Mexican mayor murdered a few days after taking office

Alejandro Arcos, the newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, was found murdered on Sunday, just six days after taking office. His death is part of a wave of violence gripping the region that is widely blamed on the activity of drug cartels.

The discovery of Arcos’ remains came just days after his government’s new secretary, Francisco Tapia, was also shot and killed.

Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado expressed grief and outrage, stating that the killing “fills us with indignation” as the city now mourns two officials killed by violence in less than a week.

Authorities have not released details about suspects or motives, but Guerrero, located on Mexico’s Pacific coast, is notorious for drug cartel activity and infighting between local gangs. Chilpancingo, a city of about 280,000 residents, has long been a flashpoint for violent turf wars between rival gangs, including the Ardillos and Tlacos.

Arcos, who had only recently started his term, had been actively involved in relief efforts after last month’s Hurricane John, which caused widespread flooding in the region. In the hours before his death, his social media accounts showed him meeting with local first responders and residents.

Senator Alejandro Moreno called Arcos and Tapia “young and honest officials who sought progress for their communities.” He urged the federal government to take control of the investigation, citing Guerrero’s deep-seated problems with lawlessness.

Arcos’ political party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), condemned the violence and demanded justice and security for the people of Guerrero, who “do not deserve to live in fear.”

The state has seen an increase in political violence, especially during election periods, with at least six candidates killed ahead of the June 2 Mexican elections.

Since the government’s militarized crackdown on drug cartels began in 2006, more than 450,000 people have been killed and thousands more remain missing, as violence continues to ravage Mexico.

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