A 25-year-old Colombian journalist was found dead in a northwestern region where guerrillas, drug traffickers, and illegal gold miners are active, according to President Gustavo Petro. Mateo Perez went missing while working in Antioquia. His body was discovered in an area where dissident members of the FARC and drug traffickers from the Gulf Clan operate. Petro blamed the killing on Jhon Edison Chala Torrejano, a guerrilla leader. The Foundation for Press Freedom (FLIP) condemned the killing, calling Perez a vital voice for the local community. His work focused on crime, security, and corruption. The area where Perez's body was found is a disputed zone. Journalists in Colombia face constant threats from armed groups. Colombia has seen an increase in attacks in the lead-up to this month’s election. Since 1977, at least 170 journalists have been killed in the country, according to FLIP. Petro halted peace negotiations with the FARC dissident group on April 21.