We put reprehensible acts before the scrutiny of Mexicans: Raymundo Morales

Arguing that honor is only maintained with the truth and without clearly stating what specific matter he was referring to, Navy Secretary Raymundo Pedro Morales Ángeles stated that the institution had placed reprehensible acts before the scrutiny of Mexicans.

In frank reference to the fuel smuggling network in which two nephews-in-law of the former head of the Navy ( Semar ), José Rafael Ojeda Durán, allegedly participated, and which was exposed a few weeks ago by the security cabinet, he said: “It was through an exercise of wisdom, common sense, consistency and humility, that we brought before the law, before the conscience and scrutiny of Mexicans, reprehensible acts that do not define us as an Institution, but rather could become entrenched and remain to harm our people.”

The secretary was one of the speakers at the event prior to the military parade commemorating the 215th anniversary of the beginning of national independence, held on the capital's main square. There, before President Claudia Sheinbaum , cabinet members, and special guests, he asserted that the department under his charge has acted "with a single compass: honesty and transparency."

We have charted only one course to follow, so any challenge receives from us the full weight of our honesty and a frontal response to our people. Whatever happens, whatever the pain, whoever it involves, he asserted, dressed in his dress uniform.

He mentioned that “it was very hard to accept, but it would have been much harder and absolutely unforgivable to keep quiet about it.”

On September 7, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection Omar García Harfuch announced the arrest of 14 people linked to a fuel smuggling ring related to the seizure of 10 million liters of diesel in Tamaulipas last March. Among those arrested is Vice Admiral Manuel Roberto Farías Laguna, a nephew of former Secretary Ojeda Durán. Another of his nephews, Rear Admiral Fernando Farías Laguna, a fugitive, is also allegedly involved.

In his speech prior to the military parade this Tuesday, September 16, commemorating the 215th anniversary of the Cry of Independence , the acting secretary explained that the evil had a decisive end. "It found no place or refuge in the Navy."

He then emphasized: “We ourselves were the ones who made the change, because the fight against corruption and impunity is a central part of the transformation. Dissimulation was never an option for us; because silence does not define us. The truth, on the other hand, strengthens us, justice determines us, and honesty sustains us.”

According to the secretary, the Mexican Navy is stronger today.

Near the end of his speech, he specifically referred to President Sheinbaum: “With every step in this parade and aerial parade, as in every corner of the country, by sea, air, and land, we tell you that you have a Navy that believes in the full application of the law and that acts under the code of honesty and justice. Because honor is only maintained with truth.”