many people died or suffered damages to their physical integrity. This, in order that the allegations could be brought before the competent authorities. 19. Also, in light of the alleged collusion of members of the Army with the “actions of illegal actors,” the State indicated that it was necessary to exhaust the legal remedies available in the domestic legal system for protecting the rights of the beneficiaries from any potential infringement. This includes “any event that presents any irregularity in the actions of the members of the Armed Forces, as a mechanism exists for filing of complaints with the Armed Forces [...].” In this regard, it expressed the need for the pertinent claims to be made in a timely fashion, since “clearly if the State is not aware of this information, it cannot act and will therefore end up [...] not fulfilling its responsibility.” It indicated that there is “a broad range of effective and suitable remedies that provide access to State agencies and responses therefrom.” This situation applies, for example, to the representatives’ statements regarding the operations and alleged presence of paramilitary groups and criminal actions they have taken “with the protection of the Police Force.” The State’s opinion is that these allegations are “sensitive and should be made with sufficient evidence. Of course, they should also be filed with the corresponding authorities.” 20. Regarding the alleged presence of paramilitary members in the zone “under the protection of Law Enforcement,” the State indicated that it is committed to “eradicating all groups that are acting illegally and conducting acts of violence,” and to this end they have taken legislative and other actions to achieve peace in Colombia, including actions on the part of the National Police and the Army in the Bajo Atrato region. In this regard, the State referred to various measures implemented in terms of security in the area, including individual protection measures. It also indicated that the representatives constantly submit documents called “historic records, which contain narrations of alleged events similar to the document that supports the instant request.” These documents are processed by the State through the corresponding institutions, and their results are reported to the representatives. In this regard, it indicated that from January to April 2011, the Presidential Program of Human Rights has processed over 50 requests. The State reiterated that it is implementing various pecuniary measures of protection for persons that are beneficiaries as well as those that are not, including those included in the request for expansion of measures, which is being carried out as part of its obligations. It also stated that “it wants to reiterate to the [Court] and thereby to the Inter-American Commission and to [the representatives], that [...] if any individual element of protection is required, they can access the available institutional options legally established for such purposes.” 21. Regarding the alleged abuse by businessmen and the “bad faith” occupations, the State pointed to the various investigations being undertaken by the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding crimes of threats, usurpation of land and criminal conspiracy, as well as the National Unit on Human Rights and International Human Rights Law. It thus reiterated the need for exhaustion of the domestic procedures established under Colombian law for the State to proceed accordingly. On the other hand, with regard to the alleged “prosecution” of inhabitants of the communities of Jiguamiandó and Curvaradó, among others, the State indicated that its duty is to investigate illegal acts committed under its jurisdiction, and that “it cannot be assumed or intended that precautionary or provisional measures grant judicial or legal immunity to their beneficiaries.” The State also indicated that pursuant to the authorities given to it by “the Constitution and the Law,” the National Police can also “perform inspection operations in order to maintain public order and security” and while respecting the fundamental rights of persons. 22. Regarding these “alleged national and international campaigns to discredit the inhabitants of the area”, the State reiterated that it is important to exhaust “the legal remedies available 8