In a shocking act of violence reported on January 14, 2024, the rural region of Huila witnessed a brutal attack, where armed assailants targeted a recreational center, resulting in the murder of two UNP (National Protection Unit) escorts and the abduction of a peace agreement signatory. Despite claiming affiliation with the FARC’s Central Military High Command, the armed group pointed fingers at the Second Marquetalia for the heinous crime.
Peace signatory José Enrique Roa, accompanied by his two escorts, Luis Enrique Sterling Muñoz and Yilber Silva Osorio, was present at the La Balastrera vacation center, located in the Maica hamlet, Puente Guayabo area, just 15 minutes from Pitalito, as revealed by the National Protection Unit.
Between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. on that fateful afternoon, approximately 10 armed individuals stormed the location, opening fire on those present. Identified as members of the Ismael Ruiz front of the EMC Farc group by the Commission for Monitoring, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation of the Peace Agreement (Csivi), the assailants unleashed violence on the unsuspecting victims.
Tragically, the community discovered the lifeless bodies of the escorts, Sterling Muñoz and Silva Osorio, both 32 years old according to UNP information, on the banks of the El Guayabo stream. The Csivi reported that the bodies, displaying signs of torture, were found bound.
While the other two abducted individuals were eventually released, the lifeless body of the peace signatory was discovered several days later. The incident highlights the persistent challenges to peace and security in the region, renewing concerns about the impact of armed conflicts on those striving for a better future