New Interpol Director Appointed After Scandal Involving Officers Accused of Extorting $200,000

 The Prosecutor's Office reported that a preliminary investigation has been opened against the accused for alleged crimes of extortion, bribery, and misuse of influence. 

Colonel Marco Alexeis Murguía Ramos assumed the position of the new director of the Interpol unit in Santa Cruz on Wednesday, replacing Colonel Willy Zeballos, following the disclosure of the accusation against officers accused of extorting $200,000.

Eight police officers were implicated in this crime against a Brazilian citizen. The victim filed a complaint, and the accused appeared yesterday to give their statement to the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office in the Specialized Department for the Fight Against Corruption (DELCC).

As a result, the Departmental Police Command ordered that the accused, including colonels holding high positions, be removed from their duties and undergo disciplinary proceedings.

"On superior instructions, we are assuming this departmental leadership with the aim of continuing public service, in light of the various procedures carried out for both national and foreign citizens," stated Murguía.

Regarding the complaint, the new head of Interpol expressed that it is under investigation by DELCC and the Internal Intelligence department, who will determine the circumstances.

The Case

On Sunday, January 26, agents from the Special Force for the Fight Against Violence (Felcv) arrived at a condominium located on the 7th ring of Cristo Redentor Avenue to address a complaint of alleged domestic violence.

While on the premises, the officers observed that the accused was a Brazilian citizen identified as Henrique Lucas de Souza, who did not have his documentation. Therefore, they reported the incident to Interpol for further action.

Upon receiving this information, Interpol dispatched a group of officers to the location, and they attempted to extort $200,000 from the Brazilian.

Prosecutor's Investigation

The assigned prosecutor for the case, Mirtha Mejía, stated that a preliminary investigation has been opened for the alleged crimes of extortion, bribery, and misuse of influence, with the police officers identified as the alleged perpetrators.

"We have not yet individualized the accusations as two police units were involved," said the prosecutor.

Bolivian Police Warns that Dangerous Ecuadorian Fugitive 'Fito' Could Attempt to Enter Bolivian Territory

 Under the international fugitive hashtag, the Bolivian Police shared on their social media the photo of 𝗝osé 𝗔dolfo 𝗠acías 𝗩illamar, a 44-year-old man better known as 'Fito,' a fugitive from justice in Ecuador. He is said to be a former high-risk inmate who is accused of having caused turmoil in the country through recent prison riots and violent outbreaks.

"Having escaped from the Regional Prison of Guayaquil, Republic of Ecuador," states part of the police alert, adding that, according to external information, the fugitive might attempt to enter Bolivian territory.

The police post also urges people to contact them if they spot him or have information about his whereabouts. The contact numbers are: 110, 120, 71280618, or through their social media. They assure that absolute confidentiality will be maintained.

According to the latest intelligence reports from the neighboring country, the most wanted man in Ecuador is believed to be en route to Peru and subsequently intends to reach Bolivia, dismissing the possibility of him being in Colombia.

The military forces maintain a strong and permanent security scheme at four points along the Ecuadorian border, involving more than 450 men and women from the National Army and the Aerospace Force.

Troops are monitoring the International Bridge of Rumichaca, the main border crossing between Ecuador and Colombia. He continues to be sought by authorities as part of the Phoenix Plan, which is being implemented by the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, against criminal structures.

On another note, the departmental prosecutor of Santa Cruz, Róger Mariaca, clarified that "It will be the Bolivian Police or the Ministry of Government, through the corresponding units, who can provide information on this matter (Fito's attempt to enter national territory). Whenever the presence of the Public Ministry is needed for any operation, raid, or other actions, we will be there. If this version is confirmed, rest assured that as the Prosecutor's Office, we will act accordingly."

Another agreement signed with a Chinese consortium to exploit lithium, and Arce announces openness to more international companies

 Bolivian Lithium Deposits (YLB) signed a new agreement on Wednesday with the Chinese consortium CBC for the installation of a pilot plant in the Uyuni salt flat.

The pilot plant will use Direct Lithium Extraction technology, and initially, its capacity will be 2,500 tons per year, as stated by YLB's president, Karla Calderón.

She mentioned that the goal is to have a future plant with a capacity to produce 25,000 tons of lithium carbonate.

President Luis Arce acknowledged that the country was significantly behind in the lithium sector, which is why they are now hastening the industrialization process with "small but significant steps."

Bolivia has previously signed agreements with the same CBC from China, another Chinese company, and Russia's Uranium One for the development of the lithium industry.

However, the president announced that Bolivia is open to receiving more international companies. He mentioned that, even during official trips, there are expressions of interest to invest in cutting-edge technology for Bolivian lithium.

In this context, he informed that a new international call will be opened this January, emphasizing that Bolivia welcomes companies.

Arce clarified that international companies must accept Bolivia's requirements and its business model because the country intends to participate in the entire production chain, up to commercialization.

Letter Sent to the Andean Parliament Demands Replacement of Incorrect Images in Oruro Carnival Video

 The president of the Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore (CDEF) is demanding the removal of incorrect images used in the promotion of the Oruro Carnival by the Andean Parliament based in Peru. The publication in question utilized images of the "diablada" dance from the Peruvian region of Puno.

Andrés Rocha, president of the Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore (CDEF), announced that he will send a letter to the Minister of Cultures, Decolonization, and Depatriarchalization, Sabina Orellana, to file a complaint about a publication by the Andean Parliament based in Peru. The publication in question used images of the "diablada" dance from the Peruvian region of Puno to promote the Oruro Carnival.

Rocha emphasized that the CDEF's role is to protect and monitor videos produced by various local, national, and international institutions. On this occasion, a video was received, disseminated on December 28, 2023, using images unrelated to the Oruro Carnival.

Letter Demands Removal or Replacement of Incorrect Images

In response to this situation, the organizers under Law 602 decided to draft a letter addressed to the Andean Parliament, demanding the removal or replacement of incorrect images with authentic images of the Oruro Carnival, as it has been declared Intangible Heritage of the Andean Community.

Complaint to be Taken to Higher and International Authorities

On January 10, the letter was sent to the Minister of Cultures and Decolonization, Sabina Orellana. She will take this complaint to higher and international authorities since the Andean Parliament is headquartered in Lima, Peru.

Willingness to Provide Documentary Support

"Perhaps international institutions are not aware of this material, but we are prepared to provide documentary support if necessary. We are also willing to collaborate with the Ministry of Cultures to prevent such errors," he stated.

Bolivian Dances Recognized by UNESCO

Rocha also stated that Bolivian dances are recognized by UNESCO, which can be historically demonstrated. On the other hand, Peruvians claiming ownership of the carnival cannot support their claim; some even acknowledge that these dances originate from Bolivia.

Oruro Carnival as Intangible Heritage

The letter mentions that on May 18, 2001, the Oruro Carnival was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and on November 4, 2008, it was incorporated into the action plan for its safeguarding. Additionally, in 2012, the Andean Parliament recognized the Carnival as Intangible Heritage of the Andean community, with its 48 folkloric groups and 20 dance specialties.

CDEF's Commitment to Avoid Future Errors

The Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore expresses its willingness to collaborate to prevent such errors in the future and to promote necessary information. They also extend greetings to the authorities and are ready to work on upcoming cultural activities in support of Bolivian folklore

Everything Ready for the Grand Carnival of Oruro, and Here's the Official Schedule of Activities

 The music and festivities are already in the air. With just under a month to go before Carnival 2023 is celebrated, Oruro, which has established itself as one of the main showcases for this celebration in the country and abroad, is all set to welcome its residents, as well as national and international visitors.

The organizations responsible for the carnival festivities in this region have announced the official activities that will kick off on Saturday, February 3rd with the 22nd Edition of the Carnival Band Festival of Oruro.

Precisely on Friday night, the official launch of the festival took place with the presence of the Minister of Cultures, Decolonization, and Depatriarchalization, Sabina Orellana, and the Departmental Federation of Bands and Professional Musicians of Oruro (Fedbampo).

Following the official announcement, music erupted with the sound of cymbals, trumpets, trombones, and drums, and many present began to dance. A small prelude to what is coming.

In addition to this, the Association of Folklore Groups of Oruro (ACFO) announced earlier that on Saturday, February 10th, during the Carnival Pilgrimage Entry, which is one of the highlights of Carnival, they will unveil four masks placed along the route of the Magnificent Carnival of Oruro to embellish and set the tone for the procession.

Angel Arancibia, president of the ACFO, stated that two of these four folk dance masks would be acquired by the municipality and a company that would collaborate in their creation, while the organization he leads would take care of the other two.

Two of these masks will be placed on Cívica Sanjinés Vincenti Avenue, and the remaining two on 6 de Agosto Avenue.

He mentioned that after a meeting with the three organizations in charge of the Oruro Carnival—the ACFO, the Municipal Autonomous Government of Oruro (GAMO), and the Departmental Committee of Ethnography and Folklore (CDEF), along with other collaborating institutions—they agreed to ensure health and safety with effective control during the festivities.

"We are placing eight giant screens along the route, continuously broadcasting messages related to prevention, responsible drinking, cleanliness, and respecting the sacred pilgrimage space," he explained.

To achieve this, gates and other necessary elements will be placed along the route for the Pilgrimage Saturday Entry.

Arancibia reported that 40 surveillance cameras would be properly installed to control the passage of groups and attendees.

Below is the confirmed schedule of activities in Oruro:

February 3rd: 22nd Edition of the Carnival Band Festival of Oruro

February 4th: Last Convite

February 8th: 31st Edition of the Anata Andina

February 8th: Comadres

February 9th: Chall’a Friday

February 10th: Saturday Pilgrimage Entry of the Carnival of Oruro

February 11th: Carnival Corso Sunday

February 12th: Day of the Devil and the Moreno

February 13th: Challa Tuesday

February 14th: Ash Wednesday

February 18th: Children's Corso

Laundering: Opposition Suggests Investigating Evo for Tambaqui Breeding Amidst Cocaine Factories

 Alberto Astorga, a deputy for Comunidad Ciudadana, has suggested that, following revelations from the Ministry of Government, former president Evo Morales should be investigated for money laundering related to drug trafficking. This comes after the discovery of several tambaqui fish pools amidst seven cocaine production factories in some unions in Villa Tunari in the tropical region of Cochabamba.

In recent hours, Minister Eduardo del Castillo has characterized the January 11, 2023 raid on various unions, including Santivañez, Ismael Montes, 27 de junio, Central Independiente, and Central 14 de Septiembre in Villa Tunari, as historic. According to the authority, these unions had not been intervened by anti-drug police forces for two decades.

The police have released images obtained from a mobile phone, showing tambaqui fish breeding pools surrounded by coca plantations and cocaine factories. The piscicultural activity was initiated by Evo Morales in the Chapare as a supposed productive and alternative activity after his resignation from the presidency.

Del Castillo, through his social media, detailed that 25 mobile cocaine production factories were found and destroyed in the intervened unions, seizing 5,050 liters of liquid cocaine, equivalent to over 190.9 kilograms. In a more thorough search, they found an aluminum pot with 96.11 kilograms of cocaine base and a green container with over 14.87 kilograms of cocaine base.

Deputy Astorga asserted that these operations should be considered normal, as, in his opinion, "the Chapare is a drug trafficking factory." He praised Minister Del Castillo's action because after almost "three years of inactivity," measures are finally being taken against what seemed to be a complacency towards key players in drug trafficking.

Astorga advocated for these operations not to be the end but the beginning of militarization in the Chapare to unravel connections with big players in drug trafficking. He also pointed out that Evo Morales and Leonardo Loza, both parliamentarians from the region, have much to explain about the alleged promotion of drug production in the Chapare.

In Astorga's opinion, the tambaqui production appears to be a smokescreen, suggesting that, in reality, illicit activities are being laundered. Therefore, he considers it imperative to open an investigation against Evo Morales and conduct a thorough search at his residence to rule out possible connections to money laundering or knowledge of ties to major figures in drug trafficking.

Evo Strikes Again: Calls on Del Castillo to Lift Bank Secrecy and Labels Torrico as 'Adenista

 Former president and leader of the MAS, Evo Morales, suggested that it would be important for the Minister of Government, Eduardo del Castillo, to lift his bank secrecy to clarify the origin of the funds that allegedly allowed him to purchase a house in Argentina. This accusation is part of a new episode of Morales's constant attacks on President Luis Arce's collaborators.

The criticism arose following the report presented by Minister Del Castillo last week regarding an operation in Villa Tunari, where police forces discovered pools of tambaqui fish breeding amidst facilities dedicated to cocaine manufacturing.

Morales claimed that the government's insinuations align with those of the "right." "It would be important for Del Castillo to lift his bank secrecy. Sooner or later, his white sticks will tell the truth about where Eduardo del Castillo's family owns a house in Argentina," he commented on his Sunday program.

Accusing Torrico

Adding to his list of political adversaries, Morales included the Deputy Minister of Government Coordination, Gustavo Torrico, whom he accused of having been affiliated with the Nationalist Democratic Action (ADN) of the late president Hugo Banzer Suárez. Torrico was one of the main agitators and political defenders during Evo Morales's nearly 17 years in government.

However, following Torrico's recent warning that the MAS could lose its legal status due to Morales's obstinacy, he is now labeled as an "adenista." Morales recalled that Oscar Olivera, the former water leader in Cochabamba, introduced him to Gustavo Torrico, and later informed him about Torrico's connection with the ADN.

"Sometimes you have to purify people who come from other parties; unfortunately, they infiltrate. They are opportunists and calculators. 'Adenista,' 'adenista.' I got along with him as a soldier, I admit it, but then he completely changed and coincided with the right," Morales stated regarding Gustavo Torrico.

New Criticisms Against Arce

During his Sunday program, Morales also referred to President Luis Arce, whom he labeled as "neoliberal" due to his ties since the last government of Víctor Paz Estenssoro, leader of the MNR. Morales believes that Arce is an "emenerista" who has worked at the Central Bank of Bolivia during all the governments preceding the MAS.

He recalled that when he took office in 2006, he didn't know how to form his cabinet and turned to Carlos Villegas for having led the economic team during the campaign. In those circumstances, he also consulted Vice President Álvaro García Linera, who mentioned a young economist who had worked with Villegas, confirming that Luis Arce came from the Socialist Party.

"That's how (Luis Arce enters the cabinet), and there I made a mistake. I should have done follow-up and known where this guy comes from and who he is. I didn't do it, I apologize to the Bolivian people, and it was only during the coup and the elections that I found out that Lucho comes from the MNR and worked as the head of the cash registers at the Central Bank of Bolivia. He has a 100% neoliberal background, which is reflected in his contraction policies, and that's why he didn't want to grant the Juancito Pinto bonus," he affirmed.

In his usual style of attributing certain comments to others, Morales backed his coca grower base, who, according to the MAS leader, view the government of Luis Arce as a "traitor government to the dictatorship" due to the intervention carried out on Saturday morning at the headquarters of the Unique Federation of Peasant Workers that declared itself in resistance in the city of Santa Cruz.

It's an insult to democracy": TSE Member presents bill to eliminate primaries

 Tahuichi Tahuichi, a member of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), has introduced a bill to amend Law 1096 on Political Organizations and eliminate primary elections as currently conceived.

Tahuichi argued that primary elections are a costly and senseless expense for the state, resources that could be used for significant projects.

"The holding of primary elections is an aberration, it's an insult to democracy. It's an insult to the intelligence of Bolivians. It is important, it is imperative, that we can work as Bolivian men and women, as political actors, academics (...). In other words, this project seeks to annul primary elections. It makes no sense to go to primary elections with only one candidate; it makes no sense because we are only going to legitimize. We are not going to choose, to compete," stated the TSE member.

The electoral authority specified that his project aims to modify Article 29 of Law 1096 concerning primary elections. Additionally, he highlighted that in the 2019 primary elections, 29 million bolivianos were spent with no valuable results for the internal democracy exercise of the parties.

According to TSE activities, it is planned to launch the call for primary elections in August or September this year, with party members choosing their presidential candidates in December.

Director of Hydrocarbons in Tarija: YPFB lacks funds for investment and is on the brink of bankruptcy

 Freddy Castrillo, the Director of Hydrocarbons for the Tarija Department, stated that Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) does not have the resources to invest in exploration and is on the verge of bankruptcy.

"YPFB is a company that is totally, I won't say bankrupt, but is on the edge of reaching that situation because it lacks the resources to invest, especially in exploration, and to reverse the current situation," Castrillo affirmed.

At the end of August, the President of the State, Luis Arce, stated that the production of natural gas had "hit rock bottom" since 2014, resulting in a lower income from the sale of the fuel.

Last week, the acting director of the Central Bank of Bolivia, Edwin Rojas, admitted that the Net International Reserves had fallen to their lowest level in decades, and one of the factors is the decline in income from the export and sale of gas.

According to the Director of Hydrocarbons for the Tarija Department, to reverse the situation, it is necessary to attract foreign investments, but before that, it is essential to adjust the regulatory framework to make investing in Bolivia appealing.

César Muñoz from HRW: "Bolivian justice system is not functioning"

 César Muñoz, Associate Director for Latin America at Human Rights Watch (HRW), expressed strong criticism of the Bolivian judicial system one day after the release of the annual report. The report stated that there was no evidence found against Luis Fernando Camacho for the crime of terrorism and that the accusation against Jeanine Áñez is "unfounded."

In an interview with the 'Influentials' program on EL DEBER Radio, Muñoz addressed various aspects of the human rights situation in Bolivia. He discussed the uncontrolled use of mercury in the Amazon, chronic gender violence, and overcrowding in prisons.

However, the main focus of the criticism was on the Bolivian judicial system. Muñoz stated, "I believe that all the people listening to this program will probably agree that the Bolivian justice system is not functioning. It has many problems, structural issues, and a profound reform guided by the principle of meritocracy is necessary."

The Associate Director of HRW emphasized that despite President Luis Arce's promises to reform the justice system to ensure political independence, those actions have not yet materialized.

Muñoz pointed out that the lack of job stability in the judicial system, where over 80% of prosecutors and half of the judges do not have permanent positions, is a detrimental factor. He stated, "This situation of job insecurity, transience, is very harmful to the judicial system because decisions are not ultimately based on the law."

In the context of the detention of the governor of Santa Cruz, Luis Fernando Camacho, and former president Jeanine Áñez, Muñoz questioned the political use of the terrorism charge in Bolivia, which he described as "contradictory to international standards."

"What we see is the continued use of the terrorism charge in a political way, and this happened in the government of Evo Morales, in the government of Jeanine Áñez, and is happening in the government of Luis Arce. The definition of terrorism in the Bolivian penal code is excessively broad and is being used in a way that is contradictory to international standards," he asserted.

Platform Collapse at Construction Site Alarms Sopocachi; Mayor Urges Trust from Residents

 A platform collapsed at a construction site between 20 de Octubre and Kantutani avenues in the Sopocachi area of La Paz. Mayor Iván Arias and the company responsible for the project reassured residents, stating that efforts will be made to stabilize the site.

The incident caused concern among neighbors who are uncertain about the safety of their homes, especially considering that the slide affected the road.

"We understand that it is a man-made event caused by human activity, triggered by the displacement of the retaining wall," explained Daniel Rueda, an engineer from the construction company.

The engineer pointed out that the saturation of the soil could be due to a water leak, the origin of which needs to be determined.

He assured that the construction has all the permits to build a structure of around 18 floors. He added that they have employed a modern excavation system, with no reported issues even during the rainy season.

Residents criticized Mayor Arias, claiming that they had previously warned that the land was unsuitable for construction, considering it used to be a lake.

The Mayor urged residents to have confidence, emphasizing that efforts are underway to ensure safety. He mentioned that there is currently no evacuation plan, although it is not ruled out.

In the morning, there was an issue as EPSAS couldn't close the water valve for the corresponding area, delaying the start of mitigation efforts.

The company representative stated that, as part of their contingency plan, an assessment of adjacent homes is being carried out.

"We have notified that there is currently no risk of homes facing any problems," reassured Engineer Rueda.

He explained that they will divert the water system through pipes and install wedges on the retaining wall to stabilize Kantutani Avenue.

The World Bank projects a 1.5% economic growth for Bolivia in 2024.

 The World Bank (WB) projected yesterday that Bolivia will experience a 1.5 percent growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024 compared to 2023, and a similar percentage for 2025.

Last week, the Minister of Economy, Marcelo Montenegro, mentioned that in this year's economic outlook projections, a GDP growth of 3.71 percent is expected, with an inflation rate of 3.60 percent, public investment up to 4.274 billion dollars, and a negative overall fiscal balance (as a percentage of GDP) of 7.80 percent.

In its latest document titled "Global Economic Prospects," the international organization outlined that in Latin America and the Caribbean, the growth will increase to 2.3 percent this year and 2.5 percent in 2025.

Regarding other countries in the region, the WB estimated that Brazil will grow by 1.5 percent, Chile by 1.8 percent, Argentina by 2.7 percent, Colombia by 1.8 percent, Peru by 2.5 percent, Ecuador by 0.7 percent, Paraguay by 3.8 percent, and Uruguay by 3.2 percent.

In its report, the World Bank projected that global growth will decelerate for the third consecutive year, dropping from 2.6 percent recorded last year to 2.4 percent in 2024, nearly three-quarters of a percentage point below the average of the 2010s decade.

Five soldiers lose their lives in a tragic accident during an anti-smuggling operation

 In the early hours of this Tuesday, a regrettable incident took place on Route 9, between Yacuiba and Villamontes, in the department of Tarija, where a vehicle carrying five soldiers overturned, resulting in the loss of their lives.

The Deputy Minister of the Fight Against Smuggling, Daniel Vargas, confirmed the death of the five soldiers, who were part of the Strategic Operational Command (CEO).

According to the statements of the deputy minister, the incident occurred on Route 9 during anti-smuggling operations conducted by a task force from Yacuiba, possibly after midnight.

The official version suggests that the soldiers were in pursuit of smugglers when the vehicle they were traveling in went off the road and became stuck at the edge, causing the death of the five military personnel.

"An exhaustive investigation is being carried out by the Public Prosecutor's Office and Traffic, as well as the Military. We are analyzing audio recordings captured through the Intelligence of the Armed Forces," stated Vargas.

The deputy minister mentioned the possibility that the accident was an 'attack,' based on communications among smugglers. However, he also noted that alcohol tests will be conducted to rule out the possibility that the soldiers were under the influence of alcohol.

The five deceased soldiers were identified as Sub-Lieutenant Yamil Ricardo Argani Espinoza, Sub-Lieutenant José María Romero Chambi, Second Sergeant Braulio Cayo Pacaje Mamani, Sergeant Vladimir Brayan Pacasi Flores, all from the Army, and Sergeant Ruddy Mendoza Vicencio, from the Air Force.

President of the BCB assures that the Bolivian is a 'strong currency' and there is no need to chase the dollar

 "There is no need for them to use the dollar because our national currency, the Bolivian, is a strong currency." This is how the President of the Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB), Edwin Rojas, called on the population to avoid seeking refuge in the U.S. currency and to maintain confidence in the Bolivian currency.

"It is not necessary for us to be chasing the dollar. Practically 100% of transactions are in the national currency," he emphasized.

The President of the BCB spoke out regarding the emergence of a parallel dollar market where the U.S. currency is sold at a higher price than in the formal market.

According to Rojas, individuals influenced by speculation in the dollar will end up losing.

He explained that buying the dollar in the parallel market would result in a loss in two ways: first, because it was acquired at a high price, and second, because the foreign currency is depreciating as the United States has had higher inflation than Bolivia.

In addition, those holding dollars would be unable to invest them in instruments offered by the national financial system because the currency used is the Bolivian boliviano.

He also mentioned that all activities, from shopping to going to the movies, are conducted in Bolivian bolivianos.

The President of the BCB highlighted the measures the government is taking to normalize the demand for dollars after a process he considered speculative.

Nevertheless, he guaranteed the flow of foreign currency within the framework of this year's budget forecasts.

Rojas also assured that there would be no change in the exchange rate policy, considering the economic growth and inflation expectations. He also pointed out that the oversupply of dollars would normalize when the population understands that the economy has sustainable growth and sees the results of industrialization.

Reserves

The President of the Central Bank addressed the fact that the Reserves International currencies were reduced to 166 million dollars.

He clarified that this amount in the Central Bank Reserves is used for public sector imports, while the majority of Bolivia's imports are from the private sector and are channeled through the financial system.

He detailed that the BCB uses its currencies for imports such as medicines, as well as for fuel subsidies and debt payments.

Mario "Cucho" Vargas, historic Bolivian football commentator, passes away

 In the last hours, the death of Mario Teófilo Vargas Rodríguez, better known as "Cucho" Vargas, a journalist with a long career and a historic football commentator in Bolivia, has been officially announced by his family.

At 94 years old, Cucho Vargas goes down in history as a notable figure in national sports journalism, not only for his extensive career in sports programs but also as a producer of informative spaces, such as the program "Enfoques," which initially started on radio waves and later expanded to television, where he coined the slogan "con el Enfoque de enfoques y con la máquina de mirar" (with the Focus of focuses and with the viewing machine).

He was the producer of the "Panorama" program and the director of the printed magazine "Enfoques," maintaining its characteristic presentation of news with a fresh perspective, even when they were decades old. Cucho Vargas also founded the morning newspaper "Hoy," which shone in its golden years for its sports section.

Author of several books, in one of his last appearances, he received the National Journalism Award, precisely for his contribution to the development of journalistic activity and for being a mentor to several generations of sports journalists.

He is considered one of the best football narrators of his time. Even today, sports programs continue to show archive footage of his commentary on the historic South American championship won by the Bolivian national team during the continental tournament held in 1963 on national territory.

The sports journalism community expressed its regret for this sensitive loss with a heartfelt message: "Goodbye, maestro."

The remains of Mr. Cucho Vargas will be mourned this Sunday at the "El Paraíso" funeral hall in the Miraflores area of La Paz.