The government delegate in the Basque Country, Denis Itxaso, has presided today in Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the Sansomendi Cantonment, the events organized on the occasion of the celebration of the Virgen del Pilar, patron of the Civil Guard, and National Day of Spain. Along with the delegate took part in the celebration the Chief General of the 11th Zone of the Civil Guard, José Antonio Mingorance, the Mayor of Vitoria, Maider Etxebarria, the President of the TSJPV, Iñaki Subijana, the Defense delegate, Colonel Gabino Otorado, and the subdelegate of the Government in Álava, Javier Sáez Lanas, among other civil and military authorities including some guests of the French Gendarmerie. During the event, several agents and civil personnel were decorated for their contribution to improving the image of the body.
The delegate began his speech by highlighting the tireless work that the members of the Civil Guard carry out every day “to maintain security and order in our community. Your work is essential to ensure that all citizens can live in peace and security, and it is a source of pride for all of us. The Government Delegation has pointed out Denis Itxaso - we express our gratitude for your dedication and professionalism.”
“Continuous updating, investment in innovation and staff preparation,” said Denis Itxaso, “are essential to make this Corps an institution capable of combating the new forms of crime that arise over the years, such as health crises, multiple forms of hatred, discrimination and domination or cybercrime.”
“Fighting these crimes requires not only resources and advanced technology, but also greater cooperation between different police forces and bodies. In this regard, it is essential to strengthen our collaboration with the Ertzaintza and other security forces in the Basque Country. Together, as in so many other facets of everyday life, we can more efficiently address the challenges we face and ensure the safety of our citizens.” In this sense, the government delegate has given as an example different joint operations carried out during the last year, with different police forces that have allowed to clarify a possible homicide in Bilbao, or dismantle different groups dedicated to drug trafficking.”
Denis Itxaso acknowledged in his speech that the incorporation of women into the Civil Guard “improves the effectiveness of operations and, of course, contributes to modernizing and updating a Corps that can only be a faithful reflection of the society whose security we are entrusted to protect”.
On the other hand, after noting that violence against women in its most diverse facets “is another of the great injustices of our time and that its approach represents a challenge of the first magnitude as a society”, the government delegate in the Basque Country wanted to underline that “for decades, our agents faced fanaticism and risked their lives to protect the whole of society. Their sacrifice and dedication were fundamental to the eradication of violence, and we will always be grateful to them for that. But, in addition, you are fundamental protagonists in continuing to clarify the pending crimes perpetrated by ETA.”
Denis Itxaso concluded his speech by inviting a collective reflection on the values that define us as a society. Solidarity, respect for the law, the promotion of pluralism, tolerance and diversity, and dedication to the common good are principles that we must preserve and promote as the best guarantee of coexistence and well-being.