The Colombian Navy has defended a recent toast held with officer De la Espriella aboard a naval vessel, following public criticism. The event took place during a meeting between the president and military personnel in the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina. Photographs circulating online show the president and naval commanders raising a glass of Ron Defensor. The Navy stated that these toasts are a longstanding tradition within the armed forces. The incident sparked debate regarding the appropriateness of such events and the perceived preferential treatment afforded to certain individuals. The Navy maintains that the gesture was simply a customary practice and not intended to be controversial. The focus now shifts to public perception and potential implications for military protocol.