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One wag suggested that Brigadier General Omar Torrijos might simply have been trying to walk on water. At least Panama's strongman added some excitement to ceremonies marking the partial completion of a dam and hydroelectric plant on the Bayano River last week. Shortly after pushing a button to drop the last of four gates damming the current, Torrijos, 46, suddenly plunged into the river—fully clothed in his national guard uniform, with military boots and a .45 automatic. He was immediately followed by a few loyal military aides, then by Panama's civilian Vice President, Gerardo Gonzáles. After several minutes of Mao-like cavorting for the benefit of onlookers and TV cameras, Torrijos climbed out of the muddy waters, volunteering no reason for his unexpected aquatics.