• CLIMBING: Homicides are mounting in the Mexican Pacific coast state of Colima (pop. 711,000) with local authorities making gruesome discoveries this week including a clandestine grave where the remains of state representative Anel Bueno were found after going missing a month ago.
• CASES: Mexico’s smallest state by population, Colima has been engulfed in a violent criminal cycle since at least 2016 and routinely has the highest homicide rate in the country. On Wednesday, authorities also reported the discovery of the bodies of 7 state police officers.
• FAILED: “In Colima we are in a failed state. Not only do teachers, cyclists, young people, etcetera disappear. Now, a legislator and police officers also disappear. What awaits to us citizens?”, said Colima state representative Livier Rodríguez, a member of the Morena party.
• WARNING: According to Mexico’s public security system (SESNSP), total homicides in Colima reached 216 during the first four months of the year. Back in 2015, the homicide number for the same period of time was just 35. Colima is home to Manzanillo, Mexico’s busiest seaport.
