Mayor of Apatzingán admits forced displacement of families due to violence

MORELIA, Mich. (apro).- In a video posted on her Facebook account, the mayor of Apatzingán, Fanny Arreola Pichardo, publicly acknowledged that the municipality is experiencing a humanitarian emergency due to the forced displacement of families who have fled various rural communities due to acts of violence.

"We know these are difficult times," said the mayor, who reported that the telephone number 453 115 25 51 has been set up exclusively to address the urgent needs of displaced people.

He noted that, although many families have found shelter with friends or relatives in the municipal capital, they require humanitarian assistance such as food, mattresses, blankets, medical care, medicine, and support from the municipal DIF.

The councilor did not provide official figures on the number of displaced people, but mentioned that the goal is to establish direct contact with affected families to conduct a census that will determine the true extent of the displacement and share that information with the state and federal governments, with whom, she said, her administration has sought to "close ranks" to address the emergency.

So far, according to civil society organizations in the region, the main communities affected by forced displacement due to violence are El Guayabo, El Alcalde, El Morado, El Manzo, and El Mirador, among others.

"It would be desirable not to have to face this state of insecurity where the collateral damage, unfortunately and sadly, is often the greatest. Many innocent people are caught in these confrontations," said Arreola Pichardo.

The mayor also expressed concern about the situation of children and breastfeeding mothers, and the number set up will specifically address these priority cases. She also announced that, due to the impact on children's education, the possibility of offering additional classes with volunteer teachers is being considered.

The Tierra Caliente region, where Apatzingán is located, has been the scene of an escalation of violence in recent months linked to disputes between organized crime groups, resulting in forced displacement, roadblocks, armed clashes, and murders.

"We wish to entrust ourselves to God so that tomorrow we will be better off in Apatzingán," the mayor concluded. Meanwhile, the municipal government is calling on the public to help identify displaced families and contribute to their urgent care.