Police Officers from Presidential Protection Group Transferred to High Conflict Zones

Dozens of police officers previously assigned to the presidential protection group during the Petro Government have been transferred to various departments and cities across Colombia. According to administrative order 26-233 issued on August 21, 2026, these officers from the Directorate of Protection and Special Services (Dipro) are being redistributed to regions including Norte de Santander, Cauca, Nariño, Antioquia, Valle del Cauca, Meta, Caquetá, Chocó, Arauca, La Guajira, Urabá, and Vichada. Many of these destinations are characterized by public order problems and the presence of illegal armed groups. In Norte de Santander, for example, the region faces complex security issues due to its border with Venezuela and the presence of narcotics networks. Other destinations include areas where the Clan del Golfo, the ELN, and FARC dissidents led by figures such as Ivan Mordisco and Calarcá operate. The administrative document does not state that these transfers were a direct order from President Abelardo de la Espriella or a political decision, nor does it specify a particular operation they are meant to reinforce. The institution authorized installation bonuses for many of the officers moving to these new work sites. Separately, reports indicate a focus on the challenges facing new police commanders in Cali and Valle del Cauca as part of the new national government strategy.