============================================
About 200 paramilitary fighters stormed
the town Monday, separated the inhabitants
into groups of women and men, then killed
21 people - most with a gunshot to the head.
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ASSOCIATED PRESS

Wednesday, 6 May 1998


Ombudsman says authorities were warned before Colombian massacre 
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By VIVIAN SEQUERA


PUERTO ALVIRA, Colombia -- Residents of a Colombian town where 21 
people were killed had begged the government for protection but authorities 
did nothing to help them, the national ombudsman charged Wednesday. 

Ombudsman Jose Fernando Castro released a copy of a letter dated January 
8 and signed by dozens of residents of Puerto Alvira, imploring the 
government to protect them against marauders. 

"These threats are becoming stronger and more frequent," it said. "We beg 
the government...to keep the warring groups out of town, whether they be 
called rebels, paramilitary fighters or soldiers." 

About 200 paramilitary fighters stormed the town Monday, separated the 
inhabitants into groups of women and men, then killed 21 people - most 
with a gunshot to the head.

The raiders also sacked businesses, burned down homes and blew up the lone 
landing strip in the town, 185 miles southwest of Bogota. 

Castro said he also had warned authorities repeatedly of threats from 
militant groups. But Defense Minister Gilberto Echeverri said there weren't 
enough soldiers and police to safeguard the entire country. 

The massacre was the third mass killing in less than a week. 

Gunmen on Monday killed a mother and father and their nine children - 
ranging in age from two to 14 years old - at the family's home in Bolivar, 
25 miles northeast of Bogota. It was not clear who was responsible. 

On April 28, suspected paramilitaries also killed 21 people in Urrao, 180 
miles north of Bogota.

Leftist rebels and paramilitaries often target civilians they believe are 
sympathetic to the other side.

Copyright 1998 The Associated Press