QUITO, EC – A wave of chaos has swept across Ecuador following the escape of Jose Adolfo Macias, the notorious head of the Los Choneros crime gang, resulting in the abduction of four police officers and a series of explosions.
The turmoil comes as two correctional officers face charges over Macias’ disappearance from a prison complex in Guayaquil. Macias, dubbed the “most-wanted prisoner,” vanished on Sunday.
Three officers were seized from their station in Machala, while another was taken in Quito, the nation’s capital. An explosion also rocked a pedestrian bridge in the city, although no casualties were reported.
In response, the police have mobilized specialized units to find the missing officers and apprehend those responsible. “These acts will not remain in impunity,” vowed the police.
President Daniel Noboa declared a national state of emergency on Monday, a move that allows the suspension of civil rights and the deployment of the military in areas such as prisons.
Although he didn’t specifically mention the gang leader’s escape, President Noboa assured his citizens via Instagram that he is committed to restoring peace and confronting crime within prisons.
The prison authority also disclosed on Monday that several of its guards have been taken hostage in five different prisons nationwide.
Macias, also known as “Fito,” was serving a 34-year sentence for crimes including drug trafficking and murder. The late presidential candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, had accused Macias and his gang of threatening him and his campaign team days before his assassination last year.
Los Choneros is infamous for its involvement in extortion, murder, and drug trafficking crimes in Ecuador.