The Reappearance of Autodefensas in Michoacán

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By: Francisco Castellanos J.  | Translated by Valor for Borderland Beat

“The society is fed up again with the government: the arrests of social leaders, such as the CENTE, of students, the 17 women of Múgica protesting today for the change of the City of Women approved by the BID for this zone.  The arrest, first of four classmates who were accused of being criminals, and then 17 more for protesting, in Úspero, for the gradual executions of autodefensas, of civilians, of paying dues; these were the reasons that triggered the decision to rise up again in arms and to ‘go up against the government at any cost’.”

This is the way several commanders expressed themselves, those that still remain in the areas of Coalcomán, Chinicuila, la Costa, Zamora, Jiquilpan, Sahuayo, Tancítaro, Pátzcuaro, Ario de Rosales, Los Reyes, Peribán, Yurécuaro, Aguililla, and 20 other more cities in the state.

Identified as “El Dorado”, the commander said that the current government led by Silvano Aureoles, is allowing another cartel to work, he doesn’t reveal which one, but they’re like Los Templarios, in executions, decapitations with messages, extortions, collecting of quotas, blankets announcing their presence, kidnappings, etc.

“A council of commanders and people who supported the first movement of February 24, 2013, after several meetings with merchants, producers, small manufacturers, not big ones, decided to reunite and soon we will rise up in arms again in order to liberate our people from organized crime.”

“Soon, Aureoles and the federal government of Enrique Peña Nieto will have their ‘little party’, it seems that there is no other way for those who hold power granted to them by the people; they don’t understand any other way besides violence and weapons.”

“This time we are better prepared and we are going to give them a lot of headaches, publish it, that’s why we called you, because we already know you and your media, you followed us in the shootouts, arrests, the taking of towns, and you always published the truth,” that’s why we called you, said another commander of Tancítaro.

In this regard, the founder of the autodefensas of La Ruana, Hipólito Mora Chávez, who endorsed the decision of the autodefensas, was interviewed; but warned, that hopefully this time they won’t let themselves be infiltrated by organized crime, as is what happened the first time, because now those that control the area are the H-3, allegedly led by Antonio Torres, “Simón El Americano” and Los Viagra, allegedly led by the seven Sierra Santana brothers.

“I agree with them.  With what they say.  Another cartel entered our communities.  If it’s going to be right, without filtration, and they invite me, ‘I’ll run into it’,” Hipólito Mora said, with a firm and confident voice.

Source: Proceso