politics
May 8, 2026
Mindefensa on journalist Mateo Pérez: 'We have no confirmation he is dead, we are looking for him'
Minister of Defense Pedro Sánchez confirmed that authorities are actively searching for journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda, who disappeared in Briceño, Antioquia. The official assured that, to date, there is no official confirmation regarding the reports suggesting his death.
TL;DR
- Journalist Mateo Pérez Rueda disappeared on May 5th in Briceño, Antioquia, while investigating violence and mass displacement.
- Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez confirmed ongoing search efforts and stated there is no official confirmation of his death.
- Military and police intelligence are utilizing all capabilities to locate the journalist.
- Pérez Rueda was last seen in the rural area of Palmichal and had visited local authorities for information.
- Disidencia del Frente 36 and a leader known as 'alias Chala' are suspected in the case.
- A reward of 300 million pesos is offered for information on his whereabouts.
- Security conditions have prevented the dispatch of a humanitarian commission to the last known location.
- The Defensoria del Pueblo had previously issued an early warning for Briceño due to deteriorating public order.
- The journalist's father has made an urgent appeal to authorities to intensify the search.