Discovery of a Mass Grave Involving Eight Evangelical Leaders
Colombian officials have uncovered a mass grave in a remote part of Calamar, Guaviare, containing the remains of eight religious leaders. These individuals, originally from Arauca, had been involved in humanitarian and spiritual projects in the region before they mysteriously disappeared.
Details of the Incident
Initial investigations reveal that the leaders were summoned in April by dissidents linked to FARC, specifically the Armando RÃos Front, acting under orders from an individual known as Iván Mordisco. Authorities believe that the abduction was orchestrated to preempt the suspected formation of an ELN cell, even though no concrete evidence has been found connecting the victims with that guerrilla group.
The breakthrough in the case came after the capture of a guerrilla combatant in May. A mobile phone seized from him contained photographs of the detained leaders and images of the crime scene, which ultimately led investigators to the hidden grave. The eight individuals are identified as James Caicedo, Óscar GarcÃa, Máryuri Hernández, Maribel Silva, Isaid Gómez, Carlos Valero, Nixon Peñaloza, and Jesús Valero—all of whom were active members of the Evangelical councils Alianza de Colombia and Cuadrangular.
Response from the Evangelical Confederation
The Evangelical Confederation of Colombia (CEDECOL) has strongly condemned the crime. In an official statement, the group expressed solidarity with the grieving families and religious communities, while calling for prayers for peace and solace. CEDECOL demanded that authorities ensure a swift investigation and impose rigorous measures to protect spiritual leaders who serve in some of the country’s most vulnerable regions. In its statement, the organization also reaffirmed its commitment to preserving life, truth, justice, and peace, and recalled the biblical promise that those persecuted for righteousness will inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Government and International Reactions
President Gustavo Petro has publicly denounced the killing, characterizing it as a profound violation of human rights, and has called for bolstering state and security efforts in the conflict-ridden territories. A family member of one of the victims emphasized the urgent need for governmental intervention, noting that rural communities are bearing the brunt of a conflict between rival armed groups without adequate protection.
International bodies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, have also spoken out against the incident, warning that such acts stifle crucial community voices and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in remote areas. Local officials in Calamar have reported that residents feel abandoned, urging the national government to address the escalating security situation rather than focusing on unrelated festivities. The ongoing power struggle between armed factions continues to create an atmosphere of insecurity, even affecting local leadership.
Context and the Broader Conflict
Recent data from development and peace studies indicate that this massacre is the largest recorded in Colombia in 2025. More than 30 multiple homicide incidents have been documented in rural regions, where disputes between FARC and ELN dissidents are common. Guaviare, in particular, has been plagued by conflict, with recurrent clashes between groups associated with Iván Mordisco and another faction led by Calarcá. Just this past January, heavy fighting resulted in 20 bodies being reported at a local morgue.
The tragic discovery highlights the extreme vulnerability of social and religious leaders in areas controlled by illegal armed groups. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accelerated investigations, enhanced protection measures for spiritual leaders, and a steadfast institutional commitment to safeguard those working for peace and community cohesion in Colombia.
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