Armed attack at wake for two children in Napo leaves two dead and three injured

An armed attack and subsequent police confrontation occurred during a wake for two children in the rural parish of Puerto Napo, Tena canton, on Friday, November 13, 2026. The incident resulted in two deaths and three injuries. The attack took place during a memorial service for siblings Flor Aracely Alvarado and Leodan Bolívar Andi Alvarado, who were found dead after being missing since October 30, 2026.

Details of the confrontation

According to Minister of the Interior John Reimberg, armed men arrived in a vehicle and opened fire, which led to a confrontation with police officers who were already on site. The exchange of gunfire and a subsequent police pursuit on the Tena–Puyo road resulted in the deaths of two suspects. Police also seized the firearm used in the attack and the vehicle involved, which sustained multiple impacts and damages.

Three people, including minors, were injured during the confrontation. These individuals are currently under police custody with reserved medical prognoses. Ecuadorn media reported that the three injured individuals have criminal records and are linked to the Los Lobos organization. Colonel Juan Carlos Mafla confirmed the details regarding the injuries and the criminal background of those involved.

Background of the investigation

The victims, Flor Aracely Alvarado and Leodan Bolívar Andi Alvarado, were found buried in the Shalkana sector on the road to the Ahuano parish. The children had been missing since they left the Elicio Olalla Educational Unit in the Santa Rosa sector of Tena. Security cameras showed the children disembarking from a bus in Puerto Napo and boarding a motorcycle driven by an unknown man, according to reports from Japanese media.

One suspect, identified as Jerson Damián P., was detained and transported to the Archidona prison following a charge formulation hearing. Minister of the Interior John Reimberg stated that authorities are investigating if the attack is related to the capture of the main suspect in the children's murder. The Minister also met with the family of the minors on the night of Thursday, November 12, 2026.

Uncertainties in the timeline

There is currently uncertainty regarding the exact timing of the violence. While some reports suggest gunshots were heard near the Napo River bridge around 02:00, other reports describe the attack as occurring during the afternoon of Thursday, November 12. Authorities continue to process the scene and the evidence collected from the vehicle and the firearm.

Glossary

• Puerto Napo — Puerto Napo is a location that features three large haciendas and six indigenous dwellings. It is situated along the Napo River.
• Los Lobos — Los Lobos is an organization. Individuals linked to this group have been identified in connection with criminal records.