The commander of rebel group FARC’s 20th Front has turned himself in to the Colombian armed forces, after 20 years fighting as a left-wing guerrilla.
Pablo Antonio Ramírez Patiño, alias “Fabian”, demobilized in Sabana de Torres of the Santander department after communicating his intention to officials, the army reported on Friday.
“This leader is one of the hundreds of members of the FARC that made the decision to demobilize, which reflects what is happening as a result of the pressure… of the military forces and police,” said Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon.
Fabian had lived among the FARC ranks from the age of 15, but had seemingly grown disillusioned with the rebel group.
“They made my girlfriend have an abortion, that made me consider demobilizing,” Fabian said, as way of explanation.
Fabian also surrendered rifles, machine guns, mortars and “large amounts of weapons and camping materials,” the Minister said.
The guerrilla was wanted by authorities on charges of murder, kidnapping and terrorism.
According to General Sergio Mantilla, commander of the army, 1,458 guerrillas have demobilized since the death of FARC leader alias “Alfonso Cano” in November 2011.
MORE: Colombian army kills FARC leader ‘Alfonso Cano’