President visits family of slain Cali police officer, vows justice

President Abelardo De La Espriella traveled to Cali to visit the mother and other relatives of police officer María José Recuero Suárez. He embraced the mother and spoke with family members during their mourning for the young officer.

Recuero Suárez died on Saturday, October 24, 2026, after being seriously wounded during a police operation in Cali. She had remained in intensive care under a reserved prognosis due to the severity of her injuries.

“Her death will not go unpunished! We will not rest until those responsible answer to justice.”

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, October 23, in Cali’s Industrial neighborhood. Armed men allegedly tried to steal a motorcycle and other belongings from an off-duty police officer assigned to the Valle Police Department.

Other officers intervened, triggering an exchange of gunfire in which Recuero Suárez was injured. She died the following day.

The president expressed his condolences and said no mother should endure such pain. He pledged that the family would not be left alone and would receive all assistance within his reach.

National Police Director Major General Jesús Alejandro Barrera Peña also lamented the death and reiterated the institution’s commitment to the family and to clarifying the crime. He said those responsible for the homicide must answer before the law.

The president stated that Recuero Suárez’s death will not go unpunished and that authorities will not rest until the perpetrators respond to justice.