The National Army captures alias Popeye or Jhon Jairo, the alleged second-in-command of the Joaquín González unit GAO-r in Rovira

In recent hours, during decisive operations carried out by the Motorized Platoon of the 18th Colonel Jaime Rooke Infantry Battalion, part of the Sixth Brigade, the individual known as “Popeye” or Jhon Jairo, the alleged second-in-command, logistics coordinator, and financial manager of the GAO-r Joaquín González unit, was captured.

According to investigations, “Popeye” was responsible for directing operations and coordinating finances with “Cancharino,” the commission’s main leader in 2025. In addition, he recruited new members, maintained contact with members of the group’s structure, and traveled between Tolima and Valle del Cauca.

He is accused of extortion, logistical support, criminal intelligence, organizing meetings with presidents of community action boards to impose rules and appoint spokespersons, as well as coercing merchants and farmers into paying extortion fees. He also used the homes of RAER members and former militiamen as camp sites.

During the arrest, authorities seized a revolver, 2 grenades, cartridges of various calibers, a bulletproof vest, a magazine for a mini-Uzi, a pistol magazine, and extortion leaflets referring to the Joaquín González unit.

The suspect was handed over to the competent authority on charges of manufacturing, trafficking, and possession of firearms or ammunition.

This operational success by the Sixth Brigade significantly impacts the Joaquín González unit GAO-r’s ability to hide, as well as its logistical and financial sustainability. The group’s structure is weakened by the neutralization of its RAERs, its freedom of movement is reduced, and its sources of illicit funding from extortion and illegal mining are disrupted. In this way, territorial control and the civilian population’s sense of security are restored.

The Sixth Brigade encourages residents to report any suspicious activity via the toll-free 107 Anti-Terrorism hotline, as part of Plan Democracy.