THE national police of Jupol, the body’s largest union, filed a complaint this Saturday against Pedro Sanchezafter the President of the Government announced in an institutional declaration of Moncloa the deployment of 5,000 agents of the National Police and the Civil Guard to the Valencian Community, hit by the DANA. Sánchez communicated the reinforcement after the request of Carlos Mazon: the president of the Generalitat requested the incorporation of 5,000 soldiers emergency tasks. The presence of the army zero point of the tragedy was zero: without a trace of it.
The police union assured that the national police have proven themselves “predisposed from the first moment» to travel within the Valencian Community and provide services. In addition, they indicated that the position of the Civil Guards was similar. It is precisely for this reason that they criticize the fact that the central government waited this Saturday, when almost five days have passed, to count on them when there are so many things to do.
“Like the civil guards, all the colleagues of the National Police showed from the start their desire to help, in particular the IPU Units -Police intervention units- and UPR -Prevention and Response Units-, which can do it in this type of disaster. We were always there when we were needed. “We do not understand, today, why it took so long to make this decision,” said spokesperson Laura García.
Jupol’s criticism of Sánchez’s executive for its lack of agility adds to widespread internal criticism within the Armed Forces due to the fact that the deployment is not greater, and that of the inhabitants of Alfafar themselves, the zero point. Indeed, there, they ask themselves “where is the Army?”, while the farmers They abandon their land to help their neighbors until 70 tractors to clear sidewalks and streets. They call their people “war zone”“heavy machinery” is therefore required.
The inhabitants of Alfafar lack military assistance not only for relief work, relief and care for the population, but also for any collaboration in the tasks that these villages now need. Likewise, alongside the anguish of the destruction caused by DANA and the human losses -211, according to the latest report- they are experiencing that caused by the vandalism and looting triggered by those who are taking advantage of the tragic situation to carry out looting. The new troops requested by Mazón would be added to the 2,000 who currently work in the area, reaching the figure of 7,000.
Pedro Sánchez confirmed during his appearance this Saturday that he would send throughout this day 4,000 additional soldiers and that the 1,000 left They will join them this Sunday, until they reach the 5,000 requested.
On the other hand, he recognized “gaps” and that hehelp “takes time to arrive”although did not declare a state of national emergency. He added that the Council of Ministers will approve next Tuesday the declaration of an area seriously affected by the state of emergency of Civil Protection for the localities of the Valencian Community, Castile-La Mancha, Andalusia, Catalonia and Aragon which were hardest hit by DANA.
“If you need more resources, ask for them”
The socialist announced that the Executive does not plan to assume control of the management of the emergency, so he leaves it in the hands of the Generalitat, “which knows the terrain”. Thus, he urged Carlos Mazón to “If you need more resources, ask for them and you will get them.“. With this sentence, he also dispelled doubts about whether he would declare a Level 3 situation, of national interest, which would give the government control of the emergency.
In total, the Government of the Valencian Community had to request military reinforcements even in 3 occasions. First 500, then another 500 and this Saturday 5,000. “I applaud this decision,” Sánchez said, despite internal criticism of the Armed Forces, after many units requested to be activated with a negative response. It is also surprising that Moncloa is now rationing aid to Valencia when in September 2023 it boasted of being “the first” to go to Moroccoto provide aid following the earthquake.
As for the 5,000 national police officers and civil guards, the two bodies will be responsible for ensure safety on the streets after the looting that is taking place and for which there are already 82 detainees.
Proud of you, COMPANIONS!
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– JUPOL (@JupolNacional) November 1, 2024
