Colombian authorities have arrested Manuel Ranoque, the father of two of the four Indigenous children who miraculously survived a plane crash in the Amazon jungle. The crash tragically claimed the lives of their mother and two other adults. The Colombian Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the arrest, but did not provide specific details regarding the reason. However, media reports suggest that the case involves allegations of abuse.
Astrid Eliana Cáceres, director of the Colombian Institute for Family Welfare, expressed support for the arrest, stating that the state agency had been collaborating with the authorities. She emphasized that they believe the prosecutor’s office has acted in accordance with the law. Ranoque has been engaged in a custody battle with the children’s maternal grandparents, who have been caring for them since their recovery from malnutrition and other health issues following the crash.
Narciso Mucutuy, the children’s maternal grandfather, has accused Ranoque of physically abusing their mother, Magdalena Mucutuy. The oldest child, Lesly, revealed that their mother passed away just four days after the plane crash. Ranoque, prior to his arrest, acknowledged that there were problems within the family. However, he considered them private matters, not meant for public scrutiny.
The four siblings, aged 1, 4, 9, and 13, have been under the custody of Colombia’s child protection agency since leaving the hospital. Their survival story captivated the world as they managed to endure 40 days in the treacherous Amazon jungle on their own. The children’s resilience and bravery in the face of adversity have been widely celebrated.
The arrest of Ranoque adds a new layer of complexity to the already tragic narrative. The allegations of abuse raise concerns about the children’s well-being and the circumstances leading up to the plane crash. As the legal proceedings unfold, authorities will undoubtedly investigate the claims thoroughly to ensure justice is served.