Controversy Surrounds RTVC's Tribute to 'Tirofijo'
Colombia's public media system, RTVC, is currently facing intense criticism for allegedly glorifying Manuel Marulanda Vélez, alias 'Tirofijo,' the deceased leader of the FARC guerrilla group. According to Pulzo, the controversy stems from a segment aired on Señal Colombia's program ‘El Calentao’ which featured Sandra Ramírez, Marulanda's widow, and a retrospective on his life and death (Pulzo, 2025).
The Content That Sparked Outrage
The segment included images of 'Tirofijo' in a FARC camp in Caquetá, with Sandra Ramírez offering what some viewers perceived as a romanticized account of his life. She described a scene where Marulanda interacted tenderly with a small bird, seemingly attempting to portray him as a compassionate figure. «We were in a camp, by a river called Platanillo towards the mountain range, and it turns out that the comrades had caught a little chick, which they cared for like the apple of their eye, and he simply bends down to talk to it. We called the little bird Bolitas,» Ramírez stated, as reported by Pulzo (2025).
However, critics argue that this portrayal glosses over the atrocities committed by the FARC under Marulanda's leadership, including kidnappings, murders, and sexual violence.
Director's Comments Add Fuel to the Fire
Adding to the controversy, William Parra, director of RTVC Noticias, reportedly praised Marulanda during the broadcast. According to Pulzo (2025), Parra lauded the image of Marulanda interacting with the bird, stating, «Very nice image of Marulanda, they are going to accuse me of many things, very tender talking to a little bird. Who would have imagined that?» He even suggested donating memorabilia of Marulanda to Señal Memoria, framing it as part of Colombian history.
Reactions and Criticisms
The RTVC broadcast has triggered widespread condemnation from various sectors of Colombian society. Journalist Diana Saray Giraldo voiced her outrage on social media, contrasting the sentimental portrayal of Marulanda with the testimonies of victims of the FARC. «I hear this after I just heard the story of another victim, who tells how a minor knelt before Marulanda begging him not to force her to abort her baby, the result of which was already 8 months pregnant and still forced her to abort [sic]. Doesn't this exaltation of these murderers really outrage you?» Giraldo questioned in a tweet cited by Pulzo (2025).
Government's Stance on Media Plurality
This incident occurs against a backdrop of increasing tensions between the Colombian government and certain media outlets. According to Pulzo (2025), President Gustavo Petro has called for «informational plurality and responsibility» from state media. However, critics argue that RTVC's tribute to 'Tirofijo' contradicts this call, raising concerns about the impartiality and accuracy of public media content.
The Broader Context: Petro's Media Disputes
The controversy surrounding RTVC's program also coincides with President Petro's ongoing disputes with Caracol, RCN, and Canal Uno. These media outlets oppose the live broadcast of cabinet meetings, arguing that such broadcasts do not adhere to constitutional mandates for presidential addresses. This dispute has escalated to legal action, with the media outlets seeking to protect their prime-time programming content.
Implications for Public Media in Colombia
The RTVC's portrayal of 'Tirofijo' is currently raising serious questions about the role and responsibility of public media in a country grappling with a complex history of armed conflict. The incident highlights the challenges of achieving balanced and objective reporting, particularly when dealing with sensitive historical figures and events. It also underscores the importance of ensuring that public media platforms do not inadvertently glorify or legitimize violence and human rights abuses.
Looking Ahead
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is currently imperative that RTVC addresses the concerns raised by critics and reaffirms its commitment to journalistic integrity and ethical standards. The incident may prompt a broader review of public media policies and practices in Colombia, with the aim of promoting greater transparency, accountability, and impartiality in the dissemination of information.
