GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador — Faced with rising pressure from human rights advocates and citizens, President Daniel Noboa announced on Monday that his administration will not shield anyone implicated in the disappearance of four children who were last seen fleeing from a military convoy.

During a local radio interview, Noboa committed to providing clarity in this troubling case, although he noted that it was too early to label it as a forced disappearance. His remarks followed demonstrations in Guayaquil, the coastal city from which the children went missing on December 8.

“We are committed to justice, and regardless of whether the individuals involved are civilians, priests, police officers, or military personnel, ultimately, the public deserves answers,” Noboa stated on Radio Democracy. He emphasized that his administration will not cover up the situation as he prepares for a re-election bid in February.

The children, aged between 11 and 15, were reported missing after a game of soccer at night in the Las Malvinas neighborhood of Guayaquil. According to the father of one of the missing boys, the children began to flee upon the arrival of two vehicles occupied by individuals dressed in military attire. The father, whose identity was not disclosed, recounted that the children were pursued, with four eventually apprehended and taken away.

On Monday, a large crowd gathered outside the Attorney General’s Office in Guayaquil, demanding updates on the children’s status and urging that the incident be treated as a case of forced disappearance.

Fernando Bastias, a representative from Ecuador’s Permanent Committee for the Defense of Human Rights, characterized the disappearances as “a serious violation of human rights” and called for the accountability of any military individuals who may be involved.

The Attorney General’s Office has not yet responded to inquiries about the situation.