The Fourth Criminal Guarantees Tribunal of Ecuador has issued a written notification regarding the sentencing of 16 military personnel involved in the forced disappearance of four minors—Josué, Ismael, Nehemías, and Steven—who were apprehended on December 8, 2024, in the Las Malvinas sector of southern Guayaquil. This official notification follows an oral announcement made previously on December 22, 2025, where the judges had outlined their decision, and it formalizes the consequences of the ruling.

Among the 17 military personnel who were tried, 16 have been convicted while one, Colonel Juan Francisco I, was acquitted. The sentences were severe, with eleven military members receiving 34 years and eight months in prison for their roles in the forced disappearances. Additionally, five other military personnel, who provided information during the investigation, were sentenced to 30 months in prison. This case is significant in the context of human rights accountability in Ecuador, as it addresses a troubling incident involving minors and highlights the ongoing issues related to the military's involvement in such matters.

The implications of this ruling are profound for Ecuador's legal and military institutions, as it seeks to establish accountability for crimes against civilians, especially vulnerable populations such as children. The formal conclusion of this case may also inspire further scrutiny of military practices and push for reforms to prevent similar instances of forced disappearances in the future, signaling a potential shift towards greater adherence to human rights protections within the military structure in Ecuador.