54 96.68 On July 22, 1997 the Section Public Prosecutor of Villavicencio undertook the investigation of the facts that took place in Mapiripán and ordered the removal of the bodies, such exhumations as might be necessary, and receiving the testimony of the civil authorities of the municipality.70 96.69 On July 23, 1997 the 12th Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office before the Regional Judges, based in San José del Guaviare, began a preliminary investigation of the facts that took place in the town of Mapiripán.71 96.70 On July 23, 1997 a “judicial committee” went to the Municipality of Mapiripán. There, they heard the statement of the Municipal Police Inspector and they inspected the bodies of José Rolan Valencia, Sinaí Blanco Santamaría and an unidentified man.72 96.71 On July 23, 1997 the Specialized Prosecutor of San José del Guaviare took cognizance of the investigative steps forwarded by the Section Public Prosecutor of Villavicencio, and heard the statement by the Mayor of Mapiripán and by a witness in confidence. One day later, an order was issued to expand the testimony of the latter, and to conduct “such tests as may be necessary to identify the victims.”73 96.72 On July 28, 1997 the National Directorate of the Public Prosecutors’ Offices decided to assign the investigation to the National Human Rights Unit, which undertook it on August 5, 1997 and ordered expansion of the testimony and receiving new testimony. These statements, including those of certain next of kin and civil authorities in Mapiripán, were received during August 1997. Various judicial inspections were also conducted.74 96.73 Photographic records of the exhumations were obtained on August 4, 1997.75 96.74 On September 30, 1997 the National Human Rights Unit ordered expansion of the testimony of the civilian authorities of Mapiripán, as well as sending official letters to the media to obtain copies of the news disseminated regarding public acknowledgment of responsibility for the facts by Carlos Castaño Gil.76 96.75 On November 27, 1997 the Deputy Public Prosecutor’s Office for the Military Forces conducted a “judicial inspection of the disciplinary proceeding” with regard to 70 See report prepared by the Office of the Attorney General on April 6, 2005 (file with appendixes to the final pleadings submitted by the State, page 4995). 71 See conviction of September 30, 2003, issued by the Second Criminal Court of the Specialized Circuit of Bogotá (file with appendixes to the brief containing pleadings and motions, appendix 34, page 3466). 72 See report prepared by the Office of the Attorney General on April 6, 2005 (file with appendixes to the final pleadings submitted by the State, page 4995). 73 See report prepared by the Office of the Attorney General on April 6, 2005 (file with appendixes to the final pleadings submitted by the State, page 4996). 74 See report prepared by the Office of the Attorney General on April 6, 2005 (file with appendixes to the final pleadings submitted by the State, pages 4996 to 4998). 75 See report prepared by the Office of the Attorney General on April 6, 2005 (file with appendixes to the final pleadings submitted by the State, page 4996). 76 See report prepared by the Office of the Attorney General on April 6, 2005 (file with appendixes to the final pleadings submitted by the State, page 4999).