The first eight kidnappings are not publicly acknowledged by the Extraditables until October 30. However, Pablo Escobar acknowledges his responsibility in Maruja and Beatriz's kidnapping within days. The Extraditables declare that they will release the hostages and surrender if nonextradition is guaranteed, security for themselves in prison and their families is ensured, and police abuses in Medellín cease. However, President César Gaviria and his administration already approved a decree in September for the capitulation of the traffickers, and while it said that they could have the right not to be extradited, this would be determined on a case-by-case basis. Escobar rejects the decree because it does not state that he and the other Extraditables would definitely not be extradited.

By the time of Maruja and Beatriz's kidnapping, the government and the victim's families have had numerous contacts with the Extraditables. Former President Turbay and Hernando Santos, Pacho's father, attempt to negotiate with Escobar, but President Gaviria refuses to amend the decree at all. The government maintains that its sole position with regard to the narcoterrorists is that they surrender. By November 7, when Gaviria's administration issues the official decree stating the government's capitulation policy, which did not specifically state that the Extraditables would not be extradited, no progress has been made toward releasing the hostages. After Maruja's kidnapping, her husband, Alberto Villamizar, also becomes involved, but he has no more success in getting Gaviria to negotiate.