It was 'a modest cabin': The explanation of Petro's head of security for the controversial visit to Manta, Ecuador
General (r) Humberto Guatibonza, head of security for President Gustavo Petro, denied that the Colombian president had met in Manta (Ecuador) with envoys of José Adolfo Macías Villamar, alias “Fito”, and described the accusations made by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa as an “immense slander”.
TL;DR
- General (r) Humberto Guatibonza, head of security for Colombian President Gustavo Petro, denied allegations of a meeting between Petro and envoys of alias 'Fito' in Manta, Ecuador.
- Guatibonza described the accusations by Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa as an 'immense slander' and a disinformation campaign.
- He stated that Petro's security during the visit was strictly coordinated between Colombian and Ecuadorian teams, with no unauthorized entries.
- Petro's visit to Manta from May 24-26, 2025, following Noboa's inauguration, was for personal activities, including working on a book.
- Guatibonza confirmed that only Petro's security detail and one trusted individual assisting with his book entered the modest cabin where he stayed.
- Ecuadorian security personnel heavily guarded all movements and access points to the cabin.
- Petro has supported his security chief's statement and announced legal action against President Noboa for alleged slander.
- Media reports in Ecuador had suggested unusual secrecy surrounding Petro's trip and the possibility of unverified visitors and private meetings.