Pacifying the Border: Priority for the National Guard

The President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, during the morning conference on prey, held in the border town of Tijuana, in the state of Baja California, presented the uniforms that will be used by the National Guard.

Accompanied by the Secretary of National Defense, Luis Cresencio Sandoval González, Secretary to the Navy, Admiral José Rafael Ojeda and Secretary of Public Security, Alfonso Durazo; also reported on the results achieved with the security strategy implemented several months ago in Tijuana, prioritized security region by López Obrador government.

The Secretary of Defense explained that in Tijuana, they are deployed 2,231 items for public safety works. He also reported, that since the implementation of the new security strategy, the number of intentional homicides is low (21%).

For its part, López Obrador announced that there would be 266 territorial co-ordination for the National Guard., With the number of items needed.

"We are going to have more elements at first, We will also incorporate elements from the army, navy and federal police, we will also be badisted by elements of the army and navy."

The Mexican president announced that in three months the work of the National Guard would have results, In addition, he guaranteed that they would enjoy the same benefits as soldiers and sailors.

He argued that in 10 days maximum, the Mexican government will announce who will be the General Staff of the National Guard, which is composed of representatives of the navy, the army, public security and a commander in chief, said that it was not excluded that he an active soldier.

"This is already done to define those who will be part of the General Staff of the National Guard (…) we are about to define who will take charge of this command we will solve it in a week, in 10 days when a lot will be presented to you ", he said.

"The profile has to be experienced people, who have a clean trajectory of unpredictability, honesty, it's basically, it can be an active army is not excluded, "added the president.

Alfonso Durazo, informed that 150 territorial co-ordinations are already operationaland although their numbers are limited, they have strengthened the security of the city of Tijuana, which is a priority area for public security.

"One hundred and fifty territorial regions already operate with certain limitations, because we do not have enough staff to strengthen us as we have strengthened Tijuana, the National Guard will provide us with the necessary itemswe are here to stay in all the coordinations, "he explained.

Tijuana is ranked number 1 in the ranking of the 50 most violent cities in the world. According to the list, he a rate of 138.26 homicides per 100 000 population.