Threats against La Merced Clinic Staff Escalate Amid Gang Violence in Barranquilla
Barranquilla’s La Merced Clinic has become the center of a chilling controversy following threats against its medical personnel. The threats, allegedly issued by criminal groups, have sparked widespread concern and prompted heightened security measures.
The situation unfolded after Dionisio Enrique Frías castillo,alias ‘Gordo 40’,and his brother Dani William Frías Castillo,both alleged members of the criminal group ‘los Pepes’,were attacked last Saturday in the city center. The brothers, aged 41 and 34 respectively, were shot on Carrera 38 and Calle 41 before being rushed to La Merced Clinic for medical attention.
In the aftermath, threatening pamphlets surfaced on social media, purportedly signed by Jorge Eliécer Díaz Collazos, alias ‘Castor’, the alleged leader of ‘Los Costeños’. One of the messages declared, “Every nurse, doctor in general, is considered a military objective of our association.” A second pamphlet, attributed to ‘Rastrojos-Costeños’, escalated the threats, stating, “In the next 24 hours, a reward will be given for the head of each doctor and nurse at the La Merced Clinic, since they did not comply with the first call.”
The clinic responded swiftly, issuing a statement confirming the threats and assuring the public that the situation had been reported to authorities.“Given recent threats to this health entity that have generated concern, we inform that the situation has been reported and remains in the hands of the competent authorities, who have already taken the necessary measures to guarantee security,” the statement read.
The Metropolitan Police of Barranquilla have since stepped in, deploying mixed Police and Army patrols to ensure the safety of the clinic and its staff. In a press release, the Police stated, “Since Saturday, permanent surveillance has been maintained with mixed Police and Army patrols at the healthcare center where the two injured people linked to the ‘Los Pepes’ criminal structure are located.”
Though, the Police also cast doubt on the authenticity of the pamphlets, noting, “Thanks to the analysis of the pamphlets, it is indeed established that there is no certainty of their veracity taking into account several aspects that are usually observed in intimidating messages attributable to criminal structures.” They urged the public to refrain from sharing the threats to avoid widespread panic.The incident highlights the escalating tensions between rival criminal groups in Barranquilla, particularly ‘Los Pepes’ and ‘Los Costeños’. Authorities have attributed the attack on the Frías Castillo brothers to these ongoing disputes.
Despite the threats, La Merced Clinic continues to operate normally, with the Police maintaining constant dialog with its management. “We maintain constant communication with the management of the care center,who state that they are operating normally,” the Police confirmed.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| incident | Attack on Dionisio and Dani William Frías Castillo in Barranquilla |
| Location | Carrera 38 and Calle 41, Barranquilla |
| Healthcare Center | La Merced Clinic |
| Threats Issued By | Allegedly ‘Los Costeños’ and ‘Rastrojos-Costeños’ |
| Security Measures | Mixed Police and Army patrols deployed |
| Clinic’s Response | Situation reported to authorities, operations continue as normal |
The threats against La Merced Clinic underscore the dangerous intersection of healthcare and criminal violence in Barranquilla. As authorities work to ensure the safety of medical personnel, the community remains on edge, hoping for a swift resolution to this alarming situation.
For more details on the ongoing investigation, visit the official statement issued by la Merced Clinic.Stay informed and vigilant as this story develops. Share your thoughts on how communities can better protect healthcare workers in the face of such threats.
Headline:
navigating Turmoil: A Conversation wiht Security Expert Carlosteilen Defenseuber on Threats against La merced Clinic Staff
Introduction:
With security threats targeting healthcare workers at Barranquilla’s La Merced Clinic escalating, we sit down with Carlos Defenseuber, a renowned security specialist and professor at the Universidad del Norte. He shares his insights on the rivalry between criminal groups in Barranquilla and how healthcare facilities can enhance their security measures.
Understanding the Gang Rivalry in Barranquilla
Host (Senior Editor, World-Today-News): Carlos, thank you for joining us today. To start, could you help our readers understand the dynamics between ‘Los Pepes’ and ’Los Costeños’ in Barranquilla?
Carlos Defenseuber: Thank you for having me. The rivalry between ‘Los Pepes’ and ‘Los Costeños’ is deeply rooted in territorial control and drug trafficking disputes. ‘Los Pepes’ are relatively new but have gained influence by aligning with influential families in the eldilla criminal structure. Meanwhile, ‘Los Costeños’ have a longer history and maintain significant power.The attack on the Frías Castillo brothers and the subsequent threats against La Merced Clinic are demonstrative of this ongoing power struggle.
Threats against Healthcare Professionals: A New Trend?
Host: We’ve seen threats against doctors and nurses in the past, but these recent threats are particularly chilling. Is this a growing trend?
Carlos: Regrettably, yes.Healthcare workers are increasingly caught in the crossfire of gang violence. This trend is worrisome because it not only endangers medical professionals but also the essential right to healthcare. criminals issuing these threats are aware that targeting clinics can instill fear and disruption in the community.
security Response and vulnerability of Healthcare Facilities
Host: What steps should healthcare facilities like La Merced Clinic take to enhance their security in response to these threats?
Carlos: Healthcare facilities need to adopt a multi-layered security approach. This includes:
- Strengthening Physical Security: Clinics should invest in robust physical barriers, access controls, and CCTV systems.
- Training Staff: Medical personnel should receive training on active shooter scenarios, reporting suspicious activities, and maintaining calm in crisis situations.
- Emergency Response Planning: Establish clear protocols for responding toreats and emergencies.
- Coordination with Authorities: Collaborate closely with local law enforcement and security agencies to share details and swift response times.
Host: How can the public help in ensuring the safety of healthcare workers?
Carlos: The public plays a crucial role. They can help by:
- being Vigilant: Report any suspicious activities or individuals around healthcare facilities to authorities.
- refraining from Sharing Threats: Avoid sharing threatening messages on social media, as this can escalate panic and attract unwanted attention.
- Advocating for Stronger Laws: Encourage lawmakers to implement stricter penalties against threats and attacks on healthcare workers.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Action
Host: Carlos, what final message woudl you like to share with our readers?
Carlos: We must collectively call for an end to these threats. Our healthcare workers are heroes, and they deserve our protection. They should not have to live in fear while providing lifesaving care to our communities.It’s high time we demand stronger action from authorities and stand in solidarity with our medical professionals.
Special Thanks:
A big thank you to Carlos Defenseuber for his invaluable insights and expertise on this crucial issue. We urge our readers to stay informed and engaged as we continue to monitor developments in Barranquilla and the escalating threats against healthcare workers.
