Monte Plata crime rate sparks calls for state of emergency

Juan Hubieres, president of the Movimiento Rebelde (MR), has called for the province of Monte Plata to be declared in a state of emergency due to rising crime rates. Hubieres reported that the province has reached a homicide rate of 11.39 per 100,000 inhabitants, significantly exceeding the national average of 7.41.

The former deputy highlighted that municipalities such as Bayaguana, Yamasá, and Sabana Grande de Boyá are facing waves of robberies, cattle theft, and murders. He noted that this insecurity is hindering local development, specifically impacting commerce and ecotourism, while forcing families to live in fear.

Hubieres attributed the criminal dynamics to geographic dispersion, cattle theft, and drug micro-trafficking in both urban and rural areas. He also pointed to a lack of qualified personnel and insufficient equipment as factors limiting the police response capacity in the region.