Oficializan salida del general Erick Rodríguez tras polémica por denuncias de disidencias en el Meta

The Ministry of Defense announced the retirement of Major General Erick Rodríguez, current Deputy Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces, amidst the controversy generated by his statements regarding the control and intimidation allegedly being exerted by criminal groups in regions of Meta in the lead-up to the presidential elections. The decision comes after statements made by the high-ranking officer on May 17, when he warned that armed groups under the command of aliases ‘Iván Mordisco’ and ‘Calarcá’ were pressuring peasant communities in strategic areas of the department, amidst the territorial dispute between the two groups and in the lead-up to the elections. During his remarks, General Rodríguez asserted that the dissident groups were not only focused on controlling strategic corridors and illicit economies, but also on exerting dominance over the civilian population through intimidation and territorial control mechanisms. After being notified of his retirement from active duty, the officer sent a message to the generals and admirals of the Armed Forces, expressing his gratitude for his more than 35 years of service in the institution. “I am grateful to the Almighty for having allowed me to serve the country from my beloved institution for more than 35 years and to have worn the uniform of the nation's heroes since the age of sixteen,” General Rodríguez wrote. In his message, he also emphasized the pride he feels for his military career and affirmed that he would choose the same path again. “Without a doubt, if I had the opportunity to go back 39 years, I would again choose to walk the path of the soldiers of Colombia,” he stated. The high-ranking officer also indicated that he accepts his retirement “with acceptance, gratitude, and humility,” and regretted not having had more time to continue working “to make our nation more prosperous, secure, and stable.” Finally, he thanked the Commander of the Armed Forces, General Hugo López, as well as the military command, for the support he received throughout his career. “I feel honored and deeply proud to have met you all and to share with you this noble task of defending Colombians,” the officer concluded in his farewell address. Now radio is not only heard, it's also seen! At Blu, we put a face to opinion, debate, humor, sports, and entertainment. We put a face to radio! Follow our live broadcast. Live news from Colombia and the world, subscribe [FREE] to our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/2CFF7Fo and find the latest news in Colombia, the world, and much more. BLU RADIO LIVE TODAY | #WePutAFaceToRadio Follow us on Google News: http://bit.ly/2lM3iLH Follow us on social media: Facebook:   / bluradiocolombia   Instagram: @BluRadio   / bluradio   Twitter: @BluRadioCo   / bluradioco   Today's latest news in Colombia: https://www.bluradio.com Our network of YouTube channels: Noticias Caracol Live: http://bit.ly/2Jhc3oO Subscribe Caracol Live: http://bit.ly/2CHpld2 Subscribe Gol Caracol: http://bit.ly/2yAIGcU Subscribe Shock: http://bit.ly/2CHNKzi Subscribe La Kalle Live: http://bit.ly/2JkgfEz Subscribe Caracol Play: http://bit.ly/2SkyjlM Subscribe El Espectador: http://bit.ly/2D4rkt7 Subscribe - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow our programming, Blu Radio live: Blu Mornings with Néstor Morales LIVE Blu Mornings with Camila Zuluaga LIVE Blu Meridiano LIVE Sports Blog LIVE Voz Populi LIVE bluradio.com.co LIVE Blu Radio: 89.9 FM in Bogotá.