Children Rescued in Jungle Will Remain in Custody of ICBF

The children rescued in the jungle of Colombia will remain in the custody of the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF).

This was announced by the Family Welfare Institute in a press conference: the siblings rescued in the southern jungle of the country will remain under their care for a period that can last up to 6 months.

Since the miraculous rescue of the indigenous children lost in the jungle, it has been revealed that they will continue under the guardianship and protection of the State. The minors were discharged from the Military Hospital on Wednesday, July 13. They have remained there for the previous 30 days, recovering from their extreme survival experience.

ICBF will ensure their well-being

In statements to the media, the director of the institution, Ástrid Eliana Cáceres, informed that “we had the opportunity to accompany them on their departure from the hospital. It was quite loving.” Cáceres expressed a “special” thanks to the team of doctors and other professionals who have assisted in the recovery of the minors at the Military Hospital facilities.

Cáceres stated that during their admission, the children “have had the support of indigenous organizations, relatives, and state entities such as the Ombudsman’s Office.”

Kept away from the media spotlight

To preserve their integrity, the ICBF has decided not to publicly disclose the location of the children from now on. However, Semana magazine has published some images in which the children are seen playing, and according to statements from the ICBF, they are “very happy to share a new space and leave the hospital.”

The present situation for the children is to continue their recovery under the care of the Institute until the Family Ombudsman makes a decision. Nevertheless, Director Cáceres has assured that “the children will return to their family environment when the fulfillment of the minors’ rights is guaranteed.” It is worth noting that the siblings lost their mother in the plane crash in the jungle.

During the press conference, the director of the ICBF announced the start of the second phase of Operation Esperanza, which involves the restoration of the children’s rights. It is a “transitional phase,” a process managed by a specialized Family Ombudsman team in ethnic matters. This team has up to six months to decide on any changes in the situation of the four minors who, for 40 days, were the focus of media attention in the country until they were found alive in the jungles of Guaviare.