Government reports alleged irregularities in temporary location zone in Putumayo: warns of lack of legalization of 13 billion pesos

NewsCarlos Andrés Ríos, director of Dapre, denounced alleged financial and operational irregularities at the Temporary Location Zone in Valle del Guamuez, Putumayo. Photo: Presidency of the Republic.The Dapre director noted that the contract provided for the care of 200 people, but only 99 entered and currently around 50 would remain.15.11.2026 01:20 Updated: 15.11.2026 01:20 The national government denounced alleged irregularities in the operation of the Temporary Location Zone (ZUT) of Valle del Guamuez, in Putumayo, after alerts emerged about the handling of public funds allocated to its operation and situations that would be occurring inside the facilities. The director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency of the Republic (Dapre), Carlos Andrés Ríos, stated that more than 13 billion pesos have been disbursed for the operation of this space, without, according to the official's assessment, a single expense having been legalized before the corresponding authorities. The government questioned the funds allocated to the operation of the ZUT. Photo: Presidency of the Republic. To the financial concerns are added reports of alcohol consumption, possible hallucinogenic substances, fights, and the entry of children and adolescents into the zone. The facts were presented by the official, who requested a detailed review of the resources and the conditions under which the place operates. READ ALSO What are the alleged irregularities at the ZUT of Valle del Guamuez?As Ríos explained, the alerts were recorded in a report presented on October 15 by the operator in charge of the zone. The document states that the irregular situations would have occurred between the 10th and 14th of that same month, so the adoption of immediate measures was requested. The director of Dapre also questioned the funds allocated to the operation of the facility. According to his statement, in addition to the more than 13 billion pesos disbursed through the Fund for Special Peace Programs, a contractual addition of 1,127 million pesos was signed on July 30, 2026, eight days before the change of government. Ríos indicated that the Comptroller's Office is aware of the situation and requested that a detailed review of the executed funds be carried out to determine whether there were irregularities in their use. Another of the issues pointed out has to do with the number of people the contract was supposed to serve. According to the official, it was justified for a population of 200 people, but only 99 entered and currently around 50 would remain. The ZUT of Valle del Guamuez received more than 13 billion pesos for its operation. Photo: istockThe figures presented also show that in September nearly 460 million pesos were spent, which would represent an expense of more than 8 million pesos per person during that month. "More than half of the slots being paid for are, unfortunately, empty," said Ríos. Faced with these conditions, the official questioned the results obtained with the public funds allocated to the zone and stated: "A temporary location zone, like the one in Valle del Guamuez, is a transit point toward legality, not a recreational farm paid for by the State." READ ALSO Government questions presence of minors and announces it will not add contractsAnother point that generated concern in the government was the presence of children and adolescents in the facilities. Ríos warned that their stay in a space where situations of alcohol consumption and possible hallucinogenic substances have been reported is cause for alarm. Valle del Guamuez, in Putumayo. Photo: Valle del Guamuez Mayor's Office. The director of Dapre even raised the possibility that the minors are being instrumentalized to favor the continuity of the zone's operation. Amid his criticisms, the official insisted that the purpose of these spaces should be to facilitate the transition to legality and not to become State-funded facilities without verifiable results. Nathalia Díaz GuzmánNEWS DESK LATEST NEWS READ ALSO Follow all the news from Colombia on Facebook and Twitter, or in our weekly newsletter. EL TIEMPO NEWSLETTERSSign up for our newsletters and receive news in your email according to your interests. Stay informed about what really matters to you. EL TIEMPO GOOGLE NEWSFollow us on GOOGLE NEWS. Always stay up to date with the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on Google News. EL TIEMPO WHATSAPPJoin the El Tiempo channel on WhatsApp to stay up to date with the most relevant news as it happens. EL TIEMPO APPStay informed with the EL TIEMPO app. Receive the latest news, coverage, stories, and analysis directly on your device. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DIGITAL EDITIONReliable information for you. Subscribe to EL TIEMPO and access our journalistic content without limits.