On the afternoon of July 23, authorities arrested Edgar de Jesús Orrego Arango, known as alias Firu. He is the head of the 36th front of the Central General Staff of FARC dissidents. At the time of his capture, he was traveling with other leaders from the guerrilla group in vehicles belonging to the National Protection Unit (UNP), which are meant for individuals under protection.
Along with Firu, alias Erika, who is believed to be his partner, was also arrested. Neither of them was listed among those authorized to use the UNP vehicles.
Following the arrest, Senator MarÃa Fernanda Cabal shared videos capturing the moment of Firu’s apprehension, revealing that the dissidents had various bundles of cash with them. “This is what was found on the FARC guerrillas in the seven UNP trucks in Antioquia. Will Santos, Petro, and other politicians who participated in this deal of impunity have any shame?” she stated on her social media account.
The UNP director, Augusto RodrÃguez, had previously mentioned that if a person with an arrest warrant was found among those in their vehicles, the dissidents involved in peace talks “would be in trouble.” Shortly after the arrest, he confirmed that authorities discovered 100 million pesos in cash in the vehicles.
In addition to the cash, law enforcement discovered gold items and firearms, including two 9mm pistols. RodrÃguez remarked that “neither arms nor drugs can be transported in UNP vehicles,” but he did not specify what kind of investigation will be initiated against the guerrillas who were supposedly under UNP protection.
RodrÃguez also addressed the responsibility of the escorts assigned to protect leaders like Firu, suggesting that an investigation into their actions may be necessary. He emphasized that the escorts should know which individuals are authorized to travel in UNP vehicles, thus implying potential oversight on their part.
Earlier that same day, a UNP convoy was stopped at a checkpoint set up by the army, where it became apparent that dissidents engaged in peace talks were among those traveling. There were indications that one of them had an outstanding arrest warrant. Firu was identified as having such a warrant, linked to the deaths of six soldiers in Valdivia, Antioquia.
After four hours and with formal approval from the prosecutor’s office, an inspection of the vehicles took place. Due to security concerns related to the presence of the Clan del Golfo in the area, the inspection was carried out at a military battalion in Bello, Antioquia, where Firu was confirmed to be present, leading to his arrest—an event that could complicate ongoing peace negotiations between the dissidents, led by Calarcá, and the national government.
As the case develops, it raises pressing questions about the oversight and accountability of protective measures for individuals involved in such complex situations.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/colombia/2024/07/23/con-millones-a-bordo-asi-se-registro-la-captura-de-alias-firu-que-se-movilizaba-en-una-camioneta-de-la-unp/
