Joaquín Collado, retired colonel of the Guardia Civil, the same one whom Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos has just joined after Minister Marlaska blocked his promotion to general, wrote a letter, supported by other commanders of the corps to him is honored for his long and brilliant professional career within the Benemérita.
The text of the letter, of wich LA RAZÓN has become aware, is the following:
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! AND MUCH MORE
Mission accomplished. With these words Colonel Pérez de los Cobos concluded his speech, last October 12, during the public celebration of the Patron Saint of the Civil guard in his farewell to the members of the Madrid Command, the inhabitants of tres Cantos and the society he represents .serving during a long and prosperous professional career.
With the expression mission accomplished we indicate that a task has been completed successfully or when we simply complete our duty. But the colonel went infinitely further. They will understand me.
After leaving the General Military Academy, he joined the Special Training Course and enlisted in the Rural Anti-Terrorism Group operating in the northern provinces of Spain to dedicate himself to combat from the first moment.
Mission accomplished is a poor adjective for those who have dedicated themselves to intense investigations, surveillance and monitoring of armed terrorists who have killed, kidnapped, extorted and threatened, saving countless lives.
citizens who were not concretely aware of the real risks from which they had freed themselves.
There’s no doubt whatsoever he was already pointing out ways when dealing with the then general director, then criminal, Luis Roldán. The Lieutenant, faithful to his oath and his obligations, did not reveal the identity of a confidant who infiltrated the so-called
“ETA terrorist complex” (armed gang, youth groups, subordinate organizations in the most diverse political, social, economic fields, etc.). It would have been imprudent to let a politician know the names of those who collaborated with the txakurra within the “complex”. It cost him his fate.
Subsequently, the period spent as a judicial police officer represented a doctorate for the Captain. and after the demanding General Staff Course, at that time reserved for a few, he practiced planning and supporting the command. He underlined his rigor in the study of infrastructure security in the delimitation of the Civil Guard that served him later, assigned to the Ministry of the Interior, and developing an initiative of Minister rubalcaba, creating the embryo of the current IL protection model
critical infrastructures in Spain.
Commander Pérez de los Cobos did not arrive at the Ministry by chance. His professional and personal profile suited the demanding Minister perfectly, to the point of becoming director of the Coordination Cabinet of the Secretariat of State for Security.
Three other subsequent ministers,of different political backgrounds,kept the lieutenant colonel and the colonel at the head of that complicated department,with technical responsibilities but closely linked to the political field. There is no one better than him to lead the Interior’s action against the coup attempt in Catalonia. Taking on this duty put him to the test on a professional level and consequently also affected his personal and family life.
The Colonel’s testimony in the long hearing before the supreme Court should be object of study in law faculties and in police training centers: rigor, credibility and professionalism in each of their interventions
contributed to the magistrates’ decision with a historic ruling.
The period in command of the Madrid Command, a position of enormous importance in the Civil Guard, due to the responsibility and demands it requires, was characterized by his iron determination in fulfilling his duty and respecting the
legal system. A Secretary of State for Security removed him from his position for having respected the Law and logically Justice replaced the Colonel at the head of the Madrid Command again.
The Colonel’s judicial process in defense of the arbitrariness committed against him,but also against all members of the corps,has always proven favorable to his requests,agreeing with him and demonstrating the dignity required of a
public official demanding of himself and others in the exercise of service to the citizen.
And since all this and more were not sufficient, Pérez de los Cobos expressly asked the Court to renounce the execution of the sentences which entailed the dismissal of three generals of the Guardia Civil, promoted as a consequence of the irregularities committed by the Government, which prevented the promotion of the Colonel to the positions he was called to occupy for broad and recognized reasons.
At this moment, in its farewell to the active exercise of its profession, its vocation and passion, Spanish society senselessly loses the best resource that the guardia Civil currently has. In exchange, Colonel Pérez del
Cobos offered us, at the cost of enormous personal sacrifices, a new golden page in the history of Spain and in the true 180 years of the Benemérita, reminding all of us of the values that should encompass the function of an exemplary
State servant.Colonel Diego PérezMISSION ACCOMPLISHED AND MUCH MORE.
Joaquin Collado
Colonel of the Civil Guard (R)”.
How has Colonel Pérez de los Cobos influenced the perception of law enforcement in Spain?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Retired Colonel Joaquín Collado
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, Colonel Collado. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the impactful career of Colonel Diego Pérez de los Cobos and the current situation within Spain’s Guardia Civil.
Joaquín Collado (JC): good afternoon, and thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share my thoughts on an institution I hold close to my heart.
TNE: In a recent letter you co-wrote, you expressed admiration for Colonel Pérez de los Cobos. Can you elaborate on what makes his career so remarkable?
JC: Absolutely. Colonel Pérez de los Cobos epitomizes dedication and service in our fight against terrorism. His extensive work in the Rural Anti-Terrorism Group in northern Spain showcased not only his bravery but also his commitment to protecting innocent lives. He has been a pillar during challenging times.
TNE: You mentioned ’mission accomplished’ in your letter. What does this phrase mean to you in the context of his service?
JC: “Mission accomplished” signifies a job well done, but for colonel Pérez de los Cobos, it signals more then that. It reflects a life devoted to vigilance, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty. He has navigated complex situations, often acting under extreme pressure, to ensure the safety of citizens.
TNE: That’s a powerful message. Can we discuss the challenges he faced, especially regarding the investigation into the ETA terrorist organization?
JC: Certainly. colonel Pérez de los Cobos was tasked with handling high-stakes situations, including infiltrating and dismantling ETA networks.His ability to maintain confidentiality, especially concerning informants, was crucial. This reservoir of trust within the organization allowed him to execute operations that saved many lives.
TNE: There have been discussions about political influences within the Guardia Civil, especially recently with Minister Marlaska’s decisions. how do you perceive the impact of politics on military integrity?
JC: it’s a delicate balance. While it’s essential for the police and military to operate under civilian oversight, any unwarranted political influence can undermine the integrity of operations. In Colonel Pérez de los Cobos’ case, despite the political turbulence, his focus remained on serving the public and completing his duties effectively.
TNE: Speaking of focus, in your letter, you touched on the idea that many citizens are unaware of the risks they’ve been shielded from. Can you expand on that?
JC: Many people live their daily lives without realizing the constant threat posed by organized crime and terrorism. The efforts of dedicated officers like Colonel Pérez de los Cobos ensure that threats are neutralized before they can escalate.This invisible shield is the result of immense sacrifice and dedication, often without public acknowledgment.
TNE: It’s crucial to acknowledge that. what legacy do you believe Colonel Pérez de los Cobos leaves behind for future generations in the Guardia Civil?
JC: His legacy is one of resilience, bravery, and unwavering commitment to duty. Future generations will look up to him not just for his achievements, but for the integrity with wich he approached his work. His career serves as a bedrock for aspiring officers, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and service above all else.
TNE: Thank you for sharing your insights,Colonel. It’s clear that the service of Colonel Pérez de los Cobos has left an indelible mark, not just on the Guardia Civil but on Spanish society as a whole.
JC: thank you for the prospect to discuss this. It’s vital we remember and honor those who protect our safety and freedom.