By: The opinion Posted 05 Jul 2023, 18:08 pm EDT
A new armed group emerges in Pantelhó, Chiapas, who claims to have taken the municipal seat and issues a warning to the self-defense groups “El Machete”so that they leave the place, since they accuse their members of the wave of violence that is registered in the area and of the disappearance of at least 21 people.
The new self-defense group that calls itself “Civil Army of the indigenous people of Pantelhó”appears in a video that circulates on social networks, where he assures that the residents came together to expel the self-defense groups of “El Machete”due to the injustices and abuse of its members.
The video shows a group of armed men in military-style uniforms with black hoods.
New armed group issues warning to “El Machete”
“We are writing to the state and federal government, to inform them that the group of residents of the 86 communities and neighborhoods, have taken over the municipality of Pantelhó in order to expel the group of criminals El Machete along with its Municipal Council”announces one of the hooded men.
“Since there are many abuses and murders that have been committed”precise.
A new armed group has been formed in #Pantelhó, #Chiapas, which has taken over the municipal capital and rises up in arms against Los Machetes, a group that acts as self-defense but is now accused of crimes and disappearances. They also demand the dismissal of municipal authorities. pic.twitter.com/X7lkRqsEHH
— Eunice Rendon (@EuniceRendon) July 4, 2023
The new self-defense group accuses the National Guard, the Army and the State Prosecutor’s Office of protecting “El Machete”, a self-defense group that emerged in July 2021.
The recently emerged armed group calls for the immediate dismissal of the Municipal Council of “El Machete” and arrest warrants against the leaders of said group of self-defense groups, those who accuse of the disappearance of 21 people and the murder of people in the municipality of Chenalhó.
The group “Civil Army of the indigenous people of Pantelhó” arises, who affirm that they have risen up against the abuses and injustices of the members of the armed group called “El Machete”. pic.twitter.com/mjTOm4zAl8
— Azucena Uresti (@azucenau) July 4, 2023
Government of Pentalhó denies taking over the municipal seat
Although it was reported that the new armed group took over the municipal seat, the state government rejects this version and affirms that the situation in Pantelhó is proceeding normally.
“We continue to work as normal, providing services, managing works and social support for all citizens, as well as ensuring the safety of the entire population,” the municipal authorities indicated in a statement.
The Municipal Council of Pantelhó indicates that “The alleged control of this municipality by a small armed group that has not wanted to identify itself and has spread its presence to intimidate and threaten the tranquility of the people is false.”
According to the newspaper El Universal, the “Civil Army of the indigenous people of Pantelhó” is led by the José Herrera Abarca brothers.
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