The Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection of Tabasco, Hernán Bermúdez Requena, could face a prison sentence of between 40 and 60 years for the crime of forced disappearance of persons, reported the Attorney General's Office of the State of Tabasco. The justice authority confirmed that on Saturday it obtained the order to link the former state official to the process. It should be noted that the General Law on Forced Disappearance of Persons establishes these penalties, moreover, said sanction can be increased by up to half when the victim is female. Additionally, if the responsibility of a public official is proven, dismissal and disqualification from holding any position or public commission for twice the period of the deprivation of liberty imposed will be imposed. Attorney General closes Hernán Bermúdez case. The control judge set a two-month deadline for the completion of the complementary investigation, during which the Public Ministry will continue to gather evidence. He also ratified the precautionary measure of official preventive prison, so Bermúdez Requena will remain confined in Federal Social Rehabilitation Center No. 1, 'El Altiplano', from where he has appeared via videoconference. The former police chief also faces another criminal process at the local level for the crimes of kidnapping, extortion and aggravated criminal association, allegedly committed during his tenure at the head of the SSPC. It should be recalled that Hernán Bermúdez was linked to the process on April 4, after requesting an extension of the constitutional term after being charged. The authorities reiterated that, in accordance with the law, the accused is presumed innocent until a final sentence is handed down. Investigation of 'La Barredora' leader for more crimes. Regarding the case, the state government did not rule out that new arrest warrants could be issued, as there are other ongoing investigations at both state and federal levels. The former official, also known as 'Commander H' and/or 'Grandpa', is identified as the alleged leader of 'La Barredora', a group linked to the increase in violence in Tabasco during the past administration, amidst disputes with organizations such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Hernán Bermúdez Requena was arrested on September 12, 2025, in Paraguay, after remaining at large for several months. He served as head of the SSPC during the government of Adán Augusto López Hernández and remained in the position under the administration of Carlos Manuel Merino Campos until his resignation in January 2024, amidst an escalation of violence in the entity.
