Ecuador: Authorities extend state of emergency and curfew measures in some areas until at least Sept. 29 /update 3

In response to major operations by organized crime groups, President Daniel Noboa has extended a previously declared state of emergency in El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, and Santa Elena provinces as well as the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton of Azuay Province until at least Sept. 29. Under the state of emergency, some constitutional provisions related to the right to be free from warrantless searches are suspended. Additionally, the government has confirmed that a 22:00-05:00 curfew will continue to be enforced 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.