Soldiers in Toledo Request Increased Investment in Personal Protection

Florencio Marin

As joint patrols continue to destroy clandestine airstrips in Toledo, members of these field teams are reportedly clamoring for greater personal protection.  Reports are that they are seeking approval to carry personal licensed firearms. They are also requesting that life insurance be provided to them, that there be an increase in their allowances and that surveillance cameras are installed at their residences. There are reports that field team members have been noticing suspicious persons roaming the vicinity of their villages and homes. We asked Minister Marin about his Ministry’s response to these request.

Florencio Marin, Minister of National Defense and Border Security

“That is one of the main mission of our ministry, the husbandry of both forces and it is always improving, getting and sourcing the right equipment. It is based on their needs. This is part of the big challenge we are facing, always procuring the right equipment to aid our soldiers to be on the field and effective on the field. They are the ones who can tell us what they need and we are the ones who have to procure it. So, we are working on that.”

Paul Lopez

“How serious are you guys about providing the sort of resources they are clamoring for?”
Florencio Marin

“We are always working on that because that is one of the things we do when we have our regular meetings with the commanders; they tell us we need this equipment and that equipment. If it is within our budget we get that immediately. Sometimes we go to Cabinet to get the funding for it. It is an ongoing thing, not something new to present day. Every minister will tell you that there is always new threats, new equipment out there and other things they could do for the soldiers to be more effective. So, it is an ongoing issue, always.”