Palma.To mark the day of Our Lady of the Pillar, the Patroness of Spain and the Guardia Civil, the Commander-in-Chief of the Guardia Civil in the Balearics, Basilio Sanchez, yesterday called on the force to strengthen its image.
He urged the force to unite with society in order to meet its growing demands. We must maintain a professional attitude to our duties and be on permanent service to the general public who we must treat with respect and education, the Commander added.
Yesterday's ceremony was the last to be presided over by the Central Government Delegate, Ramon Socias, who will move to another post after next month's general elections.
He praised the force for its hard and dedicated work, not only in cracking down on the region's drug trade, but also in helping to reduce the Balearic crime rate by 23 points.
He expressed his satisfaction that during his tenure the size of the Guardia Civil force has grown by 450 to 2'065 and that new barracks have been opened and others reformed, such as those in Calvia where two members of the force were killed in an ETA car bomb attack two years ago.
During yesterday's ceremony, a number of the force were honoured for their services.