Bedolla Attributes Roadblocks in Tierra Caliente to Criminal Groups

“Sol Prendido” for Borderland Beat 

Roadblocks in the Tierra Caliente region are attributed to criminal groups, according to the governor of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla. The security strategy remains unchanged.

Following the discovery yesterday of six murdered individuals in the municipality of Apatzingán, the governor of Michoacán, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, declined to confirm whether the victims were among those kidnapped in Buenavista, stating that the matter is under investigation by the State Attorney General's Office (FGE).

During his press conference this Tuesday, Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said: “This is a matter for the Attorney General's Office; I wouldn't want to offer any opinion on it,” although he acknowledged having preliminary information, but stressed that the expert analyses and investigations are still underway because the events occurred just the day before.

The governor was questioned about the roadblocks reported in the Tierra Caliente region, particularly in Apatzingán and surrounding areas, after which he affirmed that these types of actions are usually linked to criminal organizations.

“Normally, these demonstrations are carried out by criminal groups; they call these people their ‘social base,’ individuals who are paid to generate unrest,” he said, adding that sometimes these mobilizations seek to demand the withdrawal of federal forces.

“Then they demand the withdrawal of the Army, but that's not going to happen,” he added, confirming that the Armed Forces maintain a permanent presence in the region.

He explained that there is a coordinated deployment of various law enforcement agencies in Tierra Caliente.

“The base of the 43rd Military Zone is located in Apatzingán, and there is an intense deployment led by the National Defense Secretariat, the National Guard, the Federal Secretariat of Public Security and Citizen Protection, and the State Civil Guard,” he reiterated.

Although he avoided drawing conclusions about the homicides, the governor clarified that the security strategy in the region remains unchanged and with a reinforced military presence.

Apatzingán, Michoacán

Source: Contramuro