Nariño Town Attends Service Under Fire as Armed Groups Clash

Fear gripped the small community of Tabiles in Linares, Nariño, on Sunday, June 14, as approximately 200 inhabitants attended a religious service while illegal armed groups clashed violently in the nearby mountains. The sound of gunfire mingled with the church bells, creating an atmosphere of terror.

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Let us commend ourselves to the Lord Jesus so that we may all be protected. When the eucharist ends, let us leave with great caution, do not leave in a hurry.

During the eucharist for the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Parish of Our Lady of the Visitation, parishioners entered the church with haste and nervousness, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire. The ceremony proceeded under a cloud of uncertainty as the shooting continued outside.

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If you want to stay in the temple longer, you can do so, until we verify that you can leave with complete safety.

The local priest acknowledged the community's suffering due to the armed conflict, even during a religious festival. He offered the church as a temporary sanctuary, advising attendees to leave with extreme caution and avoid rushing. He also cautioned against spreading unverified information that could increase panic.

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But let's not leave in a hurry, nor run, let it be with great tranquility, let's be careful.

Reports indicate that three people, including a child, were injured when an explosive device struck a home. The priest mentioned that four individuals from the parish experienced facial paralysis due to anxiety after receiving worrying news about loved ones, though these fears were later allayed. He urged residents to seek safe places and stay together as families, especially if explosions occurred.

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If we don't know what's happening, let's not spread false news that alarms people.