounts case-by-case. Local Security: Santo Domingo Norte dismantled drug-selling locations in Los Guaricanos and Villa Mella, seizing marijuana, cocaine, crack, and firearms, with arrests reported. Education & Scholarships: President Abinader awarded 1,500 international scholarships and announced the “Excellence Without Barriers” program for 5,000 more undergraduate scholarships. PRM Politics: Abinader is set to lead a single consensus slate for the PRM through 2028, to be presented to party delegates on Aug. 9. Municipal Youth Programs: Los Alcarrizos Mayor Junior Santos announced a new children’s camp starting Aug. 11 for nearly 3,000 kids ages 6-12.

Immigration Policy: The Trump administration’s new pilot requires some prospective immigrants from the Dominican Republic to post visa bonds up to $250,000 after “public charge” findings, with consular offices setting amounts case-by-case. Public Safety & Justice: In Santo Domingo, two men were sentenced to 30 years for attempted murder in the Capotillo shooting of March 9, 2025, while police also intensified the search for a suspect wanted in a Hato Mayor assault where an officer was wounded. Local Governance: Los Alcarrizos mayor Junior Santos announced a summer children’s camp starting Aug. 11 for nearly 3,000 kids ages 6–12, backed by INABIE, the Sports Ministry and other partners. Crime Crackdown: Santo Domingo Norte police dismantled drug-selling spots in Los Guaricanos and Villa Mella, seizing narcotics and firearms and arresting multiple suspects. Education & Scholarships: President Abinader awarded 1,500 international scholarships and launched “Excellence Without Barriers” for 5,000 undergraduate scholarships. Labor Politics: Trade unions said they will ask Abinader to withdraw the labor reform bill from Congress, insisting severance pay must stay off the table. Law Reform: The new Penal Code adds criminal penalties for cyberbullying, with jail time and fines for online harassment. Tourism & Connectivity: Aviation authorities said JetBlue’s Newark exit may temporarily raise fares, but other airlines should absorb demand as passenger traffic keeps growing. Regional Security: The U.S. activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere under an anti-cartel coalition that includes the Dominican Republic and 17 other countries.

Meta RD 2036 Development Forum: President Luis Abinader and VP Raquel Peña closed the first National Forum for Full Development, framing Meta RD 2036 as a nationwide consultation meant to feed reforms in public services, education, jobs, and citizen security. US Security Cooperation: The U.S. activated Joint Task Force Western Hemisphere under Southcom, bringing 18 Americas partners—including the Dominican Republic—into a coordinated anti-cartel effort. New Penal Code Pushes Cyberbullying: The Dominican Republic’s updated Penal Code creates a specific cyberbullying offense, with penalties of 2–5 years and fines, as authorities roll out how the law will be applied. Immigration Enforcement at Home: DGM and partners detained 113 Haitians in protected areas during an operation targeting illegal logging, slash-and-burn farming, land occupation, and illegal fishing. Transit Accountability: Intrant’s Milton Morrison delivered his institutional report, saying automated traffic fines weren’t implemented yet and calling traffic accidents a national priority. Public Safety Search: Police continue hunting Wilkin Ozoria (“Pinky”/“Pekín El Cabezón”) after an assault in Hato Mayor left an officer wounded. International Visa Bond Pilot: Reports say the U.S. will require some Dominican immigrant visa applicants to post refundable bonds up to $250,000 after public-charge findings. Sports Spotlight: Abinader celebrated Marileidy Paulino’s gold in the women’s 400m at Santo Domingo 2026. Tourism/Business: MSC Cruises detailed its Catalina Sugar Beach plan off La Romana and year-round Southern Caribbean sailings.

Education Logistics: TRAE is distributing 29 buses nationwide to prepare for the 2026-2027 school year, boosting a fleet of 1,871 buses that serves more than two million students. Judicial Shake-Up: Supreme Court judge María Garabito Ramírez says she won’t take part in the CNM evaluation process, while SCJ president Luis Henry Molina and judge Nancy Salcedo Fernández also announced they won’t seek new terms—raising questions about how replacements will be handled. Immigration Pressure from the U.S.: The Trump administration is rolling out a pilot requiring some immigrant visa applicants—reportedly including certain Dominicans—to post refundable bonds up to $250,000 after “public charge” denials. Border & Enforcement Debate: Journalist Moisés Ruiz urged stronger Dominican immigration controls after the Ceuta crisis, warning about undocumented Haitian migrants and the need for tighter enforcement. Social Policy: SISALRIL says it has paid RD$1.175 billion in breastfeeding subsidies to 58,959 working mothers. Environment & Security: DGM detained 113 Haitians in protected areas over alleged environmental crimes, including illegal logging and slash-and-burn farming. New Penal Code: The DR’s entry into force of the Penal Code expands penalties for defamation, including online. Transport & Labor Data: Mexico’s INEGI is helping the Dominican Labor Ministry improve labor statistics and evidence-based policymaking. Politics & Elections: Citizens largely rejected allowing police and military personnel to vote in presidential elections.

Judicial Turn: Supreme Court of Justice president Luis Henry Molina and judge Nancy I. Salcedo Fernández told President Luis Abinader they won’t renew their terms, citing the CNM’s evaluation process and saying the judiciary is ready to keep strengthening justice. Criminal Justice Readiness: Attorney General Yeni Berenice Reynoso said the Public Ministry is prepared for the new Penal Code’s entry into force, pointing to prosecutor training, victim support staffing, and new relief positions across districts. Immigration & U.S. Policy Impact: A U.S. pilot program tied to “public charge” rules would require some Dominican applicants to post bonds up to $250,000 for immigrant visas, with consular offices assessing cases individually. Tourism Numbers: Tourism Minister David Collado reported a record 7.7 million visitors in Jan–July 2026, up 7% year-on-year, driven by air and cruise growth. Medical Tourism Scrutiny: New reports say NYPD officer Rebecca De Paula died in Santo Domingo after complications from breast implant removal, with family demanding a malpractice investigation. Diplomacy: President Abinader welcomed new non-resident ambassadors for Lesotho, the Dominican Republic’s own credentialing abroad, The Gambia, and Gabon.

Medical Tourism & Accountability: New details around the death of NYPD officer Rebecca De Paula after breast implant removal in Santo Domingo are fueling calls for a full malpractice probe, with family alleging doctors weren’t transparent about her condition and local investigations still pending. Public Safety & Migration Enforcement: The DGM says it brought to justice a man who assaulted migration agents during an interdiction in Hato Mayor, after two detained Haitian nationals escaped during the incident. Crime & Prosecution: In Santo Domingo Este, an alleged accomplice in the killing of a Dominican Air Force officer surrendered voluntarily, while police continue hunting the alleged shooter. Tourism Economy: Tourism Minister David Collado reported a record 7.7 million visitors in Jan–July 2026, with July alone setting a new monthly high, driven by air and cruise arrivals. Law & Regulation: The Dominican Republic’s new Penal Code entered into force Aug. 3, with amendments tied to publication steps before taking effect. Governance & Business Climate: IMF and Trade.gov updates highlight the DR’s 2026 outlook under President Luis Abinader, while ANEIH opened entries for the National Quality Award for the Private Sector.

Penal Code Rollout: The Dominican Republic’s new Penal Code (Law 74-25) took effect Aug. 3, but key amendments tied to Executive Decree 507-26 won’t fully kick in until the Official Gazette publishes the enforceability deadlines—leaving citizens watching how the tougher rules will land in practice. Judicial Oversight: The National Council of the Magistracy approved the schedule for evaluating Supreme Court of Justice judges after Henry Molina said he won’t seek another term as SCJ president. Anti-Corruption Trial: Deputy Prosecutor Wilson Camacho said the Public Ministry is set to present the indictment Aug. 12 in the administrative corruption case against Jean Alain Rodríguez and associates. Food Security & Appointments: Odalis Marcelino Vega was named executive sub-director of Inespre by presidential decree, tasked with expanding access to the basic food basket and strengthening food security. Housing/Construction Standards: MIVHED and SINEDOM trained nearly 200 professionals on the new Building Code’s structural design rules, aimed at improving safety and seismic resilience. Public Health & Accountability: A NYPD officer, Rebecca De Paula, died after breast implant removal surgery in Santo Domingo; her family is demanding a malpractice investigation. Environment & Innovation: UFHEC hosted the SARGARD Symposium, showcasing research to turn sargassum into bioenergy, materials, and other sustainable uses. International Diplomacy: President Abinader is listed as confirmed to attend Colombia’s Aug. 7 presidential inauguration. Regional Security: Panama’s Panamax 2026 exercise began with 1,700 troops from 21 countries, including the Dominican Republic, focused on protecting the Canal.

Judiciary Transition: Supreme Court of Justice President Henry Molina told the National Council of the Magistracy he won’t seek a new term, setting up the CNM’s next leadership selection. Courts & Deadlines: The CNM approved the work schedule for evaluating SCJ judges whose term ended April 3, starting the formal process under constitutional rules. New Penal Code: The Dominican Republic’s updated Penal Code took effect Monday, with citizens split between hopes for tougher deterrence and concerns crime won’t drop. Anti-Corruption & Expression Rules: The new code expands anti-corruption provisions, adjusts penalties (including for fraud and defamation), and updates rules on privacy and freedom of expression. Gambling Crackdown: A gambling bill moving through Congress would impose up to 10 years for serious violations, including personal liability for executives who allow infractions. Public Administration Appointments: Odalis Marcelino Vega was appointed executive sub-director at Inespre, replacing Ramón Francisco Toribio. Housing & Safety Training: MIVHED and SINEDOM trained nearly 200 professionals on the new Building Code’s structural analysis and design updates. Energy & Infrastructure: The government authorized a US$200M loan to fund a national road safety program, while officials pushed an energy efficiency plan as demand hits new peaks. International Ties: DR and Venezuela agreed to begin gradual normalization of diplomatic and consular relations.

Energy & Utilities: Energy Minister Joel Santos rolled out a mandatory Energy Efficiency Plan for all public institutions, ordering tighter air-conditioning settings, switching off unused equipment, shifting energy-heavy work off peak hours, and quarterly consumption reporting after record electricity demand hit 4,330 MW amid extreme heat. Transport Funding: The Senate authorized a US$200 million loan to fund the National Road Safety Policy via Intrant and the Public Works Ministry, targeting safer mobility around schools, stronger enforcement, driver education, and emergency care. Justice Reform: The new Penal Code takes effect today, replacing the 1884 framework and updating rules on freedom of expression, privacy, administrative corruption, and criminal liability for legal entities, including tougher fraud provisions tied to off-plan real estate sales. Public Health & Safety: Authorities reported over 250 forest-fire incidents in the first seven months of 2026, prompting renewed coordination under the National Fire Prevention Strategy. Diplomacy: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic agreed on a roadmap to gradually normalize diplomatic and consular relations after a two-year rupture. Sports: Marileidy Paulino will compete again at Santo Domingo 2026, adding the 4×400 mixed relay to her 400m and women’s 4×400 events. Crime & Accountability: Police say a suspected “fake surgeon” accused in a fatal liposuction case fled the DR to Colombia, while investigations continue into credentials and liability.

Diplomacy Reset: Venezuela and the Dominican Republic agreed on a roadmap to gradually normalize diplomatic and consular relations after a two-year rupture tied to the 2024 election dispute involving Nicolás Maduro, with an initial focus on restoring consular services. Public Apology: Dominican communicator Aneudys Santos issued a public apology to U.S. Ambassador Leah Francis Campos after offensive comments about her faith, saying his wording was inappropriate and asking forgiveness. New Penal Code: The Dominican Republic’s updated Penal Code takes effect Monday, Aug. 3, with new crimes, tougher sanctions, and changes affecting freedom of expression, medical practice, corporate liability, and protections for minors. Border & Migration: Dominican Army operations using drones and patrols detained 47 Haitian migrants in irregular status in Dajabón and Santiago Rodríguez, handing them to the Migration Directorate for repatriation. Tourism Access: The Tourism Ministry reiterated that Dominican public beaches are free to access and hotels/resorts can’t block entry or claim public shoreline areas. Sports & State Logistics: Santo Domingo 2026 organizers detailed Central American Village security and movement procedures for 10,000+ athletes, while Marileidy Paulino was added to the 4×400 mixed relay lineup for Monday’s finals.

Central American Games Logistics: Organizers say the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games are on track for “record attendance,” with the Central American Village running like a hotel—security checks, accreditation, and luggage handling built to move 10,000+ athletes smoothly. Public Safety & Migration: The Migration Policy Observatory reports more than 226,500 people deported this year and points to binational trafficking networks; meanwhile, the army detained 47 Haitian migrants in Dajabón and Santiago Rodríguez and turned them over to Migration for repatriation. Anti-Corruption/Health Compliance: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector after the Executive amended the Penal Code to expand prevention program requirements for legal entities. Coastal Infrastructure: President Abinader inaugurated the Juan Dolio wastewater treatment plant and said similar projects are planned for Boca Chica and other coastal/tourist areas to protect tourism and soils. PLD Internal Politics: Two PLD presidential hopefuls—Charlie Mariotti and Mario Bruno—declined to back Gonzalo Castillo, signaling consolidation around a single candidacy ahead of 2028.

Central American Games Logistics: Santo Domingo 2026 organizers say the Central American Village is running “like a hotel,” with security checks, accreditation, and luggage handling built into the flow for more than 10,000 athletes and delegates. Games Attendance Push: Centro Caribe Sports chief Luis Mejía Oviedo says public demand in the final stretch is already pointing to “record attendance” for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games. Public Access & Tourism Rules: The Ministry of Tourism reiterated that Dominican public beaches are free and cannot be blocked by hotels or resorts—private areas like pools and restaurants can be restricted, but the shoreline access must remain open. Water & Wastewater Infrastructure: President Luis Abinader inaugurated the Juan Dolio wastewater treatment plant and said similar projects are planned for Boca Chica and other coastal/tourist areas to protect soil and sustainable tourism. Migration Enforcement: Migration authorities and the Dominican Army reported continued deportations of people in irregular status, with the Migration Policy Observatory citing more than 226,500 deported this year, while the Army detained 47 Haitian nationals in Dajabón and Santiago Rodríguez for transfer to migration authorities. Health Sector Compliance: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector, tied to recent Penal Code amendments requiring stronger prevention program elements for healthcare providers and insurers. Anti-Corruption Legal Update: The Dominican Republic’s new Penal Code expands anti-corruption measures, with public defenders and justice-access discussions highlighting open justice and AI use in the legal system. Border Contraband Crackdown: Authorities seized 580,000 contraband cigarettes from Haiti in a truck interception, citing major tax fraud and transferring goods for legal proceedings.

Penal Code Overhaul: The Dominican Republic approved a new Penal Code that expands anti-corruption tools, lengthens statutes of limitations for corruption probes, bans convicted officials from holding office, and creates criminal liability for legal entities—pushing stronger corporate compliance and internal controls. Health Compliance Push: Funglode launched a Criminal Compliance Plan for the health sector, timed to the Executive’s recent Penal Code amendment that tightens prevention-program requirements for providers and insurers. PLD Internal Realignment: Two PLD presidential hopefuls—Charlie Mariotti and Mario Bruno—back Gonzalo Castillo, signaling a possible consensus shift ahead of 2028. Water & Tourism Infrastructure: President Abinader inaugurated the Juan Dolio wastewater treatment plant and said similar systems are planned for Boca Chica and other coastal/tourist areas to protect soil and sustain tourism. Regional Justice Tech: Dominican public defenders promoted “open justice” and ethical AI use at an inter-American summit in Ecuador. Environment & Enforcement: The Environment Ministry moved to curb forest fires with more military surveillance and a temporary ban on unauthorized agricultural burning through Aug. 31. Santo Domingo 2026 Games: Centro Caribe Sports head Luis Mejía Oviedo said attendance demand is on track for “record participation” as the games enter their final stretch.