Australian National Review – 4 Mexican mayors seek protection after recent mayor’s murder

Four mayors in Mexico have sought protection from federal authorities following the death of a mayor who was beheaded days after taking office, a local official said Tuesday.

Alejandro Arcos was killed less than a week after being sworn in as mayor of Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero state, on September 30. His killing sparked fear after photos of his severed head on top of a pickup truck circulated on social media.

Mexican Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch told reporters on October 8 that four mayors from the states of Guerrero and Guanajuato have requested protection, but he did not explain why.

Garcia Harfuch said the investigation into the mayor’s murder revealed that Arcos had gone to a private meeting without any security escort before his death.

“We know he went to a specific meeting and was not accompanied by anyone. Communications in a community were lost and…hours later the mayor’s body was found,” he said.

It remains unclear who was responsible for the mayor’s murder.

Garcia Harfuch stated that Arcos had not formally requested additional protection, despite reports that the mayor had told local media he wanted security.

Alejandro Moreno, leader of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, said on October 7 that the secretary of the city government, Francisco Tapia, was also killed three days before Arcos was killed.

Moreno said he would ask the attorney general’s office to lead the investigation into both killings, citing “the situation of ungovernability” in Guerrero.

Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado Pined said on October 7 that she had ordered security officials to increase surveillance and operations in several areas of Chilpancingo.

Chilpancingo is plagued by criminal violence and drug gangs. The city is dominated by two warring drug gangs, the Ardillos and the Tlacos. Last year, the Ardillos openly staged a demonstration, seized an armored police vehicle and kidnapped police and government officials to secure the release of their imprisoned leaders.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.