Major General Luis Perez Bello, head of the military escort of President Joaquin Balaguer, was seen back with the president on 9 May after a mysterious two week absence from official appearances made by Dr. Balaguer. Gen. Perez Bello had been practically relieved of his duties, although not officially, on 24 April when he ordered an emergency landing of a helicopter in which both men were traveling without, apparently, notifying the president. Without an official statement from the National Palace, speculation abounded that Dr. Balaguer had been displeased with the actions of Gen. Perez Bello. Reports of the General having been relieved of his duties became more frequent after Gen. Hernan Disla began to appear as the head bodyguard of Dr. Balaguer during his public appearances, but on 9 May, Gen. Perez Bello was back in his usual position, standing right behind the president, during the openings of new buildings and other structures financed by the central government. Gen. Perez Bello is considered one of the closest confidants of President Balaguer, and has been his chief bodyguard since 1978.
24-30 May 1996