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Colombia Identifies ELN Priest's Remains After 60 Years

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 16, 2026, the Colombian Search Unit for Disappeared People (UBPD) identified Camilo Torres's remains, a Catholic priest and ELN member killed in the 1960s.
The identification used public records and DNA testing.
Handover occurred on the 60th anniversary of his death, to activist priest Javier Giraldo.
Torres will be buried at Bogota's National University.
The Catholic Church rejected his ELN ties, but now accepts his justice legacy.

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Story summary

On February 16, 2026, the Colombian Search Unit for Disappeared People (UBPD) identified Camilo Torres's remains, a Catholic priest and ELN member killed in the 1960s.
The identification used public records and DNA testing.
Handover occurred on the 60th anniversary of his death, to activist priest Javier Giraldo.
Torres will be buried at Bogota's National University.
The Catholic Church rejected his ELN ties, but now accepts his justice legacy.