Mina Garcés ran for a peace seat (curul de paz) in Colombia's Chamber of Representatives and won the election with the support of the political structure of Nariño Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar and that of Tumaco Mayor Félix Henao. ^[1] Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar of Nariño stated on Caracol Radio that he is deeply concerned about recent remarks made by President Abelardo de la Espriella. ^[2] Arnulfo Mina Garcés, a 62-year-old diocesan priest, was born in Buenaventura, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, and has lived in Tumaco, Nariño, for 40 years, having arrived there as a seminarian. ^[3] Mina Garcés has served as a mediator of conflicts between armed groups to achieve agreements that reduce violence in areas like Tumaco, and has worked on mediation between illegal groups and state institutions, including in 2025 when he served as advisor to Nariño Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar. ^[4] Governor Luis Alfonso Escobar warned that the region cannot transition from total peace to total war. ^[5] President Abelardo de la Espriella issued statements against local leaders following a security council meeting held in Cúcuta. ^[6] Mina Garcés holds a philosophy degree, a licentiate in religious sciences, and a specialization in environmental pedagogy. ^[7] The controversy stems from the President's comments targeting local mandates during the security council session. ^[8]