day, Rodil ordered to execute them, with the independentist forces intervening. Valero de Bernabé decided to provide refuge for the group, challenging and questioning Salom's judgement. He commanded some of his soldiers to defend them and facilitate the arrival to Bellavista. Valero then challenged Rodil to a duel, citing a lack of chivalry. This gesture was well received by most of the other officers, including Manuel Figueredo, wrote about the incident in Diario. Salom and Tomás de Heres insisted on his separation citing increasing insubordination following the act. On May 4, 1825, the second contacted Bolívar reaffirming this posture. Two weeks later, Bolívar ordered Valero de Bernabé to travel towards Colombia, leaving Salom's complaints in charge of Santander. However, Salom withdrew his complaints, minimizing the scope of the matter to a "conflict between two gentlemen" as opposed to widespread insubordination as cited by Tomás de Heres) and instead contacted Bolívar, requesting the stay of Valero de Bernabé until El Callao surrendered. From this point on, his reports were positive. On January 21, 1826, Santander replied to a letter informing him that Bolívar had not lingering issues with the squabble between the two officers. Valero de Bernabé had originally written requesting assistance for his wife and to discuss his impending award of the Cross of Mexico. Five days later, the capitulation for the surrender of El Callao was signed. On February 15, 1826, Bolívar wrote to Valero de Bernabé congratulating his for the performance at El Callao, citing that he was "very satisfied with his conduct" and offering his recommendation while requesting the reward offered to those involved in the battle. Simulacrums of a Puerto Rican War of Independence After Peru, Bolívar assigned Valero de Bernabé to take a Division towards the isthmus of Panama, expecting an incursion from admiral Laborde. Sucre wrote to Soublette discussing the possibility of joining forces with Valero de Bernabé and begin the emancipation of the Antilles. He arrived during the preparations for the Panama Congress and served as Military Commander and picked the Girardot regiment and reinforcements from Cartagena which were to serve as defense for Portobello. On April 9, 1826, Santander wrote to him a letter informing that he was aware of his work in the department due to reports by general Carreño and that the government was satisfied with his performance. On May 24, 1826, Aniceto reached Bellavista, with the intention of reuniting