On February 16, 2023, beachgoers at El Murciélago in Manta, Ecuador, were surprised by a military operation involving the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE). Instead of typical tourist advertising, military personnel handed out flyers resembling $100 bills. This initiative is part of the Plan de Recompensas 131, a collaborative effort between the Armed Forces and the National Police aimed at dismantling criminal networks by incentivizing community involvement.

Approximately 1,000 flyers were distributed directly to individuals on the beach. The campaign encourages citizens to provide information that could lead to the identification of key individuals in organized crime, including the whereabouts of weapons caches, leaders of armed groups, and drug trafficking routes. This strategy is designed not only to solicit tips but also to raise awareness about the ongoing issues of violence and crime in the region.

The choice to design the flyers to resemble money serves a dual purpose: it captures attention and provokes curiosity, thus increasing the likelihood that people will engage with the initiative. The overall goal is to empower citizens to take a proactive stance against crime while improving collaboration between the public and law enforcement agencies in Ecuador.