On Tuesday, February 10th, dozens of supporters gathered outside the Prosecutor's Office in downtown Guayaquil to demand the release of Mayor Aquiles Alvarez, who was arrested earlier that morning. Alvarez, along with his brother Antonio and nine others, faced detention as part of an investigation into alleged organized crime, money laundering, and tax evasion. The supporters displayed signs and expressed their outrage at the circumstances surrounding the mayor's arrest.

The arrests were part of a series of police operations that took place across various locations in Guayaquil and Samborondón, which were executed under the oversight of the Prosecutor's Office. Following the detention, the involved individuals were transported to Quito, where charges will be formally filed against them. The involvement of military and police presence was notably heightened given the large turnout of supporters, indicating the intensity of public sentiment regarding the situation.

Alvarez's arrest has sparked significant public unrest, evidenced by the mobilization of his supporters. The allegations against him and the others involved in this case raise serious concerns about issues of corruption and organized crime in Ecuador, signaling a critical moment in local governance and accountability. The government’s response to the protests and ongoing investigation will be closely watched, as it may influence the political landscape in Guayaquil and beyond.