分类： society

Authorities in the Dominican Republic are implementing an extensive security operation to safeguard thousands of pilgrims journeying to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey. The coordinated effort involves 9,121 personnel and volunteers from multiple agencies working to ensure public safety during the patron saint’s anniversary celebrations.

The comprehensive operation, active from 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, through 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, will cover the entire pilgrimage route from the Juan Carlos Bridge on Las Américas Avenue to Higüey. Emergency Operations Center (COE) director Juan Manuel Méndez García identified traffic accidents as the primary concern and appealed for responsible driving behavior throughout the religious observance.

The massive deployment includes substantial medical resources with 113 ambulances, 153 first aid stations, and two field hospitals positioned strategically around the basilica complex. The operation features advanced coordination through a Mobile Command Center and logistical support from the Directorate of Extrahospital Emergency Services. Additional surveillance will be provided by Defense Ministry helicopters, while traffic management falls under the jurisdiction of Digesett units. Roadside assistance teams will patrol major highways to address vehicular emergencies promptly.

Officials have specifically cautioned pilgrims against alcohol consumption while driving and emphasized the importance of adhering to official directives to maintain a secure and orderly commemoration of this significant religious event.

Santo Domingo’s aviation infrastructure is undergoing a transformative upgrade as government officials conducted an inspection tour of the Las Américas International Airport (AILA) development projects. Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza led the supervisory visit alongside Airport Department director Víctor Pichardo and AERODOM executives to assess progress on two critical initiatives: the construction of Terminal 2 and the modernization of the baggage handling system.

The centerpiece development, Terminal 2, represents a substantial investment exceeding $350 million and is projected to commence operations in 2028. This state-of-the-art facility will operate independently while complementing existing infrastructure, featuring a capacity to accommodate approximately four million passengers annually. The terminal’s design prioritizes operational efficiency, architectural modernity, and enhanced traveler experience through flexible layouts. A notable sustainable feature includes an energy center partially powered by an integrated solar power plant.

Concurrently, airport authorities are advancing the comprehensive overhaul of the baggage processing system, scheduled for completion by December 2024. This modernization incorporates expanded capacity, cutting-edge EDS Standard 3 scanning technology, and sophisticated BAGWARE software. These enhancements are designed to bolster security protocols, streamline inspection procedures, and elevate operational efficiency while maintaining continuous airport functionality during the transition period.

SANTO DOMINGO – In a decisive move to safeguard public welfare, the Dominican Republic’s National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has enacted an immediate nationwide prohibition on the commercialization of toy pistols and shotguns utilizing hydrogel pellets. This regulatory action stems from mounting concerns regarding substantial hazards to community safety and health, with minors identified as the most vulnerable demographic.

Health experts have issued stern warnings about the capacity of these recreational items to inflict grave ocular damage, specifically citing risks of retinal detachment, significant inflammation, and permanent vision impairment. Substantiating these concerns, Pro Consumidor Executive Director Eddy Alcántara detailed that projectiles from these devices can induce blunt force trauma leading to irreversible injuries, including eyeball rupture, even when fired at minimal distances.

Concurrent with the ban announcement, authorities have initiated an extensive inspection and surveillance campaign across the national territory. This operation focuses on the removal of these hazardous products from toy retailers and various commercial establishments. Alcántara further emphasized that this measure aligns with international precedent, noting that countries including the United States, Argentina, and Brazil have already implemented similar prohibitions.

The urgency of this intervention was highlighted by recent law enforcement activities during the Three Kings Day celebrations. Police were compelled to intervene and make arrests after groups of adolescents deployed these hydrogel guns in public areas, disrupting order and necessitating the confiscation of the devices. Pro Consumidor has issued a robust advisory to parents and guardians, urging heightened vigilance in toy selection and advocating for enhanced preventive education to foster responsible consumption practices and ensure child protection.

Santo Domingo – The Dominican Republic’s innovative approach to combating mobile phone theft through its Preventive Cell Phone Inspection Center has yielded substantial success since its December 2025 launch. Operating from Plaza Central’s second level, this groundbreaking facility represents a cornerstone of the government’s comprehensive public safety strategy targeting technology-related crimes.

This multi-agency collaboration brings together the Ministry of the Interior and Police, the Attorney General’s Office, the Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (Indotel), and the National Police in a unified effort against device theft. Interior Minister Faride Raful has confirmed plans for nationwide expansion of the program, ensuring broader public access to device verification services across the country.

Citizens can utilize a free verification service by simply texting their device’s unique IMEI number to 809-251-3521. This process cross-references the device against multiple national and international databases, including those maintained by the National Police, Indotel, and the globally recognized GSMA Device Check system. The comprehensive verification helps consumers avoid purchasing stolen devices while simultaneously creating significant barriers for thieves attempting to resell stolen merchandise.

The initiative’s success demonstrates how coordinated technological solutions can effectively address urban crime patterns while protecting consumers from financial losses. By establishing robust verification protocols, authorities have created a deterrent effect that disrupts theft networks and reduces the profitability of mobile device crimes.