Under his leadership, the Panamanian Defense Forces becomes part of the movement for national liberation which includes the movement for liberation of Third World peoples in Panama. 1968-86 Public schools grow from fewer than 2,000 to more than 3,000. Infant mortality decreases from 40 to 25 per 1,000 live births. Social security is extended by more than 1 million. Roads and electricity are brought to rural areas.
Labor unions grow.
Blacks are appointed to ministerial positions. Torrijos remains at head of armed forces. General Omar Torrijos is killed July 31 in an airplane crash. General Manuel Noriega takes over in August as commander of armed forces. From this time on, U.S. Government is concerned about Noriega who is not just working for the U.S. Government any longer but with countries like Cuba and Nicaragua.