The Colombian government launched a Christmas campaign Monday to convince members of illegal armed groups to surrender.
According to Defense Minister Juan Varlos Pinzon, the “During Christmas Everything is Possible” campaign consists of a media offensive that aims to convince fighters of illegal groups like the FARC to “reflect and integrate into society.”
“The boys and their families should reflect. Christmas is the perfect time for this. Christmas is when one should be with one’s family,” the minister said in the northern town of Tibu, where the campaign was officially launched.
“The families of these boys must be terrified. These mothers, these cousins, these brothers must think: ‘Man, why is it they are killing our boy out there’,” said Pinzon.
The minister assured members of illegal armed groups that “they can come here, without fear. The security forces will protect them.”
So far this year, 1,411 members of illegal armed groups have demobilized, according to the defense minister.
The Colombian government launches a holiday season offensive every December to push the demobilization of guerrillas and neo-paramilitariy fighters.
