And, the COMPOL also rushed through an explanation of what happened in San Vicente Toledo to resolve a dispute that had occurred on November 29th. As we reported last week, the villagers in this border community got into a stand-off with the BDF who have a fixed presence in the village.
The issue was a group of young men who were playing football. The BDF was tiring to enforce COVID prevention measures. It culminated in a showdown between the soldiers and the village chairman - where the Chairman was roughly detained by the soldiers.
Police came in to restore peace - and took in a number of persons for charges. But, the issue wasn't done there. It also became a political headache and Minister of Defence and Border Security Florencio Marin, and his Minister of State, Oscar Mira, along with the BDF Brigadier General Steven Ortega and area rep Oscar Requena swooped into San Vincente, to meet with the village council. Former soldiers themselves, they wanted to address the community's concerns. A press release says, " The Ministers and the community leaders held a frank but cordial discussion and agreed to continue working together to maintain border security and enforce COVID-19 security measures."
With a political solution at hand - police seems to have gotten the memo to let it play out without charges. Here's how the COMPOL put it today:
Chester Williams - Commissioner of Police "That matter was dealt with through mediation. The Alcalde of the village apologized for what happened and the matter was resolved, we move on from there."
A release says, quote, "New protocols for communication and engagements between the BDF and community leaders will be put in place to ensure a positive and effective relationship between the troops and villagers." End quote.
