FARC leaders in poor health: Santos

Intercepted FARC emails have revealed that various leaders are in poor health, suffering from conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and spinal problems, said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Saturday.

According to new emails pulled from FARC computers, the guerrilla group is worried about the poor state of health of several of its leaders including ‘”Alberto Espuelas” who is suffering from chronic Parkinson’s Disease. Furthermore “Pablo Catatumbo” has various fractures as a result of an accident sustained while walking through the jungle, and Henry Castellanos Garzon alias “Romaño” has serious spinal problems which makes it difficult for him to walk.

El Espectador reported that the emails indicate that several other FARC leaders are also in poor health. Both “Bertulfo Alvarez” and Marcelino Trujillo Bustos alias “Martin Villa,” have heart problems, although Bustos was reported to have died of a heart attack in 2009.

In addition “Victor Tirado” has an umbilical hernia, “Fernando Marquetalia” suffers from arthritis, and “Jesus Santrich” has neurological problems and severe visual impairment. Alias “Hermes” who was reportedly killed last month has prostate and circulatory problems and Genner Garcia Molina alias “John 40” is recovering from injuries sustained in a recent bombing. President Santos did not reveal when the emails were dated.

The head of state called on members of the FARC to demobilize saying that demobilization offers the opportunity of leading a normal, productive life.

Santos added “We must continue to pursue and pressure them. But this is a demonstration of how they are coming to an end.”

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