In a ceremony held this morning at the capital’s Air Force headquarters, the president stressed that the two men had joined actions to protect the community and confront threats to the nation.

Before Defense authorities, guests and family members of Air Force Lieutenant Elvis Carlos Arnoldo Álvarez and Second Captain Luis Estuardo González Barrios, Arévalo, as head of State and Commander Genera, acknowledged their sacrifice.

He considered that his words will do little to alleviate the feeling of loss, but their loved ones can be sure that the names of both will be remain on the page of those who served for the benefit of the entire country.

“Families, on behalf of the Republic, of the Army, our deepest condolences, profound sympathy and gratitude for the work done,” insisted the 67-year-old politician at the funeral honors.

Arévalo described both victims as heroes, on his X profile.

Defense MInister, Henry Sáenz, said reported before the accident that the two officers were on their way to support the proceedings related to a small plane that had been found burned, a possibly loaded with illicit substances.

He pointed out that the military forces had been trying to reach the place for at least two days, bit locals had prevented them from passing.

“We cannot continue with this dynamic in which organized crime pays the population and the scourge continues,” the official stressed.

Calculations by specialized entities warned that 80 percent of South American drugs that go to the United States pass through Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

ied/ro/znc