Authorities in the Cesar department announced a reward of up to 15 million Colombian pesos for information that leads to the identification and capture of extortionists who have forced many merchants in Bosconia to close their businesses. The announcement was made by departmental officials and Colonel Raúl Pérez, commander of the Cesar Police Department, during a meeting with local merchants, community leaders and municipal authorities.
The protest on July 29 saw dozens of shop owners shut down their stores for several hours, prompting the regional government, represented by Secretary of Government Eduardo Esquivel, to intervene. After talks, the merchants reopened before noon and officials pledged to increase police patrols, strengthen the presence of the Gaula units of the National Police and the Army, and hold a security table this week to develop new anti‑extortion strategies.
Entities: Bosconia · Cesar Department · Colonel Raúl Pérez · Eduardo Esquivel · Milton Cotamo