The government delegate in Extremadura, José Luis Quintana, participated today in San Vicente de Alcántara in the tribute to José María Piris Carballo, the first child killed by the terrorist group ETA in 1980. Piris, born in this municipality of Extremadura, died at the age of 13, in the Basque town of Azkoitia, due to the explosion of a bomb package that had been released from the car of a civil guard that ETA wanted to kill.
In his speech, the government delegate has highlighted events such as the one held today because they help future generations not to forget the high price that peace cost. “We wish, from the depths of our hearts, that the memory of José María, and that of the other victims, be kept alive,” he said.
Quintana has pointed out that history has shown that ETA terrorists did not achieve their objective and that the strength of Spain prevailed, highlighting that, in the face of coercion and violence, “our country responded with determination, unity and democratic resistance.” In this regard, he has insisted that the commitment of Spanish society and this Government to the victims is a commitment that goes beyond the material and concrete measures. “It is an ethical and moral commitment. A commitment that was materialized in 2011 with the approval of the Law of Recognition and Integral Protection to the Victims of Terrorism; a law that articulates the resources of the State to compensate, as much as possible, the pain of the victims and their families.”
Likewise, the government delegate extended his recognition to the outstanding work of the State Security Corps and Forces for their courageous commitment to the fight against terrorism and their unwavering work of protecting and assisting the victims.
Finally, Quintana assured in this celebration that “today, our best tribute to José María will be to continue working for a safe and violence-free country; it is our obligation not only to remember and honor him, but to fight every day for a democratic, tolerant and peaceful Spain.”