Barranquilla merchants were waiting for the mayor Pumarejo - Barranquilla - Colombia

Yesterday, the United Inter-Guild Committee for the Atlantic described the absence of the mayor of Barranquilla as a “rude” Jaime Pumarejoto the meeting called for 11 am yesterday with the merchants affected by extortion.

(Also: The new prison that has its neighbors protesting in Barranquilla)

This committee, made up of associations such as Undeco, Fenacoven, Asaba and Asocentrowas the organizer of the march that took place on February 24 in the city center to demand greater security from the authorities.

As they reported in the last hours, they waited an hour, but the president “never arrived” and they did not know the reasons for the event.

(Read: The real estate project that will be built at the foot of the river in Barranquilla)

“With surprise we see that the Mayor’s Office has made us rude. We feel mocked, therefore we made the decision to return and continue with all the management that we are doing before the National Government so that it is he who intervenes and solves this problem, “he said. the vice president of Undeco, Orlando Jiménez.

According to this entity, more than 50 business They have closed due to extortion.

More Gaula men and rewards

Faced with the panorama of insecurity in this sector of commerce, the District announced yesterday the arrival of 30 men from the Gaul and the payment of rewards to merchants who report cases of extortion that end with the capture of criminals.

(Don’t stop reading: 30 men from Gaula are already in Barranquilla to fight extortion)

What’s more the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla reported that to date there have been 251 arrests of people associated with extortion cases.

BARRANQUILLA

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Protest of merchants in Barranquilla for extortions - Barranquilla - Colombia

The protest carried out today by the shopkeepers and other merchants of Barranquilla, in addition to the closure of their businesses, includes a mobilization, having as a meeting point the Plaza de la Paz, from the 9:00 in the morning.

Afterwards, the merchants and those who decide to accompany them will march along Carrera 44 and reach Paseo Bolívar, where they will remain in front of the building of the District Mayor’s Office.

At the headquarters of the Mayor’s Office, the affected merchants will file a document, with which they hope to receive attention from the National Government, according to what was announced by Dina Luz Pardo, Director of Asocentro.

From the first hours, despite the announcements, many Barranquilla residents were surprised by the closure of thousands of businesses, mainly stores, in the five locations of the Atlantic capital.

A hundred small and large businesses have been affected. According to the National Union of Merchants (Undeco) sectional Atlántico, more than 100 establishments commercials have been sold very cheaply, because the owner cannot resist the pressure.

(Find out: The neighborhoods of Barranquilla that will not have electricity service this Thursday)

The panorama is so complex that not only are shopkeepers who have announced their participation in the demonstration, but they have also been joined by restaurants, hairdressers, barbershops, pharmacies, miscellaneous stores and clothing and footwear stores.

fear of denouncing

75 percent of extortion cases are not being reported out of fear, out of fear, because there have been deaths

Vice President of Undeco, Orlando Jimenez, He acknowledged that the authorities are doing their job and capturing those responsible for these extortions, but the problem remains if complaints are not made.

“75 percent of extortion cases are not being reported out of fear, out of fear, because there have been deaths, injuries, because businesses have been shot at. People denounce, they capture the guy and after two months he is on the street, then it is worse, ”says the leader.

(See: Masks will no longer be mandatory in open spaces in Barranquilla)

Among other data provided by this union, it is found that 90 percent of merchants in Soledad and Malambo are paying extortion, in Barranquilla more than 50 business have been closed and cases have increased since the second half of 2019.

“The merchants tell us that they are willing to pay the extortionists monthly up to 70,000 pesos to let them work, that’s not right. But they pay that fee and another criminal organization appears that asks them 20 million and 10 million pesos,” says Jiménez.

Police response

Within the prevention activities, we have carried out 38 sessions, 45 conferences, through the support of the different unions, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Andi, Asaba, Undeco and Asopartes

Precisely this Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla, through the Gaula, launched in the Barranquillita sector of the city center, the QR code strategy for merchants to report cases of extortion.

According to the commander of the Atlantic Gaula, Major Diego Molina 249 extortionists have been captured and every two days there is an arrest in the metropolitan area of ​​the city for this crime.

“Within the prevention activities, we have carried out 38 sessions, 45 conferences, through the support of the different unions, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Andi, Asaba, Undeco and Asopartes. We invite citizens to report by line 165 or our QR code, “said Major Molina.

In a balance delivered by the Barranquilla Mayor’s Office and the Metropolitan Police, they indicated that, of each 100 extortions that have been presented in the capital of the Atlantic, especially against merchants, 96 have been clarified.

Based on the investigations, the authorities have carried out 65 raids, which have not only allowed the resolution of the cases but also dismantled gangs, captured those involved and seized firearms.

“Since 2021 there have been 27 big operations that have affected criminal groups with the capture or neutralization of their leaders,” said the commander of the Barranquilla Metropolitan Police, General Luis Hernández.

BARRANQUILLA

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Barranquilla: February 24 march for extortion of merchants - Barranquilla - Colombia

The man is dominated by anxiety. He thought twice about telling his story in this medium and finally agreed, but preferred not to identify himself. He performs as store dealer in Barranquilla, although lately he hasn’t got a job.

(Also read: The secrets of the 100-year-old woman who overcame covid-19 in the Atlantic)

The reason? 50 clients closed their businesses due to extortion and returned to their homeland, in the interior of the country. He decided to stay to respond to the few remaining shopkeepers, but he is surrounded by escorts in an armored van, since he was also threatened.

When extortion arrives, they take away your life, they take away your peace of mind, they take away your desire to work, they take away everything, even the desire to live.

“When extortion comes, they take away your life, they take away your peace of mind, they take away your desire to work, they take away everything, even your desire to live. They have robbed me, they have robbed me, they murdered my brother, but the most vile crime is extortion”, assures the man from Santander.

He adds that every day he lives with the anguish of thinking that they could harm him or that they bring him the news that “they killed my son or my partner for not paying the fee they demand of me,” he maintains, while looking from a side to side when you feel someone approaching you from behind.

Like him, a hundred small and large businesses have been affected. According to the National Union of Merchants (Undeco) sectional Atlántico, more than 100 establishments commercials have been sold very cheaply, because the owner cannot resist the pressure.

Due to the above, the unions have confirmed the call for a march that will take place in the city starting at 9:00 am this Thursday, with the purpose of rejecting the extortions that have harmed everyone.

The panorama is so complex that not only are shopkeepers who have announced their participation in the demonstrationbut they have been joined by restaurants, hairdressers, barbershops, pharmacies, miscellaneous stores and clothing and shoe stores.

The anti-extortion operations of the authorities

Since 2021, 27 major operations have been carried out that have affected criminal groups with the capture or neutralization of their leaders

Precisely this Tuesday, the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla, through the Gaula, launched in the Barranquillita sector of the city center, the QR code strategy for merchants to report cases of extortion.

According to the commander of the Gaula Atlántico, Major Diego Molina, the capture of 249 extortionists and every two days there is an arrest in the metropolitan area of ​​the city for this crime.

“Within the prevention activities, we have carried out 38 sessions, 45 conferences, through the support of the different unions, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Andi, Asaba, Undeco and Asopartes. We invite citizens to report by line 165 or our QR code, “said Major Molina.

In a balance sheet delivered by the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla and the Metropolitan Police, they indicated that, of every 100 extortions that have occurred in the capital of the Atlantic, especially against merchants, 96 have been clarified.

Based on the investigations, the authorities have carried out 65 raids, which have not only allowed the resolution of the cases but also dismantled gangs, captured those involved and seized firearms.

“Since 2021, 27 major operations have been carried out that have affected criminal groups with the capture or neutralization of their leaders,” said the commander of the Barranquilla Metropolitan Police, General Luis Hernández.

The authorities launched this Tuesday a QR code where merchants can report.

Cases that go unreported are higher

75 percent of extortion cases are not being reported out of fear, out of fear, because there have been deaths, injuries, because businesses have been shot at

The vice president of Undeco, Orlando Jiménez, acknowledged that the authorities are doing their job and capturing those responsible for these extortions, but the problem remains if no complaints are made.

“75 percent of extortion cases are not being reported out of fear, out of fear, because there have been deaths, injuries, because businesses have been shot at. People denounce, they capture the guy and after two months he is on the street, then it is worse, ”says the leader.

Among other data provided by this association, it is found that 90 percent of merchants in Soledad and Malambo are paying extortion, in Barranquilla more than 50 businesses have been closed and cases have increased since the second half of 2019.

“The merchants tell us that they are willing to pay extortionists up to 70,000 pesos a month to let them work, that is not right. But they pay that fee and another criminal organization appears that asks for 20 million and 10 million pesos,” says Jiménez.

(You may be interested: The figures of extortion of merchants in Barranquilla)

More details of the demonstration

Do not open commercial establishments from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m.

The United Interunion Committee for the Atlantic delivered this Tuesday a series of recommendations to merchants for the demonstration on Thursday, February 24, among them “not to open commercial establishments from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm or 3:00 p.m. 00 p.m.”

The meeting point will be in the Peace Squarewhere merchants, their employees, vendors and all those who are victims of extortionists are invited to attend with white shirts.

The march starts from that point at 9:00 am and will take Calle 53 to connect with Carrera 44, going down it until it reaches Paseo de Bolívar, in front of the District Mayor’s Office.

The organizers ask to bring bugles, whistles, caps, water to hydrate and face masks. Also, carry Colombian flags, banners with messages alluding to the rejection of the scourge of insecurity.

Finally, they recalled that they will not accept the intervention in the march of politicians, candidates for the Chamber, Senate or Presidency, as well as demonstrations of campaigns or propaganda.

Deivis Lopez Ortega
Correspondent of EL TIEMPO Barranquilla
On twitter: @dejholopez
Write me at deilop@eltiempo.com

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The fight against extortion of merchants in Barranquilla - Barranquilla - Colombia

“Barranquilla It is the city in the country with the greatest blows to personal theft”. It is the balance that the Mayor’s Office and the Police provide when pointing out that the rate of this crime is the lowest among the main cities of Colombia.

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“Of every 100 extortions that have occurred in the capital of the Atlantic, especially against merchants, 96 have been clarified,” says the report.

The assertions were presented by the commander of the Metropolitan Police, General Luis Carlos Hernandez Aldanaand the head of the Office for Citizen Security and Coexistence of the Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla, Nelson Patron, during a summit of the National Police, in which he took stock of the frontal fight against crime.

(Read: Difficulties that prevent the search for a girl victim of an avalanche)

“Today the trade of Barranquilla is safer”, maintains the balance, in which the Police and the District maintain that this is due “to the permanent operations and the intelligence tasks in all the localities”.

Less theft than Bogotá, Cali and Medellín

In the security report that is presented from Barranquilla, it is ensured that the capital of Atlántico is the city that had the greatest containment of theft crime between 2020 and 2021, obtaining the lowest rate in this crime (25%), compared to Medellín , Cali, Bogotá and Cundinamarca, which had an increase of 30, 38, 29 and 35 percent, respectively.

Likewise, it was the second city in this ranking with fewer cases, being surpassed only by Bucaramanga. In their order, the cities with a number of cases greater than 18,000 in 2021 were Cali, Medellin and Bogota.

This is how the blows go to extortion

Since September 2021, the Police have captured 252 criminals linked to extortion, for an average of 1 to 2 per day.

Based on these investigations, the authorities have carried out 65 raids, which have not only allowed the resolution of the cases but also dismantled gangs, captured those involved and seized firearms.

(Be sure to read: Elías George, the outstanding leader who will be remembered in Magdalena)

So far this year, at police gauze They have assigned 32 complaints of extortion, of which 25 have already been clarified, with captures of the criminals. Of those arrests, 13 were in flagrante delicto when the antisocials were preparing to collect the product of the intimidation.

The task has extended to the temporary detention centers and prisons in the country, where the authorities found probative material that links several detainees with calls to merchants throughout the city and ordered the transfer of 20 criminals to maximum security prisons.

“Since 2021, 27 large operations have been carried out that have affected criminal groups with the capture or neutralization of their ringleaders”, expressed General Hernández.

According to the Police, during 2022 neighborhoods such as Chiquinquirá, Montes, Centro, San Roque, La Magdalena, Alboraya, El Campito, Las Palmas, El Limón, Universal, Galán, Los Olivos, Simón Bolívar, El Ferry, among others

“Citizens will have news of 17 more operations that we are planning for the next few days,” said the officer.

BARRANQUILLA

In Medellin they installed panic buttons to merchants for cases of theft - Medellin - Colombia

Due to the cases of thefts from businesses in entertainment and gastronomy areas that have been occurring in Medellín, the authorities handed over the package of panic button devices to merchants of the 11-Laureles communewhich they can use if they require immediate support from the Police.

According to the Mayor’s Office, these buttons are linked to the services of the Medellín Integrated Emergency and Security System (SIESM).

The Municipal Administration reported that on this occasion 20 units were delivered, already configured and in operation, out of a total of 200 devices that will be distributed in the coming weeks with the support, provision and training of the Urban Security Company (ESU).

These buttons will also be delivered in the 14- Poblado district, in sectors such as Provenza, Manila and Parque Lleras.

“It is very important that we continue working and strengthening the articulation that has given such good results in these places. With the Metropolitan Police there is an immediate reaction capacity in any situation of public order and this technological tool allows us to attend in record time and coordinate the services available with our system”, said the Secretary of Security and Coexistence, José Gerardo Acevedo Ossa.

How does the button work?

As detailed by the Mayor’s Office, there are two references to these devices: physical and virtual. The physical buttons look like an air conditioning control where you set a default text message with the location of each establishmentname and contact number.

When the button is closed, a white light flashes and no sound is emitted. Upon receiving the signal, an incident is created with the predetermined information and reaches the competent channel. The radio operator is in charge of modulating the incident, notifying the zone quadrant and it goes to the place to validate the information.

The virtual buttons work through an application in which there is a support network that notifies nearby businesses that also have the panic button of the emergency.

“This button will not only serve us but the locals around us. With technology and what the community contributes, we can make institutions work better and security too”, said Carlos Arias, a merchant who benefited from the device.

The use of the button is designed to react, initially, in specific cases of theft of people and establishments, fights or suspected use of weapons inside the premises.

MEDELLIN

On February 24 merchants will march in Barranquilla - Barranquilla - Colombia

Micro, small and medium merchants Barranquilla They decided to raise their voices through a march against extortion on February 24 and the closing of their businesses that day.

(Also: 11 cases of severe dengue are reported in Barranquilla)

This was agreed after a meeting this Monday, in which spokespersons from nine trade associationswhere it was assured that the efforts made by the control entities are not mitigating or eradicating this scourge, despite the fact that, almost daily, new arrests are made by the Police.

(Read: Barranquilla: Personería monitors the transfer of people with disabilities)

According to the merchants, extortions occur at all levels of merchants (formal and informal), among other aspects, because the problem of the lack of judges in the city continues, of prosecutionsof prisons, because the existing ones are in a state of overcrowding and because we continue to face an inoperative INPEC, from which crimes continue.

This will be the march

At 8:30 am, the march will have the Plaza de la Paz as its concentration point, it will take Calle 53, to connect with the cra. 44, until you reach Paseo de Bolívar, in front of the building of the District Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla.

(Be sure to read: Elite anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion force operates in Córdoba)

Among the unions that will participate are: Undeco, Asaba, Fenacoven, Asopartes, Asoremo, Asonocturnos, Asocombol, Asomesa, Asocentro, these, members of the Interunion Committee United by the Atlantic.

The organizers announce that there will be a quiet, orderly march, without the possibility of excesses by the dealers. To achieve the above, the organizing committee has requested the accompaniment of the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla.
“We will not allow anything to tarnish this citizen initiative, which only intends to compel the authorities of the national order to seek substantive solutions that guarantee the security and tranquility of the people of Barranquilla,” he said. Dina Luz Pardo Olaya, President of the Interunion Committee United for the Atlantic.

BARRANQUILLA

Extortion in Barranquilla: merchants announce march - Barranquilla - Colombia

Due to extortion cases that has been denouncing the economic sector of Barranquilla, the merchants announced this Tuesday a march in the city with the intention of rejecting this crime.

(Also read: The new Transmetro schedule that will take effect from February 14)

Although they indicated that this Wednesday they will offer more details of the demonstration, it was learned that it will take place next Thursday, February 24.

If we don’t unite as citizens who love this city and want to live in peace in it, tomorrow it could be a relative of yours.

“This scourge for years has been taking root in the city like a disseminated cancer, without the strategies and actions that the authorities are developing having the required effect,” said the organizing committee.

He added that, for more than eight years, those extorted or victims have been micro, small and medium merchants, but pointed out that the problem could extend to a close relative or any other citizen.

“If we do not unite as citizens who love this city and want to live in peace in it, tomorrow it may be a relative of yours who is also being extorted or you yourself,” he said.

As reported, this problem started shooting in the middle of 2019, to the point that “today fear has spread” in the homes of thousands of people.

The organizing committee of the announced demonstration in the capital of the Atlantic is made up of ten economic unions that have been expressing their concern about the constant extortions.

(You may be interested in: Christian Daes and other celebrities who sympathized with the ‘Alligator Man’)

Captured accused of extortion

The role of this individual within the organization would be to intimidate merchants by shooting at their businesses.

Amid public concern about extortion, the Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla, through the Gaula, reported on Tuesday the capture of an alleged member of the criminal group organized common ‘Los Costeños’.

Thanks to timely information from the community, they intercepted a man who was found to have a shotgun-type firearm with a cartridge for it, according to the police institution.

The authorities pointed out that this man, identified with the aka ‘Death’ He would be part of ‘Los Costeños’, dedicated to extortion in the San Roque, Centro and Chiquinquirá neighborhoods.

“The role of this individual within the organization would be to intimidate merchants by carrying out attacks on their businesses by shooting at them to pressure the extortion payment. In addition, he presents annotations for theft and personal injury, ”says the official part.

BARRANQUILLA

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Police ask merchants not to close their businesses due to extortion - Barranquilla - Colombia

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Agents from the Gaula and officials from the Mayor’s Office visit the shops in the center of the city.

Photo:

Barranquilla Metropolitan Police Press

Agents from the Gaula and officials from the Mayor’s Office visit the shops in the city center.

The institution assures that there are 2 officers to deal with the situation reported by the merchants.

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BA

February 07, 2022, 02:04 PM

LH

Leonard Herrera
February 07, 2022, 02:04 PM

Colonel Jhon Sepúlveda, Deputy Commander Metropolitan Police of Barranquillaasked the merchants who are thinking of closing their businesses as a result of the extortions of which they have been victims, not to do so, assuring that there is a whole plan and accompaniment to guarantee their safety.

(Read here the complaint of the merchants of Barranquilla for the extortions)

The officer went out to respond to the warning made by unionized merchants in Undecowho denounced that as a result of the extortions of which they are victims, they are willing to close their businesses as of February 24.

(Also: ‘Aida Merlano will be denounced for false testimony’: Álex Char’s lawyer)

Colonel Sepúlveda assured that two officers were assigned to follow up on extortion cases and that they have permanent communication with the merchants.

We have a firm commitment to trade

“We have a firm commitment to trade,” said the officer, to report that there are already four men behind bars who demanded pressure on merchants through extortion, attacks and harassment“crimes are being charged to them, possibly from prisons.”

(Be sure to read: Erosion threatens drinking water service in Salamina, Magdalena)

Colonel Sepúlveda reiterated the call to merchants not to close their premises, “police will be there to continue supporting them”, he pointed out, thanking them for the timely information they are providing.

BARRANQUILLA

BA

February 07, 2022, 02:04 PM

LH

Leonard Herrera
February 07, 2022, 02:04 PM

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