Norberto Vélez, the mayor of Rocafuerte, Ecuador, has publicly declared that he will not be intimidated following an armed attack he suffered on the night of February 8 in Manabí province. He shared this message through social media, assuring the community that both he and his wife, who was with him during the incident, are in good health and safe after the attack. The incident occurred as they were traveling along the Portoviejo-Montecristi road when unidentified individuals opened fire on their vehicle.

Vélez recounted the frightening details of the incident, stating that as they were heading from Portoviejo to the Manta airport, he heard at least two gunshots and quickly accelerated to escape the area while making an emergency call to the national police for assistance. The attack raises significant concerns about security and the safety of public officials in the region, indicating a troubling trend of violence that officials may face in their roles.

The response from local and national authorities to enhance security for public officials and the community may be crucial in addressing these threats. The incident not only reflects the dangers that politicians encounter but also highlights the need for broader measures to combat violence and organized crime in Ecuador, where such attacks could potentially undermine the democratic processes and governance in local jurisdictions.