That decision deeply polarised Ecuadorian politics , as liberals generally viewed Perception_active the Church as an obstacle Hindering to social and political progress .

Colombia 's liberal president , Tomas Cipriano de Mosquera ( 1798–1878 ) , provided Supply aid Assistance to Ecuadorian liberals , who wished to overthrow Change_of_leadership Garcia Moreno .

Mosquera subsequently brought Bringing his army into Ecuadorian territory , reaching Arriving the town of Ibarra without encountering Hostile_encounter any resistance , but the two sides then agreed Agree_or_refuse_to_act to an armistice .

During the war , Peru occupied Hold the western Ecuadorian province of El Oro and parts of the Andean province of Loja .