Well tonight, the Ministry of National Security is reporting that they've deployed BDF assets to the area to investigate and confirm these incursions for themselves.

The Ministry notes that the first report reaching them of this activity was last week, when the Alcalde of Otoxha, Santiago Peck, first brought it to their attention. The villagers reported that they have come across several areas within Belize that appear to have been cleared by Guatemalan farmers.

The Ministry says that the BDF are in the area monitoring the situation, and they are working with alcaldes and residents to gather as much information as possible. The BDF intends to offer security where needed.

A statement from the Ministry says, quote, "Where these activities are discovered within the adjacency zone, the Ministry, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, works with the OAS to conduct verification and subsequently destroy any illegal farming that is discovered. Where these discoveries are east of the border and not within the adjacency zone they are destroyed immediately. The Ministry of National Security encourages any persons that come across any illegal activities conducted in these areas to report them to the authorities so that an assessment can be made and the appropriate actions are taken." End quote.

So, while the BDF says that it is in the area and investigating, Wil Maheia, who wears the hats of border activist and journalist, told us that he was in the area today, and he did not see any BDF soldiers out there as yet. That's the same thing that the Otoxha Villagers are saying as well. The hope for those in the area is that their presence will be felt soon.