The Colombian State acknowledged its responsibility for the forced disappearance and deaths of 22 individuals who were wrongly labeled as members of illegal armed groups during the period from 1996 to 2008 in several municipalities of Caldas, Antioquia, Risaralda, and Quindío. This acknowledgment took place at a ceremony led by Defense Minister Iván Velásquez and Army Commander Major General Luis Emilio Cardozo Santamaría.
During the event, held at the Lucy Tejada Cultural Center, 128 family members of the victims were present. Velásquez expressed his solidarity with the families, particularly with those who lost their parents in childhood, and highlighted that the victims were deceived and taken to other regions with false job promises. Furthermore, judicial rulings were mentioned that hold the Ministry of Defense and the National Army accountable, indicating that false combat reports were part of an attempt to present misleading operational results.
Major General Cardozo also apologized on behalf of the institution, affirming that the victims were not involved in illegal activities at the time of their deaths. This act of apology seeks to heal the wounds of a painful past and reaffirm the State's commitment to truth and justice.