Colombia's UNP Removes Protection from Ex‑Congressman Miguel Polo Amid Debate Over Security Schemes

The Unidad Nacional de Protección (UNP) ordered former Representative Miguel Polo to relinquish the personal security scheme assigned to him after he left Congress. Polo acknowledged the decision, stating he would comply, but warned that any harm to his life would be the responsibility of President Gustavo Petro and UNP director Augusto Rodríguez. His remarks revived controversy over how protection schemes are granted and withdrawn in Colombia.

An opinion piece by a Bogotá writer highlighted the case of current Representative Daniel Briceño, who has declined a UNP protection scheme despite having faced threats. The author argues that security details have become status symbols for high‑ranking politicians, while vulnerable social leaders receive only minimal equipment. The UNP’s budget has risen sharply, yet it faces a sizable deficit, underscoring concerns about the allocation of public funds for personal protection.