Captain Marco David Pirajón was one of two soldiers killed in ELN attack on Ocaña battalion

Captain Marco David Pirajón Montezuma carried the army in his blood. He was born in Sogamoso and grew up between that Boyacá city and nearby Tópaga, where several retired military personnel from his father’s family live.

Pirajón had served in the institution for 15 years. His father, retired Major Marco Vinicio Pirajón Moreno, wore the military uniform for more than two decades. Pirajón was the eldest child of Moreno and Ruth Montezuma.

The Army’s Second Division confirmed Friday night that Pirajón was one of two soldiers killed in an attack on the El Trapiche Military Canton in Ocaña, about five hours from Cúcuta. The attack targeted the facilities with drones adapted to carry explosives. The canton houses the General Francisco de Paula Santander Infantry Battalion No. 15, where Pirajón served.

President Abelardo De La Espriella said the Camilo Torres Restrepo Front of the ELN was allegedly responsible. Preliminary information indicated that the attackers used explosive-laden drones and rifle bursts against the military unit. The attack occurred amid the tense security situation in Ocaña and the Catatumbo region, where the ELN and FARC dissidents have been engaged in a strong dispute since January of the previous year.

Five professional soldiers were also wounded, including Jhon Carlos Marrugo Majares. Friends remembered Pirajón as cheerful and lively. “He was a fun-loving crazy guy whom we will never forget, an upbeat ‘bro’ who always had a joke or a comment to brighten the moment. He was the life of the party,” his friend Fabián wrote after learning of his death. Pirajón’s social media accounts showed him in uniform and during military activities, but also singing, one of his other passions.

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He was a fun-loving crazy guy whom we will never forget, an upbeat ‘bro’ who always had a joke or a comment to brighten the moment. He was the life of the party.