Stories from Colombia

Colombian cyclist Egan Bernal stated he will attend the Giro d'Italia for a third time. Bernal expressed pride in wearing the national jersey and a commitment to giving his best performance. He noted that the team functions as a family supporting one another to ensure Colombia remains competitive in the race.

The Colombian government has decided to eliminate gasoline subsidies to address environmental and climate responsibilities. This decision aligned with market consensus despite previous expectations. The price hike comes ahead of the Labor Day long weekend. Travelers are advised to refuel quickly before the adjustment takes effect. Separately, the Board of Directors of the Banco de la República confirmed that the intervention rate will remain at 11.25 percent for May. The price adjustment was scheduled for 6:00 AM. This follows a period of fluctuating fuel costs that previously included reductions before recent increments. This adjustment places the price near 15,800 pesos per gallon. In cities such as Bogota, Cali, and Villavicencio, prices had already exceeded 16,200 pesos per gallon. Finance Minister Hacienda confirmed the price hike.

A meeting lasting approximately 90 minutes took place between the President and Angie Rodríguez. The president stated that there are allegations regarding bribery used to facilitate payments and expedite administrative procedures within EPS entities. Superintendency intervenors are reportedly involved in monitoring these processes. The president said that these issues are not related to guerrilla groups but are systemic corruption concerns. The claims include potential irregularities regarding payments to CODIMAS to assist with settling debts. The source mentioned that COMAIS payments are being used to help settle system debts. President Gustavo Petro stated that the Superintendencia Nacional de Salud is facing its worst financial situation of all health service providers. He confirmed that Daniel Quintero's arrival at the Superintendencia will lead to further changes in officials.

Authorities in Cartagena are offering a 20 million peso reward for information leading to the capture of Jeffrey Jose Hernández. The 24-year-old suspect is accused of murdering a Junior fan during the Copa Libertadores. Police and prosecutors identified the suspect after analyzing more than 90 hours of video footage. Hernández is reportedly a member of the Real Cartagena supporter group. The National Police and the Cartagena mayor's office announced a reward of up to 20 million pesos for information leading to the capture of Jeffrey José Hernández Julio. The 24-year-old suspect is accused of the killing of a Junior de Barranquilla supporter during a Copa Libertadores match against Palmeiras. The incident occurred in Cartagena, according to the announcement. Judicial police work is ongoing in Cartagena to locate the suspect.

A solar farm in Colombia is expected to reduce energy expenses for families by approximately 30 percent. One resident reported current monthly electricity bills of 200,000 pesos, which is roughly 48 euros. The project is part of Colombia's broader energy transition from coal to solar power. Engineer Rolgré-Rodriguez explained that after water passes through the turbines, it is discharged into the Almenara exit basin before returning naturally to the river. Colombia currently derives more than 70 percent of its electricity from hydraulic sources. The project aims to supplement the country's existing water-rich energy infrastructure. The government of Gustavo Petro is accelerating solar farm construction to address energy supply challenges. New solar projects are being prioritized in the La Guajira desert region where sunlight is available 300 days per year.

The Colombian Minister announced a 5 billion peso reward for information leading to the capture of individuals known as Alias Malon and Alias Mordisco. The military deployment to address the situation includes 13 armored platoons and 12 infantry platoons. These developments are being scrutinized alongside government defense budget actions. The specific location of the operation was not stated. The minister announced that Alias Marlon and Alias Mordisco are aligned in their activities. The announcement coincides with ongoing developments in the Cauca department. The transcript notes that the Cauca region includes prominent figures such as the former president of the regional indigenous council of Cauca. The minister noted that the criminal Malon has been active for nearly 20 years and is aligned with Mordisco.

Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that an explosive device attack on the Panamericana highway resulted in approximately 21 deaths and 56 injuries. The minister noted the scale of the explosive charge was. The incident occurred on the Panamericana highway, according to the source. The Defense Minister stated that the size of the explosive charge suggests the device was likely observed being placed. Authorities noted that the placement of the device may have been observed by witnesses prior to the blast. Rodion Miroshnik reported that 24 civilians died during attacks between April 20 and April 26. The same period saw 174 people injured, including 9 children.

Alias Fito reportedly wrote a handwritten letter to Colombian-Ecuadorian Ambassador Maria Antonia Velasco expressing an intention to surrender. The letter allegedly detailed requested benefits for the surrender.

President Gustavo Petro signed Presidential Directive 03 at the Nariño Palace. All interviews, communications, and pronouncements are subject to this rule. The directive aims to centralize government messaging amid internal friction regarding spokespeople and palace operations. The source noted that the directive follows recent controversies involving specific officials and contracting issues. The directive requires that only the president manages government topics to prevent various spokespeople from making unauthorized statements. The directive follows reports from Angie Rodríguez regarding internal palace issues including contracting and interpersonal conflicts involving Carlos Carrillo and Juliana Guerrero. The directive specifically names Angie Rodríguez in relation to recent revelations.

A formal complaint has been filed with the Procuraduría against Antioquia Governor Andrés Julián Rendón. Attorney Carlos Mario Patiño stated the alleged violation is a very serious offense that could result in sanctions of up to 20 years from holding public office.