Statement: Declaration of State of Emergency in Belize

18 September 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the situation in Belize after it recently declared a state of emergency due to increasing criminal activities by gangs in the area.

In a report to the DFA, Ambassador to Mexico Demetrio Tuason said that the declaration was due to the six murders recorded between 31 August to 1 September 2018, the highest in Belize’s history. It was also intended to ensure people’s safety during Belize’s national day celebrations this month.

Under the state of emergency, authorities are authorized to incarcerate suspects for 30 days and suspected or known members of gangs may be detained for up to seven days without specific charges. There were approximately 100 persons who have been arrested.

According to Philippine Honorary Consul in Belize Mikhal Arguelles, the situation in Belize City is calm and peaceful, except in the communities along George and Banak Streets, where the violence is happening. He added that there is no Filipino national who has been affected by the criminal activities.

The Embassy asked the 97 members of the Filipino community in the country to exercise caution when in the area. END