Ecuador: Authorities amend state of emergency as of Aug. 12 to include nightly curfew in some areas through at least Aug. 30 /update 2

In response to major operations by organized crime groups, President Daniel Noboa has amended a previously declared state of emergency that is in effect in El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, and Santa Elena provinces as well as the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton of Azuay Province as of Aug. 12. The state of emergency is still slated to remain in effect in these areas through at least Aug. 30, including its suspension of some constitutional provisions related to the right to be free from warrantless searches. However, under the modification, a nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew is additionally in effect in the following areas:

• Azuay Province: Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton

• Guayas Province: Balao and Duran cantons and Tenguel Parish

• Los Rios Province: Baba, Babahoyo, Buena Fe, Mocache, Montalvo, Palenque, Pueblo Viejo, Quevedo, Quinsaloma, Valencia, Ventanas, Vinces, and Urdaneta cantons

• Orellana Province: La Joya de los Sachas, Loreto, and Puerto Francisco de Orellana cantons

In these areas, all persons must remain at home during curfew hours, with some exceptions made for essential personnel who must travel during curfew hours to complete their jobs. Both the National Police and armed forces are permitted to enforce the curfew, conduct searches of structures, and intercept correspondence without judicial authorization.

As a result of the decree, police and military personnel are likely to deploy throughout the affected areas and search buildings, which may cause business disruptions. Such searches are especially likely in areas used by drug traffickers, such as near major ports, including the Port of Guayaquil. Criminal groups may retaliate by engaging in armed attacks on security personnel.