Ecuador: Authorities extend state of emergency and curfew in some areas until at least Dec. 2 /update 4

In response to major operations by organized crime groups, the Ecuadorian government has modified its existing state of emergency (SoE) to include the Metropolitan District of Quito; El Oro, Guayas, Los Rios, Manabi, Orellana, and Santa Elena provinces, as well as the Camilo Ponce Enriquez Canton in Azuay Province, remain under a previously declared SoE. Authorities have also extended the measure until at least Dec. 2. Under the directive, some constitutional provisions related to the right to be free from warrantless searches and seizures are suspended, as is the right to assembly. Additionally, the government has ordered that a 22:00-05:00 curfew 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, Urdaneta, Valencia, Ventanas, and Vinces 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 perform their jobs. Both the National Police and armed forces are permitted to enforce the curfew, conduct searches of structures, and intercept correspondence without court authorization.

Police and military personnel will likely 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.