President Duque's announcement came shortly after new demonstrations were registered in the capital Bogota, Cali and other cities. | Photo: EFE

Bogota, May 2 (RHC)-- Colombian President Ivan Duque has announced that he is sending members of the Armed Forces into the streets to control and repress the massive protests in the main cities of the country.

Duque made the announcement in a statement from the seat of government, in which he explained that he will rely on what he called "military assistance" -- which will be in force until the demonstrations against the tax reform cease.

Observers said that the phrase "military assistance" attempts to hide the brutal repression taking place on the streets of Colombian cities, protesting the tax reform promoted by Duque's administration.  The announcement took place shortly after new demonstrations were registered in the capital Bogota, Cali and other cities in the fourth day of demonstrations against the tax reform.

Human rights organizations and social movements have denounced the repression by security agents against the demonstrators throughout Colombia.