Federales Reinforce Security in Violent Neighborhoods

(Acapulco, JG 19 March) Governor Zeferino Torreblanca Galindo confirmed yesterday that federal law enforcement units have increased their presence in the poor and working class communities outside of Acapulco, along the main toll road. This is where most of the violence has taken place, as cells of criminal gangs and cartels vie for hegemony. The communities most heavily affected are Zapata, Renacimiento, Las Cruces, the toll booth at La Venta, La Sabana. The governor said, “The idea is to fortify the area where the gangs operate in much the same way as the guerrillas did a generation or two ago.”

The governor said that yesterday in Acapulco there was a meeting between state and federal law enforcement entities to plan strategies for security during this long holiday weekend and for next weekend, when the Tourism Fair (called “Tianguis Turístico”) will commence in Acapulco. In spite of everything, he said it is possible to “speak well of Acapulco,” and he said that the tourism sector does not appear to be badly affected by the violence and lack of security. He pointed to a good inflow of tourists into Acapulco for the holiday weekend.