News Article: Tolima Offers Reward for FARC Dissident Leader
Published: August 9, 2024, 10:34 AM
In southern Tolima and bordering Huila, alias ‘Libardo González’ has been operating for over 15 years. Local authorities have launched a reward program to capture key leaders of the Ismael Ruiz front, linked to the Central Isaías Pardo bloc of FARC dissidents.
Governor Adriana Magali Matiz has announced a reward of up to $100 million for information leading to the capture of alias ‘Libardo González,’ the main leader of this criminal organization. Additionally, a reward of up to $60 million is offered for alias ‘May,’ whose real name is Freddy Carvajal Galeano.
Alias ‘Libardo González’ has been accused of numerous crimes, including extortion of merchants, ranchers, and businessmen in the region.
The governor emphasized the importance of intelligence work in identifying these criminals, stating, “We have confirmed the active presence of FARC dissidents in our region. These groups are using extortion to intimidate local residents.”
The Ismael Ruiz front, with approximately 300 members, operates in municipalities such as Planadas, Ataco, Rioblanco, and Chaparral. Colonel Carlos Alberto Luque Ochoa, commander of the Sixth Brigade of the National Army, also warned of potential threats from other FARC factions.