PANAMA CITY, April 25, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Cuba will release three of 10 Panama citizens who were arrested in February for allegedly making "subversive" anti-government signs, Panama officials said Friday.

Cuba has "ordered the release and departure from Cuban territory of" Evelyn Castro, Cinthia del Carmen Camarena and Abigail Sthefany Gudino, Panamanian officials said in a statement.

The decision is "a gesture of humanity and friendship," the statement added.

Upon arrest, officials in Havana had said the suspects "had been instructed to enter Cuba for the purpose of making signs with subversive content" and had admitted responsibility.

Cuba maintains the Panamanians were offered $1,000 to $1,500 each to take part in the alleged operation.

The communist island is on high alert for attack following an economic pressure campaign and repeated threats by US President Donald Trump, who has mused aloud about taking action against Havana "next."

Days before the Panama nationals were arrested, the Cuban coast guard shot and killed four people -- including a US citizen -- aboard a US-flagged speedboat that came within one nautical mile of Cuba's shores "for terrorist purposes," according to Havana.