The Mejia administration has given the green light to the military to strengthen its riot unit. General Manuel Ernesto Polanco Salvador told El Siglo newspaper that they are reactivating the military police corps to control riots and protests. The battalion existed until the start of the Fernandez administration. The 150 members will be increased to 500-600 members and fitted with modern equipment purchased in Israel. In the past, the Police dealt with disturbances, but the pro-military Mejia administration has passed this role on to the army. There have been protests in slum areas over blackouts. In the past, the inner-city barrios had priority in receiving power supply. Now, the government is requiring residents and businesses in the barrios to pay for the service. And the privatized distributors are rationing power in the neighborhoods. So far this year, protests have occurred in Navarette, Capotillo, Los Tres Brazos in Santo Domingo, and Licey al Medio in Azua.
