San Felipe, BC Mexico – Yesterday, the Foundational Council of the New Municipality of San Felipe announced the swearing in of a military officer as the new police chief for San Felipe – Navy Captain Andrés Bonilla Castro.
The president of the council, José Luis Dagnino López, assured that the appointment was made in coordination with the authorities from all three levels of government, working together to insure the peace and security of the San Felipe community.
Last week, the deputy director and the police commander of San Felipe, Erick Aguilera and Norberto Ornelas, were murdered in an ambush where the former police chief – Ramón Valdez Salas – was also wounded in the attack. Last Tuesday, Valdez Salas presented his resignation to the council.
Dagnino López made it clear that this new chief of police has a long and distinguished military career spanning over 20 years and was recognized repeatedly for performing his duties with professionalism, institutional loyalty and honesty.
A Firm Hand
Alejandro Ruiz Uribe, the Federal Congressman for Baja California, expressed his support for the appointment of Captain Bonilla Castro and said that he expects for this new police chief to lean on his 20+ years of military experience to police the region “with a firm hand.”
The congressman pointed out that the new police chief will be working alongside his former naval colleagues here at the port base and expects for him to take full control of the municipality.
“What happened in San Felipe is an example of why we must insist on honesty, strength of spirit and a committment to service in our police command, and former military officers fit that description perfectly,” he said.
Cartel Control of Port
The port of San Felipe today is considered by many security analysts to be in control of the Sinaloa Cartel and managed locally by the criminal group “Los Chapitos”, who also control the beach area called Golfo de Santa Clara on the opposite side of the gulf in the state of Sonora.
The cartel uses their control of the northern gulf to move drugs, guns and cash as well as taking over much of the illegal fishing of Totoaba – a species of fish considered endangered and highly valued for its illegal sale of its valuable swim bladder, sold on the black market.
Responses
Has there been a visible improvement in the state of security affairs and measurable reduction of violent criminal activity since the new appointment of Captain Castro? gracias!