Acciones y avances de seguridad. #LaRondaGT

Presidential Round on Security Initiatives

Introduction and Context

• The session begins with Carina García Roano, Secretary of Social Communication, welcoming the press and introducing the topic of discussion: security.

• The focus is on security as a cornerstone of the government's agenda, with an expected duration of one hour for the roundtable discussion.

Key Presentations

• President Bernardo Arevalo is introduced along with key officials including Minister of Defense Henry Sainz and others.

• President Arevalo discusses recent developments, including the conclusion of a state of emergency and the initiation of a prevention state aimed at combating crime.

Achievements in Crime Reduction

• A significant reduction in homicides by 50% compared to last year is highlighted as a historic achievement.

• The president emphasizes that this decline results from effective strategies against narco-criminal structures rather than mere statistics.

Public Safety Measures

• There has been a 33% decrease in extortion reports over the past month, marking another historical milestone.

• Efforts are focused on reclaiming public spaces from criminal control to enhance community safety and well-being.

Future Strategies

• The government aims to maintain momentum through ongoing operations under the new prevention state and Centinela Metropolitan Plan.

• Emphasis is placed on controlling prisons to prevent communication between incarcerated criminals and their networks outside.

Operational Plans

• Surgical operations will be coordinated with military forces to ensure territorial control against organized crime.

• The Centinela Metropolitan Plan will prioritize areas identified as high-crime zones for increased police presence.

Conclusion by Military Leadership

• A representative from the Guatemalan Army reflects on successful measures taken during the state of emergency aimed at restoring order within prisons.

Guatemala's Security Strategy and Operations

Overview of Security Measures

• The government has successfully disrupted criminal activities, affecting logistical capabilities and sending a clear message that Guatemala does not negotiate with criminals.

• The security of the nation is described as a continuous, strategic process rather than an isolated event; a new phase under a state of prevention was initiated on February 17.

• The Army's commitment to public safety continues within legal frameworks, transitioning from extraordinary measures to sustained public security strategies through the Centinela Plan.

Strategic Vision for Public Safety

• The Centinela operation represents a strategic vision aimed at effectively addressing security challenges through planning, coordination, and active presence in critical areas.

• This operational model relies on institutional intelligence and legal frameworks while respecting democratic values and individual rights.

Community Engagement and Law Enforcement

• Soldiers and police will be visible in communities, engaging with citizens while focusing on pursuing criminals who threaten social peace.

• Initial phases have shown tangible results when state resources are concentrated effectively; trust among citizens has been strengthened.

Expansion of Operations

• The second phase of the Centinela operation targets strategic areas in Guatemala City to ensure legitimate authority controls territories against criminal threats.

• This model will gradually expand to other departments based on strategic analysis indicating higher crime rates or organized crime presence.

Commitment to Democratic Security

• Emphasizing democratic security principles, the government remains firm against crime while respecting laws and individual rights; ongoing coordination with authorities aims to enhance public safety further.

• Acknowledgment that national security is non-negotiable; every soldier takes this responsibility seriously with dignity and honor.

Infrastructure Development for Justice

• Plans are underway for constructing a high-security prison as part of broader justice system improvements, reflecting the government's commitment to law enforcement infrastructure.

UN Experts Address Human Rights Violations in Guatemala

Importance of Investigating Allegations

• Recent statements from independent experts of the UN Human Rights Council highlight concerns regarding potential human rights violations in Guatemala, particularly affecting children and adolescents.

• The communiqué stresses the necessity for institutional investigations that are objective and lawful to ensure legal certainty and effective protection of rights.

Role of the State and Legal Obligations

• It is the state's responsibility to establish truth through legal channels, as mandated by national legislation concerning child protection.

• The General Attorney's Office has a legal obligation, not an institutional option, to act in accordance with the best interests of children by filing complaints for investigation.

Institutional Actions and Responsibilities

• The General Attorney's Office requested to be admitted as a co-plaintiff to actively contribute to investigations, reinforcing its commitment to uphold legal frameworks.

• Each institution must fulfill its legally assigned role; the General Attorney’s Office has shown professionalism and dedication in sensitive cases involving children's rights.

Commitment to Effective Protection

• Institutional interventions have demonstrated a commitment to immediate protection for vulnerable children, showcasing coordination among agencies within legal boundaries.

• Investigating allegations seriously protects potential victims while ensuring clarity for all parties involved, reflecting a strong rule of law when institutions operate professionally.

Justice System Recovery Efforts

• There is a clear duty to ensure that institutions perform their functions transparently so that justice can prevail; protecting children requires proactive measures rather than silence.

• Emphasizing justice recovery is crucial for strengthening security systems against impunity; coordinated state responses are necessary for crime prevention and prosecution.

Civic Engagement and Professional Integrity

• Acknowledgment was given to lawyers who united on February 12th in defense of democracy and justice, exemplifying civic courage amidst governmental abuses.

• Gratitude was expressed towards professionals who resisted intimidation during electoral processes, highlighting their role in advocating for transparency and dignity in society.

Security Measures and Infrastructure Updates

High-Security Prisons and Ongoing Renovations

• The government is preparing high-security prisons for inmates, ensuring they are isolated from the outside world to prevent escapes.

• Renovations across various prisons continue, with specific measures implemented to enhance security conditions.

Response to Criticism and Inmate Escape

• There is a lack of dialogue regarding the circumstances surrounding recent inmate escapes; however, security forces are actively pursuing escaped inmate Erasmo Rivas Castillo.

• Seven individuals have been recaptured in connection with previous escape incidents, indicating ongoing investigations into these events.

• The government emphasizes accountability for any personnel involved in facilitating escapes or failures in security protocols.

Legislative Gaps in Infrastructure Management

• A year after the approval of the road infrastructure law, there remains a significant absence of regulations necessary for its implementation by the DIB (Department of Infrastructure).

• Questions arise about the delay in establishing regulations for comprehensive cancer patient care legislation that has also been pending for over a year.

Plan Centinela: Security Operations Overview

• The President addresses concerns regarding heavy military presence as part of Plan Centinela aimed at combating organized crime; sustainability of operations is questioned.

• Emphasis on creating long-term strategies rather than temporary solutions to ensure effective crime reduction efforts within communities.

Strategic Focus on Criminal Structures

• The approach involves not just deploying security forces but also dismantling criminal networks through intelligence-led operations targeting gang members directly.

• Key objectives include controlling prison environments, severing communication between incarcerated gang leaders and their street operatives, and capturing known criminals based on intelligence data.

Sharing Public Spaces for Journalists

Access to Government Facilities

• The government is opening a space typically reserved for public administration to journalists, allowing access from 9 AM to 5 PM.

• This initiative aims to foster transparency and collaboration between the government and media.

Guatemala's Critical Moment

Leadership and Democratic Values

• The President of Guatemala is portrayed as a deeply democratic leader committed to upholding the rule of law.

• Emphasis on the importance of serving institutions and citizens during this critical period in Guatemalan history.

Personal Commitment to Service

Sacrifices for National Progress

• The speaker accepted an invitation from the President in January 2024, highlighting personal sacrifices made for public service.

• A call for citizens to empower themselves through active participation in democratic processes.

Upholding Constitutional Integrity

Professional Standards in Public Service

• Urges all professionals with integrity and honorable backgrounds to engage in public service roles.

• References Article 113 of the Constitution, emphasizing dignity, honorability, and integrity as essential qualities in public office.

Focused on Current Responsibilities

Role as Procurador General de la Nación

• The speaker expresses dedication to their role as Procurador General, focusing entirely on fulfilling their responsibilities.

• Acknowledges consideration of future participation in other processes but prioritizes current duties.

Encouragement for Legal Professionals

Call to Action Amidst Challenges

• Invites legal professionals not to feel discouraged by national coverage or challenges faced within the system.

• Stresses the need for active participation and submission of credentials by qualified individuals.

Commitment to Constitutional Principles

Addressing Fabricated Cases

• Advocates for adherence to constitutional requirements over any fabricated cases that may arise against candidates or officials.

Economic Concerns Ahead

Presidential Stance on Upcoming Events

• Discusses upcoming economic events like Tanor’s sale; emphasizes that decisions will be guided by law requiring regulatory frameworks.

Investigations into Corruption

Government's Approach

The government is monitoring ongoing investigations related to corruption allegations against former officials while ensuring due process is followed.

Summary of Corruption Allegations

• Questions raised about lack of investigation into various corruption cases involving high-profile figures.

• Highlights concerns regarding insufficient follow-up on numerous corruption complaints filed with governmental bodies.

Structural Issues within Law Enforcement

• Critiques how political manipulation can undermine justice; calls attention to systemic issues affecting accountability within law enforcement agencies.

• Describes a co-opted Ministry of Public Affairs that hinders effective action against corruption across various sectors including drug trafficking.

Discussion on Governance and Security Measures

Impunity and Justice Reform

• The speaker expresses confidence that the ongoing process will lead to the President selecting a new Secretary General in April, aiming to end cycles of impunity and abuse. This is intended to enhance state investigative capabilities for justice rather than serving corrupt groups.

Local Governance Challenges

• A journalist raises concerns about paralysis in Santiago Atitlán due to the reinstatement of a mayor, questioning government actions to ensure governance and public order amidst this crisis. The response indicates efforts are being made to facilitate dialogue among involved parties for resolution.

State of Prevention Clarifications

• A question arises regarding the necessity of activating a 15-day state of prevention, with doubts about its implications for security operations. The speaker clarifies that this measure aims to maintain current conditions within the penitentiary system and prevent connections between incarcerated gang members and those outside.

Operational Agility During Disturbances

• The second key aspect of the state of prevention is its provision for rapid response in case of organized disturbances by gangs, allowing authorities to act swiftly if necessary. This emphasizes preparedness in maintaining public safety during potential unrest.

Militarization Concerns Addressed

• Questions about militarization under the state of prevention are addressed; it is clarified that this measure grants limited powers compared to a state of siege, which previously did not result in militarization despite legal allowances. Thus, there’s assurance against military involvement in civilian matters during this period.

Joint Operations Explained

• The speaker explains that joint operations between police and military forces have been conducted without declaring a state of siege, indicating these collaborations do not equate to militarization as operational command remains with civil authorities (Ministry of Interior). This approach aims at enhancing public security effectively while respecting legal boundaries.