Video Translation: Autodefensa Leader Hipolito Mora Talks about Dr. Mireles Plane Accident

Borderland Beat Translated by Un Vato

 

Note from Chivis: Hipolito Mora, is as powerful a leader as Dr. Manuel Mireles, but not nearly as personable as Dr. Mireles, and largely has remain out of the press.  A few weeks before the accident Dr. Mireles backed away from so many press interviews and Mora began working more directly with the press.  The movement has 13 strong leaders, but Mora and Mireles are obviously the strongest.  has undergone surgery and is now out of danger. 

 

The Federal government says there were no illegal weapons on the plane.  They report that it was Mireles that asked for Federal intervention, security and investigation bypassing the State Government. The government states it is a priority and want to work with the autodefensa and acknowledge their successes and gaining ground against cartels especially Caballeros Templarios.  These groups "have hurt the cartels, particularly the Templars," ........

 

Autodefensa groups have been formed in the cities of Buenavista Tomatlan, Coalcoman, Aguililla, Tepalcatepec, Los Reyes, Chinicuila, Aquila, Paracho, Cheran, La Huacana, Tancitaro, Churumuco and Paracuaro, as well as in a community outside the city of Apatzingan, to fight drug traffickers.  (video at bottom)

 

R = reporter
H = Hipolito Mora Chavez
SD = Self defense forces.

0:06 R: We're following up with this special report on a situation that's tense, complicated in Michoacán and with all that has happened this weekend.  Just like I promised before we took a station break, we have with us, in an exclusive phone interview, Mr. Hipolito Mora Chavez, leader of the SD forces in the township of Felipe Carrillo Puerto, previously known as La Ruana.

Faced with this situation, what is the mood in the townships where the SD forces are present in Michoacán, after the accident suffered by Dr. Mireles?

00:38 H: We are worried about what just happened to him, and I personally pray to God he gets better soon because he's needed. He's a (inaudible) and he's needed for the struggle to continue, for him to continue organizing like he has been doing.

00:58 R: Don Hipolito, is it known with certainty whether it was a mechanical failure that actually caused the accident in which the air taxi in which Dr. Mireles and four other people were traveling? Of Course, there's speculation, so what is the feeling among the Michoacán SD forces on the (causes) of the accident?

01:08 H: Well, I think it was a mechanical failure more than anything else. I can't be totally certain of that, but that's my opinion. I don't think anybody shot at them, or anything like that, but, in any case, we'll know for sure in a few days.

01:35 R: On the other hand, the SD forces entered Parácuaro... In fact, I'm getting information that at this time they are burning vehicles and committing other outrages in the area. What can you tell us about that?

01:49 H: Well, I have also heard about this. Of course, if they're burning vehicles, it's the Caballeros Templarios and not the SD forces.

02:03 R: What is the situation in Parácuaro since the township was occupied?

02:06 H: I haven't gone there myself, so what can I tell you? But I'm sure the residents are happy because that's what all the towns need, to be liberated, so to speak, from being exterminated (inaudible) all of us.

02:30 R: What's the legal situation for Dr. Mireles. Is there any communication between both SD groups?

02:31 H: Yes, there is (communication). I don't know what the legal situation is, but I hope they won't take action against him, and we can go forward.

02:40 R In the event there are criminal charges, what's going to happen?

02:50 H: Well, I hope they don't expect the citizenry to react with joy. On the contrary, I think it would be very dangerous if he were to be arrested. Things are already a little complicated  here in the region. I think it would make things more difficult if they were to arrest him.

03:10 R: Don Hipolito, we have to consider all the scenarios. What would happen if Dr. Mireles were to die? What would happen tomorrow with all the organizations?

03:23 H: He would be missed very much within the movement because he's a fighter, a person who is very involved in what he's doing. He's always at the front, always moving, which is precisely why this happened. He's always going from one place to another, working. If he were to die, it would be very sad for everybody.

04:00 R: Let's go back to Parácuaro; Don Hipolito, you said you yourself have not gone to that township. However, you have heard about the burning of vehicles by organized crime groups. What's next for Parácuaro?

04:15 H: Well, I can tell you that since Parácuaro has been occupied, I'm sure that we're going to move forward. And they will go forward because if, God forbid, Dr. Mireles were to die, or if I were to die, there are a lot of people behind us.


There are many people who are tired like Dr. Mireles and me, tired of the problems that we have in Michoacán. So, if anybody believes that this would end if Dr. Mireles or I were to die, they are mistaken. I am totally certain that this will continue to go forward.

04:58 R: Has what just happened to Dr. Mireles, destabilized the SD organizations?

05:05 H: No, no, no, no, it has not. He's very necessary, but there are many people behind him with the same anger, the same courage as Dr. Mireles. He's not going to not be there. He's strong. He's got to get up from where he is, he's got to return and resume his place.

05:26 R: What will happen tomorrow?

05:35 H: We all feel bad that he's where he is, but we have faith that he'll get up and return to take his place, and we'll go forward. The man is strong. He's skinny, but he's strong. He'll go on...



Parácuaro blockades

05:43 R: Will the SD groups reach the capital of Michoacán?

05:48 H: It may happen. I hope to God it does not, but there's an urgent need ... (inaudible) to tell the President...

06:03 R: Finally, what is the message that Hipolito Mora Chavez, leader of the SD groups, wants to communicate to the citizens, the people of Michoacán, of Mexico, of the U.S. who are watching us right now?

06:14 H: Unfortunately, we've had this problem with Dr. Mireles, who is a man who knows how to fight, who has courage, and whose family, too, has been hurt. Because they killed some of his relatives, and he's hurting, that's why he's fighting, out of anger. So then, despite the problems we have with him, the people should not be discouraged, we should go forward, go forward. And I'm telling the government to try hard to move forward like us.

06:48 R: Don Hipolito, thank you for returning my call and for giving us your comments on what's happening in Michoacán, and, above all, what is happening with Dr. Mireles. Thank you.

07:00 H: Thank you and good afternoon.    

Rally in Parácuaro - Dr Mireles planned to attend before the plane crash