The state of emergency is in effect for 60 days under Executive Decree 110 and can be extended for another 30 days. President Daniel Noboa almost takes it for granted when he says that major strikes are happening with the armed forces and the national police that cannot be stopped.

In statements from January 22, the president announced a system of traffic lights in the cantons for the application of the curfew, among other measures, which gives breath to the manufacturing sector, which welcomes with hope the possibility of extending working hours in companies.

“Traffic lights will enable the oxygenation of different areas of the country where the crime rate is low”, experts say about the government’s initiative

There are specific things that define the Government’s decisions. What needs to be emphasized is the analysis based on risk levels by sector, and it is up to local authorities, unions and citizens to understand and support everything that involves contributing to the restoration of peace.

On the other hand, if the regime announces a traffic light system, it must have in its plan an effective targeting method that enables the control of insecurity in different sectors of the country.

Daniel Noboa announced traffic lights in the cantons due to the curfew, and defended the VAT increase to 15% to fight against narco-terrorist groups

Attacks on drug trafficking are an indication that there are results in the joint work of the Armed Forces and the National Police. In the canton of Ventanas alone, in the province of Los Ríos, the army confiscated almost 22 tons of drugs.

Between January 9 and 20, implementing Fénix’s security plan, law enforcement detained 2,578 people, 158 of whom will be prosecuted for the alleged crime of terrorism.

The president is right when he says “we can’t believe this was resolved in two weeks.” That is why all the measures that are adopted must be defined by the final analysis.

There is agreement on the need to reactivate the economy. This context requires prudence and cooperation in accordance with the Government’s recommendations in order to win the battle against criminal groups. The judiciary and all state agencies must join the work of the Armed Forces and the National Police. (OR)