City Council Awards Sgt. Serrano for Dismantling Trafficking Networks in Collaboration with CIRF in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Bucaramanga, July 2025

Proposal – Municipal Order of Merit for Women

In accordance with the provisions of Agreement No. 031 of 2018, the internal regulations of the Bucaramanga Council, particularly as stipulated in Article 274, I respectfully present the following proposal to award the ORDER OF THE CITY OF BUCARAMANGA – HUMAN AND SOCIAL MERIT CATEGORY to Sub-Lieutenant Serrano and the NGO Children’s International Rescue Foundation for their tireless work and fight against human trafficking in the city of Bucaramanga.

Sub-Lieutenant Serrano, a member of the Colombian National Police for 15 years, has demonstrated exceptional commitment for over eight years in protecting victims of crimes against human rights and personal autonomy, including human trafficking, trafficking of children and adolescents, pimping of minors, and forced prostitution, among others. His professional record, reflected in his resume, showcases outstanding performance, supported by solid academic training and numerous recognitions highlighting his professionalism, dedication, and effectiveness in service.

Throughout his career, he has received a total of 118 commendations, including special and collective public recognitions, for his contributions to citizen security, the capture of exploiters, traffickers, and aggressors, the seizure of narcotics, and his institutional commitment. For eight years, Sub-Lieutenant Arismendi has dedicated his efforts to the pursuit, suppression, investigation, and reporting of crimes that violate human dignity and personal autonomy. His work has been crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for human trafficking and related crimes, significantly contributing to the protection of vulnerable victims, especially minors, in Bucaramanga. His commitment has helped reduce crime rates and strengthen security in the region.

The Children’s International Rescue Foundation (CIRF), founded in 2021 by a group dedicated to child protection, has worked tirelessly to rescue minors from human trafficking and provide them with healing. In 2024, the foundation successfully rescued 17 young Colombian women from trafficking networks and arrested 7 pimps. Additionally, CIRF has significantly collaborated and cooperated with the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Police (MEBUC), dismantling several human trafficking networks and strengthening regional security. Its mission, aligned with human rights protection, has positioned Bucaramanga as a model in this cause.

In light of the above, I respectfully request that the ORDER OF THE CITY OF BUCARAMANGA – HUMAN AND SOCIAL MERIT CATEGORY be awarded to Sub-Lieutenant Serrano for his impeccable career, exceptional contribution to security and human rights protection, and positive impact on the Bucaramanga community. His tireless work in combating human trafficking and related crimes is an example of civic commitment and professionalism that deserves recognition and praise. Likewise, the NGO Children’s International Rescue Foundation should be honored for its dedication, innovation, and joint efforts with the Bucaramanga Metropolitan Police (MEBUC), resulting in the rescue of victims and the dismantling of trafficking networks. This recognition highlights its transformative impact and commitment to social justice in the community.