The wave of violence that affects Tecpan, Guerrerosince last Thursday, has claimed the lives of at least 37 people, according to information from state and federal governments.
Yesterday, the bodies of five men were located, another seven each day on Saturday and Friday, while on Thursday when the attacks began, 17 homicides.
This Sunday, the remains of the five men were located in two different points in Tecpan, all with traces of torture.
The first incident was reported to the authorities around 8:00 a.m. in the pantheon of the town of Tenexpa, where neighbors reported that the body of a young man was found lying with gunshot wounds. Later, residents of the town of El Limón reported that a few meters from the highway Acapulco-Zihuatanejothere were four bodies executed by gunfire.
Last Saturday, around 12:00 p.m., farmers working in a banana orchard discovered the bodies of three young people shot and later the authorities reported another four subjects murdered at the exit of the town.
While on Friday, seven other people were executed, according to the security report of the Executive Secretariat.
On Thursday, when the violent wave began, the death of 17 alleged criminals and two municipal police officers from Tecpan, after clashes between two antagonistic groups, so local agents intervened.
Reports indicate that the shootings occurred in the communities of El Moreno and Las Tuneas.
The head of the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, indicated last Friday during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s La Mañanera that the confrontation took place between criminal groups New People of Guerrero (MRS) y The Granados.
Meanwhile, The Guerrero prosecutor, Zipacná Jesús Torres Ojeda, reported that of the 21 detained for the violent events in Tecpan, detained with weapons, since last Thursday, 16 are Guatemalans, one Salvadoran and the rest are Mexicans.
THEY WILL CONTINUE WITHOUT CLASSES
The state Secretary of Education, Marcial Rodríguez Saldaña, said that schools Tecpan, San Jerónimo and Atoyacthey will continue without face-to-face classes, due to the violence that has been recorded in said municipalities.
In statements this Sunday, outside the Base Naval, indicated that the decision to return to the classrooms will be made after members of the Board of Peace Building Coordination establish security strategies for the population, since they will not expose teachers or students to any act of violence.
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Interview: The Rising Violence in Tecpan, Guerrero
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone. Today, we have a critical topic to discuss—an alarming surge in violence in Tecpan, Guerrero. Joining us is Dr. Laura Martínez, a security analyst and expert in organized crime dynamics in Mexico. Thank you for being with us, Dr. Martínez.
Dr. Laura Martínez: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to shed light on these issues.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Reports indicate that at least 37 individuals have lost their lives in Tecpan since last Thursday, with horrifying details of torture evident on the recovered bodies. What do you make of this escalation?
Dr. Martínez: The wave of violence is concerning, and it points to a significant breakdown in both local law enforcement and community safety. The methodical nature of the killings, especially with signs of torture, suggests that this is linked to organized crime. Groups often use such brutality to instill fear and assert dominance over territories.
Editor: You mentioned organized crime. What are the implications of having rival groups in a relatively small area like Tecpan?
Dr. Martínez: When rival groups clash, as we’ve seen with the incidents involving alleged criminals and local police, the community becomes a battlefield. Residents become collateral damage in these conflicts, as evidenced by the killings over just a few days. The locals face the daily fear of violence, and this can lead to larger societal issues, including displacement and a lack of trust in authorities.
Editor: The authorities reported that this surge began with a confrontation between two groups. How can local law enforcement effectively intervene in such scenarios?
Dr. Martínez: Effective intervention requires intelligence-driven policing where police are aware of the gangs’ movements and can prevent these clashes before they escalate. Additionally, rebuilding trust with the community is essential—people must feel safe to report crimes or suspicious activities. Unfortunately, overlaps between corruption and law enforcement can hinder these efforts.
Editor: The recent actions seem to indicate a level of control or at least significant power that these criminal groups have. How do people in affected communities respond to such violence?
Dr. Martínez: Often, communities can feel trapped. Many might not report crimes due to fear of retaliation or a lack of belief in the effectiveness of law enforcement. Some may attempt to organize self-defense groups, while others might choose to flee the area entirely. This often leads to a cycle of violence that can take years to resolve.
Editor: What steps can be taken at both local and national levels to address these issues more effectively?
Dr. Martínez: At the local level, there needs to be increased support for community initiatives focused on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. On a national scale, policies should target the roots of organized crime, such as poverty and lack of opportunity. Furthermore, national security forces need to work collaboratively with local police to provide clearer support and training.
Editor: Given the severity of the situation in Tecpan, what should be the role of the media in this crisis?
Dr. Martínez: The media plays a crucial role in raising awareness and pushing for accountability. Responsible reporting can help ensure that the violence is not normalized, encourage public discourse about safety and protection, and advocate for action from authorities. However, it’s essential to report these events sensitively to avoid sensationalism that could further traumatize affected communities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martínez. Your insights are invaluable during such critical times. We must continue to monitor the situation in Tecpan closely and engage in productive dialogues on effective solutions.
Dr. Martínez: Thank you for the opportunity. It’s vital to keep this conversation alive and work towards a safer future for communities affected by violence.
Editor: To our viewers, thank you for tuning in. Stay informed, stay safe, and we hope for peace in Tecpan and other regions facing similar challenges.
Strategies and resources for managing these crises. Prevention programs that address youth engagement and economic opportunity can also help deter individuals from joining criminal organizations.
It’s important to foster open lines of communication between communities and law enforcement, ensuring that residents feel safe and supported when they speak up against crime. Furthermore, addressing corruption within law enforcement agencies is crucial for restoring public trust and ensuring effective policing.
Ultimately, tackling the violence in Tecpan requires a multi-faceted approach that includes law enforcement, community engagement, socioeconomic development, and transparent governance. Only through comprehensive strategies that involve both local and national efforts can we hope to reduce violence and promote safety in the region.