Central America

Nayib Bukele’s leadership highlighted in historic result of 365 days without murders

Photo: DES

May 12 |

The vice president of the republic, Félix Ulloa, yesterday highlighted the leadership of President Nayib Bukele in the area of public security, which has led to El Salvador having 365 days without registering homicides throughout the territory.

The government of President Bukele is jointly developing the Territorial Control Plan (PCT) and the emergency regime, achieving a drastic reduction in murders, as well as the recovery of territories that were under gang control and the frontal combat of common and organized crime.

Ulloa also highlighted in this achievement “the effective coordination” of the Public Security Cabinet and “the accompaniment” of the Attorney General’s Office, the Legislative Assembly and the judicial system.

After reaching 365 days without deaths caused by gangs, Ernesto Castro, president of the Legislative Assembly, recalled that during almost 30 years of ARENA and FMLN governments the country was subjected under the clutches of terrorist groups.

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The former three-color and red presidents failed to implement effective security strategies; instead, they opted to make pacts with gang members and even negotiated the lives of Salvadorans in exchange for votes to stay in power, as recently confirmed by Mauricio Funes, a fugitive from justice and former president of the FMLN.

In this sense, Ernesto Castro, president of the Assembly, highlighted the transformation that President Bukele has achieved in the country in terms of public security, being the first president capable of successfully leading a war against terrorists and freeing the country from anxiety and massive violent deaths.

He reaffirmed that, from the Legislative Assembly, the bench of Nuevas Ideas will maintain the commitment with Salvadorans to “guarantee the governability” that the Executive needs to continue implementing strategies in diverse areas, with the objective of promoting national development.

Central America

Guatemalan police officer killed in mob riots over baby kidnapping

A police officer was killed during riots provoked by an enraged mob in a Guatemalan town following the kidnapping of a baby, the government reported on Wednesday.

The incidents began on Tuesday night and continued into the early hours of Wednesday in the town of San Vicente Pacaya, about 25 km south of the capital, according to Minister of the Interior Francisco Jiménez.

“There was an incident in San Vicente Pacaya where, unfortunately, a police officer died after being struck in the head with a stone. He passed away this morning,” Jiménez said in a press conference.

He explained that the unrest erupted following the arrest of two suspects in connection with the kidnapping of “a baby just a few months old,” including a woman with a criminal record.

Sports

Venezuela investigates 18 baseball players seeking asylum in Spain

Maduro calls on military to be alert to alleged plan by "fascist groups"

The Venezuelan government announced on Wednesday that it is investigating the case of 18 baseball players who are “under the supervision of Spanish authorities” after seeking protection.

In a statement, Venezuelan authorities said they are working to determine whether this case involves “a possible human trafficking scheme,” though they have not provided any evidence of such a crime.

The Venezuelan government emphasized its commitment to protecting the country’s athletes while also denouncing the use of international legal frameworks by certain governments allegedly seeking to discredit the administration.

CNN reached out to Spain’s National Police for a response to Venezuela’s claims. According to Spanish authorities, the 18 young athletes—including two minors—arrived in Spain to participate in a series of matches but had already planned to apply for asylum. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that they had begun interviewing the players to process their international protection requests.

The team’s coach addressed the situation in a TikTok video, refuting local media reports that he had abandoned the athletes. He asserted that the players chose to remain in Barcelona to secure the necessary permits to sign with other teams and that their decision was unrelated to any political motivations.

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Sports

Filipe Luis debuts as coach in Copa Libertadores with Flamengo

A two-time Copa Libertadores champion with Flamengo during his playing days, Filipe Luis will make his managerial debut in the tournament this Thursday when the popular Rio de Janeiro club faces Venezuela’s Deportivo Táchira.

Placed in Group C alongside Táchira, Liga de Quito, and Argentina’s Central Córdoba, Flamengo starts as one of the favorites—a major challenge for the 39-year-old former player.

His early coaching career has been off to a strong start.

After retiring in 2023, Filipe Luis took over as Flamengo’s head coach on September 30. Just 41 days later, he won his first title, the Copa do Brasil. The year 2025 has already brought two more trophies: the Supercopa do Brasil, where Flamengo defeated Botafogo—current Libertadores and Brasileirão champions—3-1, and the Campeonato Carioca.

At 8:30 PM local time (00:30 GMT Friday), Flamengo under Filipe Luis will make its international debut at Estadio Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristóbal. Although Gerson, Uruguayan Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata are unavailable, the squad still boasts attacking firepower with Bruno Henrique and Everton.