COThe article reports on a failed secret plan by President Gustavo Petro’s government to use military MI-17 helicopters for transporting community councils (juntas de acción comunal) during a national assembly event in February 2023. The proposal was opposed by officials within the Ministry of Defense, who argued that such use violated regulations governing the exclusive use of military assets. The Ministry of Defense’s legal team blocked the request, citing compliance with rules regarding military equipment. The incident highlights tensions between the administration and defense officials over the use of military resources for social mobilization efforts. Documents show that the request was part of broader coordination between the Interior Ministry and the Defense Ministry for the event.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a disagreement between the Petro administration and defense officials over the use of military helicopters for non-military purposes. It does not overtly favor either side but reports on the conflict and the legal reasoning behind the rejection of the plan.
