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February 11, 1938. Manuel Noriega was born in Panama City, Panama. When he was born, he was brought into a poor family. His father was Ricaurte Noriega and his mother was Maria Feliz Morena.
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In 1962, Manuel went to one of the top high schools in Panama. While he was in school, he was given a scholarship to go to a Military School in Lima called Chorrillos Military School. He had started his military career.
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In 1968, when Manual returned back to Panama, he was first commissioned as a sub-lieutenant in National Guard. He was sent a notice in Colon. He got a good amount of promotions and got acquainted with Captain Omar Torrijos.
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He was put to the position of lieutenant colonel as a reward for his loyalty. He was eventually given a position of chief military intelligence by Omar. Based on directions from Torrijos, he struck a deal for nearly 400 guerilla fighters who were earlier defeated.
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Noriega was known for tactics of intimidation and harassment which he used against opposite groups and their leaders. By the late 1970’s he was known as the most feared man in Panama.
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1981, Torrijos died in a plane crash. When this happened, Manuel decided to strive with other military and civilian leaders. He decided to strive with them to gain the upperhand.
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By 1983, Noriega succeeded the command of the National Guard. He unified the armed forces to the Panamanian Defense Forces. He then promoted himself to the rank of a general.
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In the mid 1980s, charges against Manuel were forced due to connected events of a brutal murder.The murder was of Hugo Spadafora. Other evidence is found in drug money.
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In 1989, Manuel canceled the presidential elections and tried to rule through a puppet government. A military coup against Noriega failed so the United States invaded Panama. He was given refuge at the embassy in Panama City where he remained for 10 days while a US warfare team blasted rock music at the building.
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January 3, 1990, Manuel surrendered and was then sent to Miami where he was on a host of criminal charges.
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In 1992, he was guilty of cocaine trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. He got a 40 year sentence but later his prison term was reduced. He had served 17 years.
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On December 11 2011, Manuel was sent back to his home country. When he got back, he began serving three 20 year prison terms. He is still alive but in jail.
