Bishop of Cúcuta condemns murder of mayoral candidate Miguel Castellanos
The politician and former government secretary was shot in front of his 12-year-old son. The governorship is offering a reward of 50 million pesos.
Man shot and killed during mayoral candidacy campaign in Cúcuta in front of minor son
The Bishop of Cúcuta, Monsignor José Libardo Garcés, rejected the murder of Miguel Castellanos Serrano, a political leader and mayoral candidate for the local election, which occurred on Monday 26 October, according to a report by ewtnnews.com.
Castellanos Serrano, also the former government secretary of Cúcuta, was travelling in his vehicle with his twelve-year-old son when a motorcycle struck him from behind. Upon getting out to speak with the motorcyclist, he was shot dead. The minor remained unharmed.
Authorities reported that they are investigating the motives behind the crime and why Castellanos was travelling without security detail, despite having received prior threats.
In an official statement, Monsignor Garcés lamented the crime and prayed "for the eternal rest of the politician" and that God would "console his family". He also called upon those who have resorted to violence to recognise that "death and the extermination of the other are not, nor will ever be, the path to building society or resolving differences".
The bishop stressed that "life is a sacred and inviolable gift" and warned that "Cúcuta and Norte de Santander cannot be indifferent to the repetitive acts of violence, nor to the deafening silence, nor to the unease generated by crime". He encouraged the faithful to unite in prayer for peace in the region and to work "for a Cúcuta where every life is respected".
The governorship of Norte de Santander announced a reward of up to 50 million pesos—approximately 16,000 dollars—for anyone who provides information that helps clarify the murder.
Source: Google News CO — Crime