Defense Minister apologizes for the deaths of four Guayaquil boys but defends the military

Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo on Monday made a public apology to the relatives of the four Guayaquil boys who disappeared December 8. In his statement, he said the 16 soldiers involved in the “forced disappearance” of the boys would be punished based on the results of an ongoing investigation.

Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo

The bodies of the four boys were identified last week after being found in a remote area near the Taura Air Force base a week earlier. According to police, the boys were picked up by a military patrol near a Guayaquil mall December 8 and taken to the base 30 kilometers north of the city. Loffredo acknowledged that the patrol violated protocol in detaining the boys, who should have been handed over to police.

“I am very sorry for what happened to your children, Ismael, Josué, Saúl and Steven, and admit it is not possible for me to understand the pain you are experiencing,” Loffredo told the parents. “This is a terrible tragedy not only for you, but the entire country, which has witnessed and experienced the horror of this case,” he said. “Events like this should not be repeated. I offer my heartfelt apologies.”

Loffredo said the military is cooperating in the investigation by police and prosecutors and said the soldiers will be held accountable for their actions. He added that it is yet to be determined whether the soldiers were involved in the boys’ murders or only in their disappearance.

Following his apology, Loffredo defended the armed forces, saying the “acts of a few do not define” Ecuador’s military. “This is a strong, loyal institution dedicated to protecting the citizens of the country and that mission will not change. We are dedicated not only to providing security within our borders but to protecting human rights and this is why we want this case investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Loffredo said his apology on behalf the miliary was “sincere and heartfelt” despite the fact it was ordered by Judge Tanya Loor, who presided over the habeas corpus hearing requested by the boys’ parents. He added that he objected to the judge’s term of “forced disappearance” applied to the case, saying the findings of the investigation have yet to be determined.

“I have complied with your order but regret that your comments regarding this case have given way to political persecution by opponents of this government,” Loffredo said. “I will not allow politics to bring the reputation of the armed forces to its knees and neither will be the people of Ecuador.”

Following Loffredo’s apology, Interior Minister Mónica Palencia said the “latest information tells us the reputation of the armed forces remains strong,” apparently in reference to polls that show the institution suffered no loss of public confidence following the disappearance of the four boys. “The military of this country is the most respected institution in Ecuador and there is no indication that this will change,” she said.