Digno José Palomino Rodríguez and Aldair Enrique Montenegro Mejía, alias 'Gomelo', sent a letter dated September 1, 2026, to President Abelardo De la Espriella from their prison cells. ^[1] The two men, identified as key figures in the criminal organization Los Pepes, stated in the letter that they wish to submit to justice and abandon violence. ^[2] The letter formally ratifies the leaders' intention to unilaterally cease all criminal activities, including extortion, homicide, threats, and any collaboration related to the Los Pepes structure. ^[3] Digno José Palomino Rodríguez and Aldair Enrique Montenegro Mejía, known as Gomelo, signed a letter formally expressing their intention to submit to justice in Barranquilla. ^[4] The government's proposed measure involves adapting ships into high-security maritime detention centers known as Remas (Reclusión Especial Marítima de Alta Seguridad) to cut communications and prevent leaders from controlling criminal structures. ^[5] The letter outlines seven points regarding their submission, including a commitment to victims, contributing to the truth, and prioritizing restorative justice mechanisms. ^[6] Palomino and Montenegro stated that their commitment aims to serve as a starting point for de-escalating violence and protecting the civilian population in Barranquilla and the Atlántico department. ^[7] The letter explicitly requests that President Abelardo De La Espriella and competent authorities study legal mechanisms to materialize their surrender within the constitutional and legal framework. ^[8] Luis Fernando Trejos Rosero noted that there are currently no legal frameworks allowing for the collective submission of a criminal organization under the conditions proposed in the letter. ^[9] Political analyst Janiel Melamed stated that the announcement reflects a deliberate shift in the state's security policy from negotiation to ultimatums and ordinary penal legislation. ^[10] The letter states that Los Pepes are willing to contribute to the historical truth about the criminal phenomenon in Barranquilla and advance toward a process of resocialization. ^[11]