Cardinal Nicolas de Jesus Lopez Rodriguez called for the National Police to come to the rescue of the neighborhoods that are under the sway of gangs. He said that many people have moved away from their traditional locations in fear of their lives. The Cardinal was emphatic as he reminded the government that it is their responsibility to protect and defend its citizens and provide peace and security. He called for an increased police presence in the barrios to put a stop to the anarchy and continual disturbances that are occurring on a daily basis. The metropolitan archbishop of Santo Domingo said the delinquency, poverty and a lack of family values, are the main causes of the violence that has shaken several of the barrios over the past few days. He urged the government not to act with “kid gloves” in these cases. Part of his conclusion was centered about the large number of weapons that are in the hands of citizens, both legally or illegally, and called for the authorities to review their processes for handing out gun licenses.