José Martínez Brito values changes in the COE and Civil Defense: A commitment to technical continuity
Lawyer and Alofoke Deportes analyst, José Martínez Brito, offered his perspective on the recent appointments in two of the most vital institutions for national security: the Emergency Operations Center (COE) and the Civil Defense. During his intervention, the communicator highlighted the technical capacity of the new authorities and underscored the importance of accumulated experience in disaster management.
Edwin Olivares: The natural successor at the COE
One of the central points of the analysis was the transition at the COE, following the departure of Juan Manuel Méndez. Martínez Brito acknowledged that the change creates a challenge of trust for the public, accustomed for years to the figure of Méndez at the helm of emergencies. However, he emphasized that the new director, Edwin Olivares, is not an amateur, but a fundamental piece who worked closely with the previous administration.
If you are wondering who would be the best-prepared person to fill the position left by Commander Méndez, it was precisely Edwin Olivares. A firefighter, a member of the fire department, trained in emergency response and reaction. A guy with the capability.
José Martínez BritoBrito highlighted that Olivares brings a technical and specialized profile, being also a civilian with solid training in crisis management, which guarantees the continuity of the protocols that have saved lives in the Dominican territory.
Respect for the outgoing administration
The panelist was emphatic in clarifying that his support for the new appointments does not represent, under any circumstances, a criticism or questioning of the work carried out by Juan Manuel Méndez. On the contrary, he expressed his recognition and respect for the former director’s trajectory, describing the transition as a necessary process that benefits from the system’s internal experience.
- Technical continuity: Olivares’ appointment ensures that the COE’s operational knowledge remains intact.
- Civil Defense: Martínez Brito also extended a message of support to the new director of the Civil Defense, positively valuing his resume and professional trajectory.
- Public trust: The analyst called on the population to remain calm, highlighting that the emergency management system remains in the hands of experts trained in the same structure that has led the response to disasters in the country.
With these assessments, Martínez Brito joins the voices that view the strengthening of security institutions with optimism, betting on professionalization and experience as fundamental pillars for the protection of the Dominican Republic.









