53 explored and verified opportunely.”295 The prosecutor requested that, since it involved the same incidents, “the pertinence, appropriateness, as well as the constitutionality and legality of our request to join the investigations be considered and [for him to] issue, order or authorize the procedure” [to be followed] in order to be able to forward to him the case file which is being handled in his office.296 This request was made again on November 5, 2009.297 4.3. Disciplinary Proceeding. Case File No. 008-10799-98 170. On June 21, 1996, the municipal ombudsman of El Carmen de Viboral brought a complaint in the register of disciplinary investigations of the Office of the Inspector General of the Nation for “alleged violations (...) regarding human rights and irregularities by members of the army.”298 On June 24, 1996, the director of the Human Rights Unit of the Directorate of Special Investigations ordered a preliminary inquiry to be opened.299 On July 18, 1996, the municipal ombudsman of El Carmen de Viboral reported the disappearances from Vereda La Esperanza of the alleged victims. With regard to the incidents of June 26, 1996, he contended that “properly uniformed soldiers bearing their respective rifles” took part.300 171. On August 14, 1996, the director of the Human Rights Unit of the Directorate of Special Investigations ordered “a preliminary inquiry to be opened into the incidents of public order that have been taking place in the Municipality of El Carmen de Viboral.” 301 Additionally, on August 27 he stated 295 Annex 8. Official Letter No. 322 from the Office of Prosecutor 53 Delegated to the Criminal Chamber of Special the Circuit assigned to the Rural Gaula Eastern Antioquia, addressed to the Office of the Coordinator of the National Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Unit of the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, dated July 27, 2009. SIFUJ No. 752.065. Office of Special Prosecutor 53 assigned to the Rural Gaula Eastern Antioquia. Pages 106-108. Compact disk attached to petitioners’’ communication of June 24, 2010. 296 Annex 8. Official Letter No. 322 from the Office of Prosecutor 53 Delegated to the Criminal Chamber of Special the Circuit assigned to the Rural Gaula Eastern Antioquia, addressed to the Office of the Coordinator of the National Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Unit of the Office of the Attorney General of the Nation, dated July 27, 2009. SIFUJ No. 752.065. Office of Special Prosecutor 53 assigned to the Rural Gaula Eastern Antioquia. Pages 106-109. Compact disk attached to petitioners’’ communication of June 24, 2010. 297 Annex 8. Official Letter No. 443-53 from the Office of the Prosecutor 53 Delegate to the Criminal Chamber of the Special Circuit assigned to the Rural “Gaula” Eastern Antioquia, addressed to the Office of the Coordinator of the National Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Unit of the Office of the Attorney General of the nation, dated November 5, 2009. SIFUJ No. 752.065. Office of Special Prosecutor 53 assigned to the Rural Gaula Eastern Antioquia. Page 110. Compact disk attached to petitioners’’ communication of June 24, 2010. 298 Annex 22. Register of Disciplinary Investigations of the Office of the Inspector General of the Nation, dated June 21, 1996. Case File No. 008-10799-98. Office of the Disciplinary Matters Deputy Inspector for Human Rights. Public Ministry for Judicial Oversight (Ministerio Público). Page 1. Compact disk attached to petitioners’ communication of July 12, 2010. 299 Annex 22. Official Letter No. 0503 from the National Directorate of Special Investigations – Human Rights Unit of the Office of the Inspector General of the Nation, dated June 24, 1996. Pages 5-6. Case File No. 008-10799-98. Office of the Disciplinary Matters Deputy Inspector for Human Rights. Public Ministry for Judicial Oversight (Ministerio Público). Page 1. Compact disk attached to petitioners’ communication of July 12, 2010. 300 Annex 22. Official Letter No. 060 from the Municipal Ombudsman of El Carmen de Viboral, Heli Gómez Osorio, dated August 5, 1996. Case File No. 008-10799-98. Office of the Disciplinary Matters Deputy Inspector for Human Rights. Public Ministry for Judicial Oversight (Ministerio Público). Page 103. Compact disk attached to petitioners’ communication of July 12, 2010. 301 Annex 22. Official Letter from the Director of the Sectional Office of Special Investigations of Medellín of the Office of the Inspector General of the Nation, Ramón Puentes Torres, dated August 14, 1996. Case File No. 008-10799-98. Office of the