Bogotá, Colombia, Oct 21, 2003 / 22:00 pm
A group of 38 guerilla fighters surrounded by the Colombian Military in Cupica Bay requested mediation from a representative of the Catholic Church in order to negotiate their surrender to authorities.
Father Dalmero Metaute received a message from the Colombian Military Forces to come to Cupica Bay at the request of the guerillas "in order to avoid a massacre."
Despite concern by parishioners for his well-being, Father Dalmero responded to the message and agreed to meet with the guerillas. "They were specific. They wanted to surrender but they wanted guarantees and so they asked the Church to mediate," he said.
After the meeting, Father Dalmero spoke with Colonel Héctor Aguas, commander of the 6th Infantry of Bahía Cupica, informing him of the guerrilla's intentions. Colonel Aguas agreed to their conditions for surrender.