Josué and Ismael Arroyo, Nehemías Arboleda and Steven Medina are the names that for more than 20 days have been echoing in the calls for justice in Ecuador. The four disappeared on December 8 after being apprehended by the military in an operation in the Las Malvinas sectorin Guayaquil.
In the midst of the versions about what happened that day, Their families continue to fight for answers.. The children’s personal stories shock the country.
While waiting for the forensic results carried out on the cremated bodies found near the Taura Military Basearound the area where the children were last seen alivethe State Attorney General’s Office has reported that initial tests, such as anthropological and fingerprint analyses, were inconclusive due to the advanced state of decomposition and calcination of the remains.
Currently, DNA tests are being carried out, the results of which could take between 30 and 40 days, as confirmed by the Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDH), which assists the children’s families.
In a statement dated December 29, the Public Ministry clarified that until now there is no official confirmation about the identity of the bodies found. “Identification tests continue, which is why no confirmation has been issued in this regard.“said the institution, which also called for handling the information responsibly and waiting for the official results before drawing conclusions.
The Prosecutor’s Office reiterated that the final reports will be delivered to families of the disappeared when there is certainty guaranteed by the expertise. In this context, the families and the organizations that represent them insist on avoiding speculation that could divert attention from the investigations and the suffering of those seeking answers.
At 15 years old, Ismaelthe eldest of the brothers Arroyolives his passion for football with absolute dedication. His talent has led him to win medals and be promoted to a competitive level, cementing his dream of one day playing professionally. Inspired by international stars such as Neymar, Ismael He sees football not only as a way to achieve his personal goals, but also as a way to support his family.
As observed in a report by Ecuavisahis father proudly keeps the t-shirts he Ismael used in matches. The medals that Ismael obtained for his skill in soccer are today carried by his parents to demand that the teenager return alive. Ismael is a federated player of a sports club. In a sad irony, his disappearance occurred after leaving home to practice the sport he loves so much.
His younger brother, Joshua14 years old, shares a passion for soccer, but leans more towards academic. It’s a student disciplined and applied, something that is reflected in his impeccable notebooks and in the high grades that his mother showed on television, as observed in Ecuavisa. Despite their differences, the brothers were united by big shared dreams, like building a house for their mother.
Nehemiah15 years old, is remembered as a charismatic young man with an innate talent for singing. His passion for music led him to participate in artistic activities and be part of music videos as an extra, in addition to joining social choirs, according to his mother told Ecuavisa.
“He sings everywhere he just lives singing. (Passes) smiling, he has a very nice smile“said his mother, while she continues tirelessly in the search for her son. His ability to connect with people through his voice and his joy made him stand out in his community.
Steventhe youngest of the four missing children, is 11 years old and is described by his parents and guardians as a child full of dreams and energy. According to the report of Ecuavisa, Steven He actively participated in educational and religious programs of social organizations, where he stood out for his enthusiasm and leadership. A football lover, he dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and adored superheroes.
In his home, on the mattress where he slept before his disappearance, his parents have placed his favorite t-shirts and toys. Steven. His father, with his face marked by fatigue and hope, recalled with emotion his son’s love for Spider-Man.
The communicator Gabriela Panchanawho has closely followed this case, published that Steven He was also part of the “Hot Soup for the Soul” program, where he received school reinforcement and catechesis. Susana Veloz, program coordinator, highlighted her commitment and good character: “He was happy to receive catechesis, he dreamed of being a soccer player. A very good boy, he has four brothers, one of them, Rony, is a scholarship recipient at Dolores Sopeña,” he said, as published by Panchana.
