Since Gustavo Márquez set foot in Santa Marta, he hadn't just sought power through weapons and money. He understood that absolute control over the streets wasn't achieved through fear alone, but also through respect, loyalty, and an image that inspired hope among the forgotten.
Inspired by the methods of the Italian mafia—where the "Don" was both a feared crime lord and a benefactor to his people—Gustavo decided to adopt that strategy to win the support and, above all, the silence of the communities that were now beginning to call him "El Patrón."
The Creation of "Helping Hand"
It didn't take long for him to create the structure he called "Helping Hand," an organized system to assist those living in extreme poverty in neighborhoods like Boca Grande and Mamatoco.
Aid stations were set up at strategic points throughout the city: a small warehouse in Mamatoco, an abandoned school converted into a community center in Boca Grande, and a nearby church that, with the collaboration of a priest aligned with his interests, became a distribution center for food and clothing.
At each of these stations, residents could receive the following:
Basic food items: rice, beans, sugar, oil, and milk.
Clothing and shoes: donations organized with local businesses and families.
School supplies: backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and uniforms.
Basic appliances: fans, radios, and some second-hand televisions.
Home repairs: Gustavo allocated funds to help rebuild damaged homes or improve living conditions.
A Network of Loyalty and Silence
The key to this aid was not unconditional charity but absolute loyalty. To receive the benefits, each family had to register at the "Helping Hand" stations and swear to remain silent about the illegal activities of Gustavo and his men.
It was a tacit pact that reinforced his power: no one reported anything, no one talked to the police or rival groups.
Additionally, each family was assigned a young soldier who acted as a liaison, ensuring the rules were followed and that aid reached those who truly needed it. This system also allowed Gustavo to gather detailed information about the community, giving him an advantage in preventing problems and maintaining order.
The Psychopathic Nature of Gustavo and His Control
Although Gustavo displayed a kind and protective face to the communities, behind that façade was a meticulous and ruthless man, with a cold, calculating mind.
He didn't hesitate to punish with extreme violence anyone who betrayed his trust or tried to destabilize his "kingdom." His reputation as a brutal yet fair leader spread quickly.
His soldiers—many of them young men with no other life options—were trained to act with discipline and speed, executing orders without question.
A Day in the Life of "El Patrón"
On a hot morning in Santa Marta, Gustavo woke early in his luxurious home perched on a hill overlooking the sea and the city.
After reviewing reports with his lieutenants, he left in a black armored SUV accompanied by Mateo and "El Tigre"—his two most trusted lieutenants—to personally visit the "Helping Hand" stations.
People received him with respect, gratitude, and at times, fear.
"Patrón!" cried a mother with her young son in her arms. "Thanks to you, my boy can now go to school with new uniforms."
"We're here to help," Gustavo replied in a firm voice, though with a gesture that seemed sincere.
However, behind that apparent generosity, networks of espionage, alliances, and silent threats were woven to maintain the balance of power.