'Don't let Petro release him now': Antioquia governor's strong demand after capture of 'Chalá', accused murderer of Mateo Pérez

The governor of Antioquia, Andrés Julián Rendón, expressed strong satisfaction following the capture of alias 'Chalá' in the department of Tolima. 'Chalá' is accused of being the hitman for the 'Calarcá' criminal structure, a dissident FARC faction, and the alleged perpetrator in the murder of young journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda from Yarumal.

Governor Rendón praised the security forces for their success and emphasized the effectiveness of the departmental security strategy. He revealed that a reward of up to 300 million pesos offered by the Antioquia Governorate was a decisive factor in locating and detaining the suspect. According to Rendón, intense pressure from law enforcement in the region forced the alleged criminal to flee Antioquia before being intercepted.

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He fled our department because we have a strong aversion to criminals here. This bandit was with four other criminals from Calarcá and, according to the authorities, was heading to Caquetá.

A significant portion of the governor's statement was directed at the national government. Rendón pointedly warned President Gustavo Petro, urging him not to release 'Chalá', recalling past instances where individuals captured in Antioquia were later released under the current administration's peace processes. "Petro, don't let him go now like you did with Calarcá after we had captured him here in Antioquia. We will be very attentive to the process in the Prosecutor's Office," Rendón stated emphatically.

The operation, carried out by the Police's Special Antiterrorist Operations Group, thwarted 'Chalá's' plans. He faces formal judicial requirements for terrorism, homicide, and criminal conspiracy. Governor Rendón extended his gratitude to the soldiers and police involved, conveying a message of optimism that the region can overcome violence.

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Petro, don't let him go now like you did with Calarcá after we had captured him here in Antioquia. We will be very attentive to the process in the Prosecutor's Office.