Ecopetrol reportedly picks Eduardo Zapateiro for security role

Retired General Eduardo Zapateiro is set to become the new physical security manager at Ecopetrol, according to a report by journalist Paola Herrera on the program De Frente on Tercer Canal. The role reportedly includes a monthly compensation of COP 50 million, an armored vehicle, and two bodyguards. The company is currently conducting the transition process following an internal announcement made on September 22, 2026.

The former army commander has previous ties to private security firms that hold contracts with Ecopetrol, having worked as an advisor to some of those businesses. The position oversees the protection of the company's strategic infrastructure.

The appointment comes while Zapateiro faces an active criminal investigation into alleged sexual harassment involving a legal official from the Military Forces Cyber Command and a subordinate officer. In July, defense attorney Jhonny Mercado González submitted a 29-page filing asking the Eighth Delegated Prosecutor before the Supreme Court of Justice to close the case, citing 14 new pieces of evidence, including an activity certificate from the Higher War School dated July 16, 2021, and questioning digital WhatsApp evidence ahead of a pending arraignment hearing before the Superior Court of Bogotá.