After 62 days and more than 2,400 kilometers traveled, the fourteenth editions of the Colombia-Peru Binational Operation 2023 ended, where sailors and volunteers from both nations sailed along the Amazon and Putumayo Rivers, in order to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the 18,872 inhabitants of the villages along these banks.
The ships of the Colombian Navy ARC REYES, ARC BERNAN BAQUERO and BONGO HOSPITAL, accompanied by of the ships of the Peruvian Navy, PIASS PUTUMAYO II, CAÑONERO UCAYALI, CAÑONERO MARAÑÓN and BAP CORRIENTES, traveled more than 2,400 kilometers of river, which set sail of the municipality of Puerto Leguizamo - Putumayo, last June 21, with the firm purpose of executing a humanitarian operation of effort not armed, which today presents a positive report, taking into account that it has been suspended since 2019 due to the global Pandemic caused by COVID-19.
On this occasion, after visiting 42 Colombian and 35 Peruvian villages, it was possible to provide care to 18,872 people, with 48,074 services, focused on general and specialized medicine, dentistry, physiotherapy and psychology, thanks to the coordination with the Meta Visible foundation. In the same way, 12 tons of medicines donated by the Ministry of Health were distributed, through the Medicines Bank, search and identification services were provided by the National Civil Status Office. Training in livestock production, agro-industry and environmental protection oriented by the National Learning Service - SENA, recreational as well as activities of training focused on strengthening patriotism and nutritional assessment were in the same way carried out.
In the same way, national flags were handed over, donated by the Ministry of the Interior through the Foreign Ministry to the different Colombian communities benefited, thus exalting our patriotic symbols.
In the same way, more than 60 tons of liquid and powdered Bienestarina (food supplement) were distributed in coordination with the Colombian Institute of Family Wellbeing – ICBF. In addition, 30 tons of donations were granted by the National Tax and Customs Department - DIAN, the Manos Pintadas de Azul Foundation, the Abrazos del Alma Foundation, the Minuto de Dios Foundation, the Bata Blanca Foundation, the companies LM Instruments and New Stetic, among other non-profit organizations that joined this great effort to bring the Unified operation of the State to the most remote territories of Colombian and Peruvian geography.
The closing ceremony was held in the municipality of Iquitos in Peru, which was attended by the Commander of the Naval Force of the Amazon, Rear Admiral Orlando Alberto Cubillos Chacón accompanied by of the General Commander of Operations of the Amazon, Vice Admiral Gian Marco Chiapperini Faverio.
The Colombia–Peru Binational Operation, in addition to being one of the most important humanitarian support activities, has become year after year a cultural experience, to learn about the traditions and customs of the indigenous peoples who inhabit the Amazon trapeze.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
