“They have taken up to 3 million pesos from us every 15 days,” denounces in a desperate tone a merchant who for security reasons asks not to be identified and assures that there are 70 establishment owners who are experiencing the same situation in Malambo, metropolitan area of Barranquilla.
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The desperate merchant told EL TIEMPO that the Police in the municipality cannot cope with these cases, “Malambo only has 9 quadrants for 140 thousand inhabitants“, said.
Last week, he said, they received two attacks, ““We don’t have help from the Mayor’s Office.”held.
They assure that they are alone in this fight against extortionist gangs
Given this panorama, this group of merchants issued a statement in which they recount the situation and announce that they will take measures to defend themselves from the criminal organizations that have suffocated them.
This intolerable situation has reached a critical point due to the incompetence of the Government Secretary
“In recent weeks and today, our community of merchants has been subject to a wave of extortion and murder that has claimed the lives of innocent people and spread terror among our families. This intolerable situation has reached a critical point due to the incompetence of the Government Secretary and the evident lack of effort and commitment of our police forces“, underlines the writing that bears the name ‘Merchant for Life’.
In Malambo, merchants ask for more protection from the authorities.
Photo:Archive/TIME
In the document that circulates on social networks and the media they point out that “with great regret and extreme concern we must point out that, despite our continuous complaints and calls for help, the authorities have failed in their duty to protect us and guarantee our safety.” . Efforts on the part of the municipal government and the police have been insufficient and, in many cases, non-existent, leaving our community vulnerable and helpless in the face of crime.”
They will arm themselves to defend their businesses from criminal gangs
“We have decided to organize and arm ourselves to defend our lives and those of our families. This measure, although drastic, is our last hope to guarantee our safety and that of our loved ones,” the statement underlines.
They ask the competent authorities to take immediate and effective measures to restore order and security in the community.
“We cannot continue living under the constant threat of violence and extortion. “We demand the resignation of the Secretary of Government and an urgent restructuring of the police forces so that they can fulfill their duty to protect citizens,” he says.
In the letter they ask the inhabitants of Malambo to join in this demand for security and justice. “Together, we can put pressure on authorities to fulfill their responsibility and ensure a safe environment for all. Security and peace in our community are inalienable rights that we cannot continue to see violated.
It is time to act, it is time to defend ourselves,” he points out.
The Mayor’s Office of Malambo and the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla have not issued a statement regarding this announcement.
The merchants have called journalists and issued a statement announcing their plan to arm themselves and defend themselves against extortion.
BARRANQUILLA
