A judge in Ecuador has ordered the detention of 16 air force members accused of involvement in the disappearance of four children. The children, aged 11 to 15, were last seen being forced into a military patrol car against their will and their charred remains were later discovered. The case has shocked the nation and sparked protests against the military.
Forensic tests confirmed that the four charred corpses found near where the children were last seen belonged to Saúl Arboleda, Steven Medina, and brothers Josué and Ismael Arroyo. The children were reported missing on December 8 after playing soccer and being detained by soldiers in Guayas province.
The defense ministry initially claimed that the children were released and had been involved in a robbery, but the Prosecutor’s Office said there was no evidence to support this. The ministry later acknowledged that the children had been detained but said they were released.
The news of the forensic identifications was met with frustration and heartbreak. The prefect of Guayas, Marcela Aguiñaga, wrote on social media, “What pain to close the year with this tragedy that mourns the country. It is unacceptable that the lives of our children end in this way.”
Guayaquil Mayor Aquiles Álvarez said, “Nothing will calm the pain of the parents, just as nothing will erase the mark of murderers from all those involved, directly or indirectly. The truth is that this country has hit rock bottom.”
Outside the hearing, dozens of people gathered to demand truth and transparency, holding photos of the children and banners with slogans such as “They took them alive, we want them alive!” and “Sir, madam, do not be indifferent, they take children in front of people!”
The National Assembly and the Mayor’s Office of Quito have declared three days of mourning. President Daniel Noboa has said there will be no impunity in this case and has asked law enforcement institutions to work with the Attorney General’s Office during the investigations. The defense ministry and armed forces have said they will collaborate in the investigations without reservations or conditions.