Acapulco's tearful mayor begs Peña Nieto for federal help

*Updated Feb. 13 - Six arrested*
Guadalajara -
Desperate to solve the case of the six Spanish tourists raped in his city early Monday morning, and reeling from the sting of relentless criticism arriving from every corner of the world, Acapulco mayor Luis Walton today implored Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto for help - with tears in his eyes.

In remarks to a local audience (video clip below), Walton said, "The president of the Republic, Enrique Peña Nieto, came to Acapulco (during the 2012 presidential campaign) and offered to help, because Acapulco has so many, many needs. But as of today, we haven't seen the president of the Republic.

"We implore the president to return to Acapulco, and to recognize that it, too, is part of the Republic. We ask for help for all the citizens of Acapulco."

The mayor also urged locals to report any information they might have concerning the case, and to "collaborate with authorities" in making the city safer. Citizens are often afraid to pass along valuable information for fear of retribution, especially if their disclosures are likely to be traced back to them.

Under the law of this country the crimes committed against the six Spanish women and a Mexican companion are offenses against the fuera comun. They are the equivalent of state rather than federal offenses under American criminal law, where rape, robbery and most violent crimes are referred to as "common," subject to prosecution by state and local authorities rather than by the U.S. government.

Mexico's new Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) government emphasized yesterday that primary responsibility for investigation of the case and prosecution of anyone who may be charged rests with the state of Guerrero. But that jurisdictional fact doesn't preclude federal assistance and participation, which is most likely already occurring. With the recently concluded case of French national Florence Cassez still fresh on everyone's mind, and six Spanish rape victims awaiting justice in Mexico City, the new administration will be determined to see that this case is handled strictly by the book.

Feb. 8 - The president listened, it would appear. Peña Nieto has ordered federal law enforcement agencies to lend a hand to Guerrero state authorities as the rape investigation proceeds.

Feb. 13 - Mexican prosecutors announce arrests in Acapulco rapes
Feb. 8 - Serial rapists may be responsible for Acapulco attacks - but do police have the right men?
Feb. 8 - Today could bring arrests in Acapulco rape case, as more disturbing details emerge
Feb. 6 - International press bombards Acapulco: "a death zone"
Feb. 5 - "Image of Acapulco" is on the line, admits its mayor
Feb. 4 - Spanish tourists raped, robbed on Acapulco beach front