Héctor Afranio Quilismal Cuaical was an indigenous leader on the Gran Cumbal reservation in Pueblo Pastos, Nariño. Héctor was also an environmentalist and indigenous rights defender
On 14 December, 2019, he set off on trip with a group of tourists into the forest area of Palacios. It appears that on the way back from the trip Héctor got separated from the group. Despite extensive searches no trace of him could be found either in the days immediately afterwards or since then.
On 21 January, 2020, human remains were found near the community of Jardines de Sucumbíos.
After months of analysis the remains were finally identified as belonging to Héctor and in August 2020, were finally handed over to his family for burial.
An investigation has been opened into Héctor’s death as a case of forced disappearance and murder.