QUITO, January 31, 2026 (EFE).– The documentary “The last hours”which narrates the execution of four Afro-descendant minors after being detained by military in December 2024, won the “Eugenio Espejo” National Journalism Awardwhich grants the National Union of Journalists (UNP) of Ecuador.
The notorious execution of four minors
The case refers to the irregular detention of the brothers Ismael and Josué Arroyo15 and 14 years old, y of his friends Saúl Arboleda15, and Steven Medina11, outside a mall from the south of Guayaquil.
Los bodies of the four minors they appeared later charred and with bullet impacts.
Good journalism documentary
The awards jury highlighted that the documentary by the team made up of Allen Panchana, Alina Manrique, Jose Haz y Freddy Perez It is of “high professional level and undoubted social impact; an example of good journalism and model for the new generations”.
“It was necessary to resignify this story and its protagonists, because This crime occurred in a very complicated context not only for journalism, but pplow the country. Silence and misinformation were never an alternative,” he said. Alina Manrique.
The other award-winning journalists
The UPN also awarded Paula Espinosa for his chronicle “The generation that forgot to mark the past”published in Mundo Diners Magazine.
A reportajesthe UPN awarded Bessy Farm by ““Prisons, violence and diseases”broadcast on Ecuavisa.
The prize of investigation it was for Jonathan Palman and Flor Layedra Torresfor the series “The owners of health”published in the newspaper Expreso.
The award of the best interview it was for Gisella Ronquillo by “Donald Trump considers Daniel Noboa among the main allies in the region, says Robert Kennedy Jr.”published in the newspaper El Universo.
In institutional and organizational communication the winners were CruzKaya Ordóñez, Gianella Carrion, Javier Vazquez y Karina Valarezo by the popular science magazine Research Perspectivesfrom the Private Technical University of Loja (UTPL).
Also Christian Espinosa, Anita Villarruel y Sebastian Cardenasfor the “Pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence in public communication of the ISSFA”.
Photoperiodist who documents and inspires
The prize in photojournalism he took it Pavel Calahorranofor the series “Every day, an illusion”with photographs Edmund Kronfleexecutive of the Oro Verde hotel chain, published in Forbes Ecuador magazine.
The jury highlighted that the images presented “are sequential, similar to a movie,” which managed to capture the leadership, innovation, empathy and dreams of the character.
From his role as photo editor in the magazine, Calahorrano He highlighted the responsibility of looking for stories beyond day-to-day information, and of portraying business and social leaders who not only shine for their achievements, but also for their integrity and academic career.
In statements to EFE, Calahorrano today, Saturday, he stressed the value of those who agree to tell their stories.
“Not every path to success is linear: there are economic and personal failures, misfortunes. But these people continue forward, pushing for the country that we all want to see,” he said.
Calahorrano He adds this award to a journey that has led him to explore different narratives and construct images that reveal effort, resilience and hope.
Beyond personal distinction, Calahorrano –who with him photojournalism It not only documents, but also inspires – it celebrates the validity of serious and rigorous journalism.
“This type of recognition They should not stop, because it is not about rewarding an individual, but about give encouragement to serious journalism that is done every day”, he stated.
#Today l Our photography editor, Pavel Calahorrano Betancourt, was recognized tonight for his work in the 24th edition of the printed magazine, where the story of Edmundo Kronfle, a Guayaquil businessman, is told.
His portraits of Edmundo Kronfle were notable for their… pic.twitter.com/Q7FLPsrAcr
— Forbes Ecuador (@forbesecuador) January 30, 2026
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