Laguna businessmen warn of extortion and call for metropolitan collaboration on security issues.

The president of Empresarios Lerdenses AC (ELAC), Homero del Bosque Ayala, announced that several members have been the target of telephone extortion attempts, a problem that, although it has not escalated to major consequences, has the region's business community on alert.

He noted that in most cases, they have received intimidating calls, sometimes accompanied by photographs of businesses, homes, or even close friends.

"Those who receive these calls are legitimately scared, but fortunately, we haven't had any cases where any deposits have been made," he clarified.

The business leader emphasized that these types of threats often come from individuals seeking to exploit public fear, although he stressed that organized crime in the region is, generally speaking, under control by authorities.

Regarding the mayor of Torreón's remarks, who stated that the security problem stems from the La Laguna neighborhood in Durango, del Bosque firmly responded that security issues must be addressed from a metropolitan perspective.

"What happens on one side of the region inevitably impacts the other. We must not divide responsibilities, but rather seek joint solutions," he said.

He also highlighted that extortion attempts have even reached food industry entrepreneurs. , whose market extends towards Torreón, raising costs as an indirect consequence of this situation.

He also called on authorities at all levels to strengthen reporting channels and ensure citizen protection, emphasizing that prevention and inter-institutional coordination are key to curbing this problem.

Del Bosque Ayala reiterated the importance of remaining calm and not falling for provocations, inviting business owners to share information within security groups and to maintain constant communication with local and state police.