On a Monday that echoed across the province, hundreds gathered at public institutions in Alicante and throughout the Valencian Community. The gathering reflected a coordinated call from the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces to stand in unity for public order. A moment of silence was observed to honor the memory of two Civil Guard officers who were fatally injured in Barbate, Cadiz, last Friday. The regional leadership and mayors from Alicante, Valencia, Castellón, and Torrevieja, along with many other officials, requested continued support for the Civil Guard and other security services as they work to reduce drug trafficking and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
One of the fallen agents, David Perez Carracedo, aged 43, died while on duty with the Rapid Action Group GAR. He had been stationed in Torrevieja, his first assignment as a trainee guard, from January 2009 to January 2010. The ceremony in Torrevieja honored his service as a member of the state security apparatus. The crowd paid their respects as a minute of silence was observed at the city hall square, with witnesses noting the emotional weight carried by family members and colleagues who spoke briefly with authorities. The scene captured the solemnity of the moment and the broad public support for those who safeguard the community.
Perez Carracedo was born in Barcelona and left behind a family with two children. He lived in Sarriguren, near Valle de Egüés in Navarre. He joined the Civil Guard in 2008 after a prior period with the guerrilla field units and later served with the Special Operations Group. The evolution of his career saw him joining the MOE, with the unit having roots in Barcelona before relocating to Alicante in 2001 and taking up duties at Rabasa barracks following the MOE’s establishment. His path reflected a long commitment to frontline security work that spanned multiple regions.
Alicante and the community shows its support
In Alicante, the lives of colleagues and friends remained deeply affected by the loss. A civil guard who shared the same class and who had become a close friend of Perez Carracedo stood as the godfather to a son of another officer stationed in Alicante. The child, his mother, and other relatives attended the ceremony in the City Hall square, where officials spoke briefly with those gathered. The Alicante Mayor and the Civil Guard Major Colonel both addressed the crowd, underscoring the strong ties between local governance and the security services and acknowledging the daily risks faced by those in uniform. The scene was set by the unity of municipal authorities and the broader security apparatus, including the National Police, Regional Police, Local Police, Defense Sub-Delegation, and Customs Surveillance, with around forty local police officers present to show their support.
Those present spoke of a shared commitment to protecting families and preserving safety as the public system of security units continues its vigilant work. The sentiment expressed emphasized rejection of violence and a recognition of the critical role played by officers who face danger in the line of duty, especially when confronting criminal activity tied to drug trafficking. The message from local leadership was clear: the authorities stand with the families and honor the contributions of the officers who serve every day.
In Valencia, the regional government’s leadership conveyed solidarity with the family of the deceased and voiced outrage at the incident. The Consell’s president underscored the indispensable work performed by Civil Guard members who guard society anonymously and stepping up calls for stronger resources and additional security measures. This appeal went beyond the immediate tragedy, calling for broader social and political recognition for the security personnel who risk their lives in service to the public. The discussion touched on the ongoing need for improved equipment, training, and supports that enable these units to fulfill their duties more effectively.
Debate on security leadership and policy
Authorities debated the leadership and policy consequences following the tragedy. The discussion touched on a prominent national figure, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska, suggesting that accountability could extend to the highest levels of government if actions or decisions contributed to the risks faced by the officers. Critics argued that the security framework, including resource distribution and strategic coordination, needed strengthening to prevent future incidents. Observers noted concerns about the deployment of specialized vessels and equipment, pointing to gaps in coastal surveillance infrastructure that could leave officers exposed during operations along waterways. The broader question raised was how long security teams in the region must remain on duty under heightened threat, and what measures would be necessary to restore the public’s sense of safety and trust in the institutions that protect them. The emphasis remained on practical improvements to ensure frontline protection against drug trafficking and related crimes, while recognizing the human cost borne by those who serve.