"Security is a cornerstone of the private sector and its competitiveness, this is the base of the pillars that President Duque has defined: legality, entrepreneurship and equity": Minister of Defense.
The Minister of Defense, Guillermo Botero, presented this Thursday, in the framework of the 36th National Livestock producers Congress, a positive report of the Security forces in the fight against kidnapping and extortion during the first 100 days of the government of President Ivan Duque.
"We have achieved, from August 7 to November 17, a decrease of 28 kidnappings that represents 16 percent. In the 100 days, in the same way, we captured 395 people accused of kidnapping in 24 departments, where 47 prosecutors intervened along with 710 members of the military and police Gaula (Anti-Extortion and Anti-Kidnapping Groups). We found 79 weapons and 519 grenades, significantly reducing that situation," Botero said.
On the other hand, he highlighted a reduction of 36 percent in cases of extortion "we had 466 fewer cases from August 7 to November 17. We went from 1,335 to 877 cases and although the figure is very good the weak point is that the perception is bad, then one needs to have a satisfactory perception so that people feel safe. That is why we are doing some campaigns to increase the denunciation and thus the Gaula (Anti-Extortion and Anti-Kidnapping Groups) will launch operations".
Finally, Minister Botero highlighted that thanks to the "Diamante" plan of the Military Forces and the National Police plan “who does it, must pay”, in the first 100 days of the Government of President Duque, 1,350 members of organized and residual armed groups have been neutralized.
"Rural security is being hit by 5 Organized Armed Groups: GAO-r Farc (residual), the Eln, and the GAO’s Clan del Golfo', 'Pelusos' and 'Puntilleros', who are under attacked and in the first 100 days have lost 1,350 members, that is to say captured people, voluntary surrenders and deaths in military operations. "
Source: Ministry of National Defense
