Allegations of False Positives Spark Controversy in Colombia Over Civilian Death

Military Operation and Disputed Casualty Claims in Santa Marta

On September 21, 2025, a joint operation involving the Policía Antinarcóticos and the Fuerza Aérea deployed helicopters into the rural area of Vereda Quebrada del Sol in Santa Marta. The operation targeted José Luis Pérez Villanueva, known as ‘Cholo’, who was identified as the second-in-command and head of finances for the ACSN. Pérez Villanueva was killed a day before the criminal group planned a 72-hour armed strike across Santa Marta, Magdalena, and La Guajira to restrict civilian movement under death threats.

During the raid, authorities also reported the deaths of seven individuals, whose bodies were later shown by President De la Espriella on official accounts to demonstrate his administration’s hardline security policy against drug trafficking routes leading to the Caribbean Sea. However, evidence quickly emerged indicating that at least one of the deceased individuals had no ties to the criminal organization. Ricardo Andrés Martínez Rodríguez, who had moved to the rural area as a displaced person from Valledupar, was working as a laborer tending cattle when the operation commenced.

Family Allegations and Human Rights Demands

Family members and activists have rejected the government’s characterization of Martínez Rodríguez. His mother, Marelvis Rodríguez, stated that her son was dressed in civilian clothes and was unarmed, while his father alleged that the young laborer received a point-blank shot, known locally as a tiro de gracia.

Verdad y justicia, mi hijo fue asesinado Marelvis Rodríguez voiced her grief and anger outside the Medicina Legal facility in Barranquilla while holding a handmade sign bearing photographs of her son. A video of her confrontation with the administration circulated widely on social media platforms. Following the public outcry, the Defensoría del Pueblo demanded a rigorous investigation to establish the facts surrounding the death and to protect the rights of the grieving family.

Comparisons to Historical Extrajudicial Executions

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups who draw parallels to historical extrajudicial killings in the country. The organization Madres De Falsos Positivos de Colombia (Mafapo) posted a message directed at President De la Espriella on X, asserting that Martínez Rodríguez no era guerrillero, volvimos a los falsos positivos para sacar pecho que están ganando la guerra.

The term “falsos positivos” refers to a dark chapter in the armed conflict where members of the public security forces, primarily the Army, killed innocent civilians and falsely presented them as guerrillas or criminals killed in combat. Former President Gustavo Petro also commented on the platform, alleging that the government killed an 18-year-old peasant worker operating in the region. Amid the public backlash and a court order directing the removal of the images from official accounts, supporters of the president used social media accounts to attempt to link the young laborer to the ACSN.