The Self-Defense Groups of the Sierra Nevada (ACSN) denied on September 3, 2026, that Naín Pérez Toncel, known by the alias Bendito Menor, had been killed by members of this organization. This statement came after information was circulated claiming that his death was the result of an internal decision.
In a statement, the General Staff of the ACSN labeled as false the information that stated the marked leader had been killed by order of members of his own group. The organization emphasized that “the version that circulated regarding this matter is absolutely false and lacks factual support.”
The ACSN also clarified that the alleged death of Pérez Toncel is not related to decisions from its command. “This General Staff has not ordered or executed the death of Mr. Naín Pérez Toncel, known as ‘Bendito Menor’,” the document states.
The controversy arose while intelligence agencies of the Military Forces and the National Police were in the process of verifying information about the whereabouts of Pérez Toncel, who according to some reports had not been located for three days in the interceptions conducted in the areas where he operates. Human sources also indicate there may have been a potential assassination linked to an alleged disobedience to orders from the organization.
Among those mentioned in the reports are alias Patiliso and alias Pinocho, who supposedly gave the order amid internal disputes. In their statement, the ACSN reiterated their willingness to cooperate with authorities and requested that the media verify the information before spreading versions that may generate misinformation or disturb the tranquility of the communities.
Alias Bendito Menor is considered by authorities as one of the main leaders of the Self-Defense Groups of the Sierra Nevada, formerly known as Los Pachencas. His influence extends across areas of La Guajira, Magdalena, and sectors of Cesar, where he is attributed with crimes such as extortion, cocaine trafficking, homicides, and illegal control of communities.
Pérez Toncel’s notoriety has also been reflected in his use of social media, where he maintained frequent exposure on Facebook, sharing videos of his tours and intimidating messages. Authorities intensified their search in 2026, establishing a reward of up to $1.000 million for information that leads to his location.
Despite this pursuit, Pérez Toncel reportedly tried to establish contacts with the Government, sending letters requesting that his organization be included in socio-legal dialogues. However, the authorities’ actions to capture him continued.
The Government of Abelardo de la Espriella has marked the capture of Bendito Menor as one of its priorities, with the president urging the Minister of Defense to prepare the necessary actions for his capture or elimination.
Source: www.infobae.com
