Introduction

The Comando Conjunto (CC) was an intelligence organization that functioned approximately from late 1975 to 1976. Its primary objective was repression against members of the Communist Party. According to the Rettig Report, the organization was responsible for the forced disappearance of 30 persons. Other sources set the figure at more than 70.

The CC was comprised initially mainly of Air Force Intelligence Administration agents (DIFA) and later had significant participation of Carabineros Police Intelligence (DICAR). To a lesser extent, agents of Naval Intelligence (SIN) and some members of the Army Intelligence (DINE) also participated. Members of Investigations Police and civilians of the militant arch-right organization Patria y Libertad also hadinvolvement with the Comando Conjunto.

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Barracks of Terror

Among the earliest places of torture was the Air Force War Academy (AGA), which operated even before the group called itself Comando Conjunto. The AGA functioned from late 1973 to 1974, formally under the Aviation Military Court that coordinated closely with the Air Force Intelligence Service (SIFA). General Bachelet and many other Air Force officers were tortured in its basement. Jose Luis Baeza Cruces, a member of the Communist Party Central Committee who disappeared subsequent to his arrest, was also brought here. Former Air Force Commander-in-Chief Fernando Matthei, at the time AGA Director, was subpoenaed to testify in court regarding the illicit operations.

In January 1975, when the SIFA left the AGA, it transferred prisoners to a house in a residential neighborhood of Santiago, located near Apoquindo Avenue, just two blocks from the Las Condes Municipal Government offices. This property was used until March 1975 as secret detention center under the responsibility of the recently formed DIFA. Afterwards, DIFA offices moved to 6 Juan Antonio Rios Street, with prisoners redistributed between the Anti-Air Artillery Regiment of Colina ("Remo Cero") and a hangar inside Cerrillos airport.

Another clandestine torture center was known as "Nido 20", ("Nest 20") located on 037 Santa Teresa Street, near Bus Stop 20 of Gran Avenue, in Santiago. Alonso Gahona Chavez is known to have died as a result of torture in this place, and remains disappeared since then. Humberto Castro Hurtado was also killed here by blows. Today the building houses the National Larynx Cancer Foundation.

The building known as "Nido 18" was used entirely for submitting prisoners to torture. It was located at 9053 Peru Street, in the municipality of La Florida, Santiago, near Bus Stop 18 of Vicuña Mackenna Avenue. Witnesses say that Arsenio Leal Pereira took his life here, under the pressure of torture.

At "Remo Cero," Air Force agents operated in conjunction with members of the Navy Intelligence Service and some agents of the Army. The number of Carabinero Police Intelligence Service officers assigned here was higher than at other FACH detention centers. Certain civilians from Patria y Libertad also operated from this location. From this place several prisoners, including Humberto Fuentes Rodriguez and Luis Moraga Cruz were taken in helicopter to be thrown into the sea. Witnesses have also testified that several prisoners were taken to be killed on the premises of the Peldehue military base, where they were illegally buried in secret. These included Ricardo Weibel Navarrete, Ignacio Gonzalez Espinoza, Miguel Rodriguez Gallardo and Nicomedes Toro Bravo. Jose Sagredo Pacheco was one of several prisoners known to have died as a result of torture. A doctor who assisted prisoners and supervised torture frequently visited Remo Cero.

A building located at 229 Dieciocho Street that previously housed the newspaper El Clarin and was expropriated by Carabineros, was known as "La Firma." The Carabineros Intelligence School operated from the place. Teachers not only came from DICAR but also included Comando Conjunto members. Adjacent to the building was another property that the Comando Conjunto operated as a secret detention center. Among the people brought there were Carlos Contreras Maluje, Juan Rene Orellana, Luis Emilio Maturana, and Juan Antonio Gianelli, Communist Party leaders who were taken from the building to be shot and buried clandestinely in Cuesta Barriga. Jose Weibel Navarrete, another prisoner seen at the site, was later killed in the vicinity of the mountainous Cajon del Maipo. In 1985 it was the operational center for the abduction of a dozen teachers and three professionals, members of the Communist Party, whose bodies were later found along a rural road of Quilicura.

Other properties employed by the SIFA or by the Comando Conjunto for temporarily holding prisoners include a building in Barrio Bellavista, where unmarried members of the organization lived. The Las Tranqueras Police Station also served as temporary detention center to which prisoners were brought in order to avoid detection during an inspection by a United Nations human rights delegation.

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AGA: the predecessor

Survivors of torture at the Air War Academy (AGA) recall the identity of their captors and torturers. These included General Orlando Gutierrez Bravo, Sergio Lizasoain, Edgar Ceballos Jones, Jaime Lavin, Juan Bautista Gonzalez and Humberto Velasquez Estay; captains Leon Duffey, Juan Carlos Sandoval, Jaime Lemus, Florencio Duble, Contreras and Fullogher (head of the permanent guard); lieutenants Juan Carlos Sandoval, Luis Campos, Matig and Perez; Sargent Hugo "chuncho" Lizana, corporals Eduardo Cartagena and Corporal Gabriel Cortes, who changed his name.

"Most of the torturers at the Air Force War Academy were from the Aerophotometric expert group. They were members of the class that completed their training in 1967. They answered directly to Commander Otaiza, known as "pata de oso" ("Bear Paw). Other interrogators were from the military instructors' course of the Specialists School, who completed training in 1968, the same year I finished my training. Later, in mid 1974, I was taken to the Air War Academy from the Public Prison. I saw Coronel Matthei select the persons who would be subjected to torture and interrogation. Together with a lieutenant known as "el loquillo" (Crazy Guy), beat two prisoners who were standing with their eyes blindfolded. "El loquillo" beat me as well with a butt of a gun. From the AGA I was taken to the Polytechnic Academy for 24 hours. En route, I was afraid that they would attempt to apply the so-called fugitive law (execution from behind and subsequent abandonment in some vacant space). From the Polytechnic Academy I was transferred again to the AGA, and finally returned to the Public Prison."
(Sergio Lontano Trureo. 51, C.I.57.88167-4. Resident of 290 South Lambeth Road, London SWB.1 JUG. England. On September 11, 1973 he held the rank of Corporal.)

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CC Agents Indicted and the charges against them

The officers and agents involved in the Comando Conjunto are:

Manuel Barra Von Kretschmann (C.I. 1.614.559-9), head of the Naval Intelligence Service in the Intelligence Command (6 Jose Antonio Rios Street). Frigate captain at the time of the coup, belonged to the DINA secret police leadership in 1974 and was assistant director in 1975. In 1976 he transferred to the CNI secret police, successor of the DINA. Judge Cerda indicted him as accomplice in the criminal illicit association and abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira, crime still under investigation.

Luis Rolando Pacheco Valdes, retired Air Force colonel. Head of Colina Air Base when the Remo Cero torture center functioned from its premises. Indicted by Judge Cerda as author of the criminal illicit association.

Ruben Samuel Romero Gormaz, retired Carabineros General, Chief of DICAR at 6 Jose Antonio Rios. Indicted by Judge Carlos Cerda as author of the criminal illicit association and accomplice in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira.

Freddy Enrique Ruiz Bunger, retired Air Force general. Head of DIFA at 6 Jose Antonio Rios. Indicted as author of criminal illicit association and accomplice in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda. Indicted by judge of the 25 th Criminal Court of Santiago in the abduction of Victor Vega.

Mario H. Vivero Avila, retired Air Force general, Aviation judge and commander of Santiago Garrison in 1976. Indicted as author of criminal illicit association by Judge Carlos Cerda. At present Judge Hazbun of the 25th Criminal Court of Santiago indicted him for covering-up the illicit association and disappearance of Victor Vega.

Edgar Benjamin Ceballos Jones, retired Air Force colonel. Director of the DIFA and later of SIFA, torturer at the Air War Academy and head of Roberto Fuentes Morrison in the CC. Known also as "Inspector Cabezas," he was indicted by Carlos Cerda as author of criminal illicit association and accomplice in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira.

Carlos Arturo Madrid Hayden, retired Air Force Commander. Vice Commander of the Colina Anti-Air Artillery Regiment from which functioned from the "Remo Cero" torture center. Indicted by Cerda as author of criminal illicit association, and Judge Hazbun considers him an accessory in the abduction of Victor Vega.

German Alfredo Esquivel Caballero, retired Carabineros lieutenant colonel, in charge of DICAR counter-intelligence. Indicted as author of criminal illicit association and accomplice in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira.

Daniel Luis Enrique Guimpert Corvalan, retired Navy lieutenant (C.I. 4.638.149-1). Indicted as author of criminal illicit association and accomplice in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira. Judge Carlos Hazbun indicted him for the abduction of Victor Vega.

Jorge Rodrigo Cobos Manriquez, Air Force reserve lieutenant. Alias "Kiko" or "Elefantito" (C.I. 5.890.505-4). Indicted by Judge Cerda as criminal illicit association and accomplice in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira. Judge Hazbun indicted him for the disappearance of Victor Vega.

Jorge Arnoldo Barraza Riveros, retired Investigations Police Chief. Alias "El Zambra". Indicted as accessory in the crime of illicit association.

Pedro Ernesto Camaño Medina, Retired Air Force official. Alias "Peter" (C.I. 7.024.319-9). Operative agent connected to the "La Firma" torture center. Indicted by Judge Carlos Hazbun for the abduction of Victor Vega.

German Enrique Pimentel Ceballos, retired Air Force Commander. Indicted by Judge Cerda as author of the crime of illicit association in the abduction of Edras Pinto and Reinalda Pereira.

Luis Enrique Campos Poblete, retired Air Force Commander. Indicted by Carlos Cerda as author of criminal illicit association.

Manuel Agustin Munoz Gamboa, Retired Carabineros Mayor. Alias "El Lolo." Noted for his cruelty in the Comando Conjunto where he participated in dozens of abductions, torture and disappearances, he returned to Carabineros with the rank of captain to continue his participation with repressive apparatus. At DICOMCAR (Carabinero Intelligence) he collaborates with his former colleague of the CC, Miguel Estay Rein. His involvement in the CC is linked to the murder of Juan Antonio Aguirre Ballesteros in 1984. Indicted by Judge Cerda, he was sentenced to 5 years and one day in prison in the murders of Jose Manuel Parada, Manuel Guerrero and Santiago Nattino. Recently, the Fourth Criminal Court of San Miguel indicted him in the abduction and disappearance of Alonso Gahona, and Judge Hazbun has charged him in the abduction and disappearance of Victor Vega.

Eduardo Enrique Cartagena Maldonado. Alias "Lalo". C.I. 5.083.760. Retired Air Force Subofficial. CC agent since 1975, participating in abductions, torture, and disappearances of numerous Communist leaders between 1975 and 1976. After the CC was disbanded, he went on to serve in Air Force Intelligence Service (SIFA). The Fourth Criminal Court of San Miguel has charged him in the abduction and torture that caused the death of Alonso Gahona Chavez, disappeared since September 8, 1975. He is also charged in the investigation directed by Judge Carlos Hazbun, of the 25º Criminal Court in the abduction and disappearance of Victor Vega Riquelme on January 3, 1976. His last known residence is 394 Del Rey Street, Maipu.

Miguel Arturo Estay Reyno. Alias "El Fanta". Former Communist Party member, who became an informer and later an agent, after his arrest in 1975 members of the Comando Conjunto. His inside knowledge of the structure of the Communist Party and Communist Youth organization made his involvement key in discovering the hierarchical structure that led to the arrest of its major leaders including Carlos Contreras Maluje, Jose Weibel, Fernando Ortiz and Waldo Pizarro. Participated in the abduction of his former friend Manuel Guerrero, who was one of few persons able to escape from the clutches of the CC, but in 1985 he again was abducted, this time by DICOMCAR agents, and his throat slashed along with Jose Manuel Parada and Santiago Nattino. Indicted by Judge Cerda but Judge Silva Ibanez applied the amnesty law. Today he is serving a life sentence in Colina prison for the murder of Guerrero, Parada and Nattino and is charged in the disappearance of Victor Vega.

Cesar Luis Palma Ramirez. Alias "El Fifo". C.I. 6.387.372-1. As member of Patria y Libertad he participated in numerous terrorist attacks against the Undidad Popular government. He was arrested in August 1973 for his involvement in the homicide of presidential attaché Arturo Araya, but granted amnesty after the coup by Admiral Adolfo Waulbaum. He was a friend of Fuentes Morrison, who brought him to the CC and became his right-hand man in carrying out repressive actions. According to CC deserter Andres Valenzuela, "El Fifo" had direct involvement in the murders of Jose Weibel Navarrete, Miguel Rodriguez Gallardo, Humberto Fuentes Rodriguez, and CC agents Carol Flores and Guillermo Bratti, all of whom are disappeared to this day. He is also associated with the execution at Cuesta Barriga of Communist leaders Lincoyan Berrios, Fernando Navarro, Fernando Ortiz, Waldo Pizarro, Luis Lazo, Juan Gianelly, Horacio Cepeda, Hector Veliz and Reinalda Pereira, who was pregnant at the time of her death. Indicted by Judge Cerda, he is also named in the cases of Alonso Gahona and Victor Vega.
His last known address is 5535 El Quilo Street, Quinta Normal, which is the site of the refrigeration equipment factory Frigomet Ltda. Although everyone at the factory denies knowing him, the industry's telephone is still listed under the name Palma Ramirez.

Roberto Alfonso Flores Cisterna. Alias "El Huaso". C.I. 7.767.975-8. As soldier with the Air Force at the El Bosque Air Force Base, on September 11, 1973, he participates in interrogation and torture of prisoners. His "skill" at this work earns him a job at the Air War Academy where he continues the same work under Edgar Ceballos. In 1975 he joins the CC, and is responsible in the abduction, torture, and disappearance of dozens of people. Until the mid 1990s he continued in active duty with the SIFA. Today he is known to work in commerce. His most recent residence is Villa Tantauco, Block 10282, apartment 31, San Bernardo.

Alejandro Jorge Forero Alvarez. Cardiologist. Registro Colegio Medico 9580-K. Platoon Commander and doctor who, at the time of the coup, worked at the Air Force Hospital. In 1976 he served as soldier at El Bosque Air Force Base and at the Colina Anti-Air Artillery Regiment. He participated with the CC at this place, supervising torture and drugging prisoners who were taken out to be made to disappear. During dictatorship, Judge Carlos Cerda charged him and, more recently, Judge Hazbun summoned him to testify regarding the case of Victor Vega. The "Funa" chose him as the focus of its first demonstration on October 1, 1999, outside INDISA Hospital where he works. He is a member of the Chilean Intensive Medicine and the Chilean Cardiology Society. His private practice is at 6275 Apoquindo Avenue, office 116, his email is [email protected].
His most recent residence is 14.199-2 Camino La Brisa, Lo Barnechea.

Juan Francisco Saavedra Loyola. Alias "Jano". C.I. 4.124.917-K. Retired Air Force Official. On September 11, 1973 he was unit commander at the Air War Academy , where he supervised interrogation and torture of former comrades in arms at the Air Force, who were loyal to the constitutional government, including General Alberto Bachelet. In 1976 he was appointed Director of Colina Air Base and joined the CC, in replacement of Edgard Ceballos. In 1977 he transferred to Intelligence that operated from 6 Juan Antonio Rios (Alameda with Santa Rosa Street). Until the early 1990's he was still in active duty with the rank of colonel. Judge Carlos Cerda charged him and judge Hazbun has also indicted him in the disappearance of Victor Vega.

Otto Silvio Trujillo Miranda. Civilian agent known as "Colmillo Blanco". In October 2002 he disclosed to a journalist how former CC members prepared false lists of victims to the Human Rights Dialogue Table, a revelation that led to the dismissal and indictment of Air Force General Patricio Campos, as well as the resignation of Commander-in-Chief Patricio Rios. A Christian Democrat in his youth, he later joined Patria y Libertad where he met "Wally", who brought him to the CC. "Wally" also saved his life in a dispute between the CC and the DINA, when, together with Carol Flores and Guillermo Bratti, he provided information to the DINA. Even before the coup, he worked for Military Intelligence Service (SIM). Fuentes Morrison invited him to join the Agriculture Ministry security staff and the CC. He participated in the abduction, torture and disappearance of many people until his expulsion due to the incident with DINA. His contacts found him a job as head of a security firm in southern Chile, after which he was involved in various trials for passing bad checks. He is among the roster of individuals charged in the disappearance Alonso Gahona and Victor Vega, under investigation by Carlos Cerda.

Guillermo Antonio Urra Carrasco. Alias "Willy". C.I. 6.687.227-0. Retired Air Force Corporal, he was a CC operative since the group's beginning in 1975. Judge Carlos Cerda charged him for his participation in the abduction, torture and disappearance of many people. Witnesses affirm that he bears direct responsibility for the execution of prisoners in Cajon del Maipo (including Jose Weibel and agents Carol Flores and Guillermo Bratti), and at Cuesta Barriga (Horacio Cepeda, Fernando Ortiz and Reinalda Pereira, among others). He is also believed responsible for throwing prisoners into the sea off the coast of Quintero. He was charged again, recently, in the Victor Vega case. His most recent address is 1990 Santa Blanca, Las Condes.

Roberto Fuentes Morrison. Alias "Wally". During the Unidad Popular government, he was a member of paramilitary groups of Patria y Libertad, where he met several people who later introduced him to the CC. As Air Force Platoon Commander, he joined the CC, becoming one of its most notorious operatives and cruel torturer. Carlos Cerda charged him in the participation in many abductions, tortures, executions, and disappearances of members of the MIR and the CP. In mid 1989 he was gunned down as he outside his house.

Fernando Patricio Zuñiga Canales. Alias "Chirola". Retired Air Force Subofficial. As soldier at El Bosque Air Base, on September 11, 1973, he participated in the torture of his own comrades in arms. He later transferred to the Air War Academy to perform the same functions and joined the ranks of the DIFA. In 1975 he joined the CC, participating in the abduction, torture, and disappearance of dozens of people affiliated with the left, including Victor Cardenas, Carlos Duran, Luis Maturana, Humberto Castro and David Urrutia. He was also present at the execution of Bratti and Flores. He belonged to Air Force Intelligence Service (SIFA) at least until the early 1990s. '90. Carlos Cerda charged him and he is connected to the cases of Alonso Gahona and Victor Vega.
His most recent known address is 1298 Pasaje Simon Bolivar, San Bernardo.

Alex Damian Carrasco Olivos, Air Force employee, escort to Commanders-in-Chief Leigh, Fernando Matthei and Ramon Vega. Alias "Loco Alex" (C.I. 6.243.426-7). Comando Conjunto operative.

Juan Artier Chavez Sandoval, retired Air Force corporal. Alias "Peque", "Rucio" o "Pol. Torturer at the AGA and CC operative. Indicted in the abduction of Victor Vega.

Marco Alejandro Cortes Figueroa, Retired Investigations Police inspector. Alias "Yoyopulus." Indicted as accessory of illicit association by Cerda.

Raul Horacio Gonzalez Fernandez, retired Air Force employee. Alias "Rodrigo" or "Wally Chico". Witnesses say he participated in the arrest of Jose Weibel. Indicted by the 25th Criminal Court as accomplice in the illegal arrest of Amanda Velasco Pedersen.

Viviana Lucinda Ugarte Sandoval, Retired Air Force officer who worked with the DIFA and the Comando Conjunto. Alias "La Pochi." Following Colmillo Blanco's disclosure to the La Nacion journalist, the revelation that Air Force General Patricio Campos was married to Pochi and in 2001 prepared a fictitious report to the Human Rights Dialogue Table led to his dismissal and indictment. It also led to the resignation of Air Force Commander-in-Chief Patricio Rios. In October 2002 former prisoners described her as a sadistic presence in torture centers. Charged by Judge Cerda as author of illicit association and accessory in the disappearance of Reinalda Pereira and Edras Pinto.

Pablo Arturo Navarrete Arriagada, Retired Carabineros colonel who worked in the (DICAR. Judge Cerda charged him as accomplice in the crime of illicit association

Antonio Benedicto Quiros Reyes, Retired Air Force colonel and head of the Counterintelligence Office during the years of the CC. Charged by Carlos Cerda as author of criminal illicit association.

Andres Pablo Potin Lailhacar, civilian CC agent. Alias "Yerko". Patria y Libertad member arrested in August 1973 for his participation in the homicide of presidential attaché Arturo Araya. Charged by Judge Hazbun as participant in the abduction of Victor Vega. Today he works with a computer firm located at 2506 Americo Vespucio Norte.

Manuel Antonio Salvatierra Rojas, retired Investigations Police assistant director. Alias "Negro" (C.I. 6.195.828-2). Carlos Cerda indicted him as author of illicit association.

Robinson Alfonso Suazo Jaque, retired Air Force soldier. Alias "Jonathan". Torturer at the AGA. The 25º Criminal Court charged him in the abduction and disappearance of Victor Vega.

Humberto Villegas, Retired Carabineros police Sargent. Alias "Don Beto". Carlos Cerda charged him as author of illicit association and accomplice in the disappearance of Reinalda Pereira and Edras Pinto.

Pedro Juan Zambrano Uribe, Air Force functionary. Alias "Chino". Judge Hazbun charged him as author in the abduction of Victor Vega.

Others charged by Carlos Cerda were Gustavo Leigh and Julio Benimelli Ruiz, both of whom died in suspicious circumstances. Also indicted as accomplices of the CC are retired Carabineros police colonels Italo Astete Sermini, Gonzalo Jimenez Huerta, Raul Enrique Montt Carvajal and Federico Luis Smith Ibarra. Also the lieutenant colonels Graciano Bernales Perez, Juan Bezzemberger Schwarz and Luis Humberto Villagra Rebeco. Charged as covering-up the abductions of Reinalda Pereira and Edras Pinto were retired Investigations official Federico Infante Lillo and retired officer Jorge Mondaca Gonzalez. Carlos Hazbun's ongoing investigation has also charged Carlos Pascua Riquelme, Juan Chavez Sandoval and Alejandro Saez Mardones (serving life imprisonment for the Degollados case).

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