Rogers Mauricio Devia Escobar, the former mayor of Cubarral and current campaign coordinator for presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella in the department of Meta, was assassinated while traveling by motorcycle through a rural area of the region.
The political leader was reportedly intercepted by armed men who fired multiple shots at him. The attack occurred on a road in the municipality of Cubarral, prompting community alerts that led authorities to the scene to begin investigations.
Jaime Andrés Beltrán, the former mayor of Bucaramanga and national regions manager for the Abelardo de la Espriella campaign, confirmed the death via the social network X. Beltrán described Devia as an “enthusiastic, committed and tireless worker” for the political cause, noting that Devia had spent the day collecting advertising in Villavicencio before being attacked by unknowns upon returning to his municipality.
Official Response and Casualty Report
Rafaela Cortés Zambrano, the Governor of Meta, confirmed that the individual accompanying the former mayor also died after being wounded in the attack.
Governor Cortés Zambrano stated that her office has maintained permanent communication with the mayor, the Public Force, and other authorities, conducting operations throughout the department with a specific focus on the area of the attack.
The governor also took the opportunity to deny various versions circulating online regarding alleged clashes between the Army and guerrilla groups.
Security Measures and Political Fallout
In response to the violence, the Governor of Meta has convened an extraordinary security council for Sunday at 8:00 a.m. At the departmental administration headquarters. The meeting will include the Minister of Defense and high-level representatives from the Police and Army to evaluate security strategies and reinforce investigations.
The assassination has sparked widespread condemnation within the Meta department and the “Defensores de la Patria” political movement. Abelardo de la Espriella reacted to the event by criticizing President Petro, stating, “Everything this is your fault, you gave away the country,” in reference to multiple terrorist attacks occurring that Friday.
Authorities are currently working to determine if the motive for the attack is linked to political issues, personal matters, or general violence in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Rogers Mauricio Devia Escobar? He was the former mayor of Cubarral and served as the campaign coordinator for Abelardo de la Espriella’s presidential campaign in the department of Meta. What is the current status of the investigation? Authorities are investigating whether the attack was motivated by political reasons, personal problems, or regional violence, and a reward of 50 million pesos has been offered for information. What high-level officials are involved in the security response? The Minister of Defense, along with high-level representatives from the Army and the Police, have been summoned to an extraordinary security council by the Governor of Meta.
How should democratic nations balance political campaigning with the need for heightened security for regional organizers in volatile areas?
