Colombia’s capital city has a new commander in charge of the Metropolitan Police, national media announced Saturday.
General Rodolfo Palomino appointed Humberto Guatibonza to take charge of Bogota’s security forces, the El Tiempo newspaper reported.
“Guatibonza has had an unblemished police career and will work for the safety of the capital,” said Commander General Palomino.
Guatibonza, a decorated officer within the city police, previously served as director of the Metropolitan Police’s Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Extortion Group (GAULA).
Under his leadership, GAULA rescued a reported 2,562 civilians who fell victims of kidnapping and extortion and Guatibonza himself was recognized 67 times.
Guatibonza, in turn, appointed Fabio Lopez, who worked directly under him, to be the new GAULA director.
Criminality in Colombia’s capital has increased in the past three years and Guatibonza will be faced with a number of systemic issues from the start of his service, according to El Tiempo. Guatibonza’s predecessor, General Edgar Sanchez, had only held his position since September.