**Baja California’s Local Search Commission Lacks Structure, Says Report**
The Local Search Commission of Baja California is reportedly operating without a legally mandated basic structure. A recent national report titled “In Search of the Budget,” compiled by organizations Elementa and Política Colectiva, highlights this issue. Luis Javier Moreno, director of Política Colectiva, explained that a proper commission should have areas dedicated to context analysis, information management, specialized search groups, and administrative staff.
Fernando Ocegueda Flores, president of the Association of Relatives of the Disappeared in Baja California, echoed these findings, describing the commission as functioning primarily as a transport service for search collectives. “It’s like an Uber that takes collectives from point A to point B for their searches, with the National Guard providing oversight,” Ocegueda Flores commented.
Financial constraints appear to play a major role in these operational shortcomings. From the 2023 budget of the National Search Commission totaling 2.9 trillion pesos, only 849.3 million pesos was allocated to all local commissions. This results in an average allocation of 8,932 pesos per missing person, which many, including activists, deem insufficient.
Most local commissions rely heavily on federal funding—comprising 71.8% of their budget—with the rest coming from state governments. Ocegueda Flores suggests that commissions should develop internal resources to reduce dependency on federal funds, mainly intended for equipment purchases rather than daily operations and staffing.
**Secondary Article: Rising Calls for Improved Search Operations**
The situation with the Local Search Commission in Baja California has sparked a broader conversation about the effectiveness of search operations throughout the region. As the number of missing persons continues to rise, families and human rights organizations are calling for better strategies and resource allocation.
Recent protests, such as those led by the relatives of Adán Morales, have put pressure on political figures to overhaul current practices. Activists argue that implementing a more structured approach could significantly enhance search operations, including the deployment of trained personnel and the use of advanced technology.
Furthermore, the proposal for a new search commissioner has generated mixed reactions, with hopes that new leadership might bring positive changes. Many stakeholders are advocating for reforms that ensure the commission is adequately staffed and equipped to tackle the growing crisis of disappearances in Baja California.
Calls for enhanced state intervention and more substantial federal support echo across the community, highlighting a pressing need for political commitment and action. As debate continues, stakeholders remain hopeful for reforms that will bring justice and closure to many families enduring the pain of loved ones gone missing.