The Sozoranga Cantonal Security Council met to address the necessary actions and procedures in the face of the security emergency that the country is going through, as well as to prepare for the winter season. Representatives of the National Police, Fire Department, Red Cross, Political Headquarters, National and Municipal Police Stations, councilors, Risk Management Unit and BanEcuador participated in the meeting.
The mayor, Orli Renán Flores, highlighted that, although the canton is known for its tranquility, it is essential to take proactive measures given the current situation in the country. “We are going to reinforce our security and ensure that this tranquility is not altered,” he mentioned.
At the meeting, national security issues were addressed and immediate actions to face the winter season were discussed. The Municipality will collaborate with the Prefecture of Loja to have machinery available in strategic locations during the rainy season. In addition, the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works (MTOP) will be requested to have machinery on state roads.
The authorities agreed to request the presence of military and police personnel in key places in the canton, such as BanEcuador, service stations, schools and colleges, UPC, Municipality, Electric Company, and parish centers of Tacamoros and Nueva Fátima. The National Police reported that daily checks are being carried out at gas stations and entrances to the cantonal center.
In addition, the Cantonal COE was declared activated in permanent session. Permits for public events that involve crowds of people and the consumption of alcohol, including cockfights, were suspended. It was agreed to abide by the rules established in Executive Decrees No. 110 and 111, especially in the operating hours of commercial premises controlled by the Ministry of Government and the curfew. The assignment of personnel from the Armed Forces and National Police was also requested for the entire cantonal territory, including the Tacamoros and Nueva Fátima parishes. In addition, it was decided to create a Local Security Community Chat with the participation of neighborhood leaders and authorities from across the Sozoranga canton.
The session concluded with the decision to hold permanent sessions in the coming days, evaluating the current situation in the country and the canton.