The year 2020 is ended and with it many achievements that made possible the return to home of 78 Colombians who had their freedom taken away, and that thanks to the decisiveness of the Military Gaula (Anti-Extortion and Anti-Kidnapping Group), the Attorney General's Office, the National Police and the Units of the Military Forces, their intelligence and operational capacity, are today celebrating the Christmas season in their homes.
Rescue operations and releases 2020
Of the 88 kidnapped by illegal armed groups, the Military Gaula rescued 15 and freed 60, so the community hit by the crime of kidnapping stop paying USD $577,000.
Operations for the crime of extortion 2020
Another important aspect that had a significant impact on the criminal operations of organized armed groups, criminal gangs and common crime, were the 1,094 arrests throughout the national territory for the crime of extortion, many of them in flagrante delicto and with which the community received peace of mind and security when he stopped paying USD $455,000 for extortion.
Humanitarian support
The rapprochement with the community was the common denominator during 2020 that despite the health emergency generated by COVID 19, the Military Gaula accompany many Colombian families in a state of vulnerability.
With 31,844 food baskets distributed, tents, construction material, as well as biosecurity elements (masks, alcohol, antibacterial gel), the special groups of Military Gaula benefited during the most difficult months of humanity (April, May and June) 58,861 people.
Prevention activities and Twitter account
Taking into account that the community changed its communication and interaction roles, the Military Gaula did so and even more since deception through social networks increased by organized armed groups and common crime, who took advantage of this need to attack the freedom of citizens.
Through prevention activities during 2020, the Military Gaula trained 53,448 to follow the steps in case of receiving extortion calls. The institutional campaign against kidnapping and extortion #YoNoPagoYoDenuncio was strengthened through 48,610 radio spots, 1,080 visits to the media, 709 accompaniment to activities, 2,638 installation of checkpoints, 3,342 information booths, 11,094 work plans, 1,088 day and night loudspeakers, 734,389 distribution of brochures and 19,027 posters with Line 147.
The objective of these campaigns was not only to invite the community to denounce kidnapping and extortion, but also to strengthen the relationship among the Military Gaula and the community, the guilds and with anyone who may be a victim of these crimes. For this reason, this year, Line 147 was emphasized through the official Twitter account @GaulaMilitares, expanding national coverage and promoting good self-care practices with a direct and clear message, which made it possible to reach more than 12 thousand followers.
Source: press - National Directorate of Military Gaula (Anti-Extortion and Anti-Kidnapping Group)
