Neiva's residents paid tribute this week to retired Colonel Renato Solano, the local prison's deputy director, who died after nine days in intensive care following an armed attack. The officer became the second victim of the assault that also claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy. The funeral ceremony brought together family, friends, and officials in an act of grief and recognition.
Retired Colonel Renato Solano, serving as deputy director of Neiva's prison, the capital of Huila, fought for his life for nine days in the Intensive Care Unit before passing away. This incident stemmed from a criminal attack that also took the life of Ismael Enrique, an 11-year-old boy and son of the prison director, Edgar Rodríguez. Both were traveling in a vehicle that sustained at least six bullet impacts.
This week, Neiva's community gathered to bid him farewell at the Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro parish in the Campo Núñez neighborhood. Family members, friends, citizens, and delegations from the National Police and Inpec filled the temple in a ceremony marked by sorrow and solidarity. The coffin, draped with the flag he defended in life, bore his decorations and an institutional photograph summarizing his career in public service.
Emotional moments defined the event, such as the family's tears during a collective embrace following the hitman-style attack. Penitentiary authorities described him as an exemplary officer. A guard of honor from the National Police accompanied the casket, highlighting his dedication to the institution. Solano's farewell underscores the dangers faced by officials in violence-plagued areas.
