In a series of alarming events, at least four Ecuadorian police officers have been kidnapped, and explosions have been reported in cities across the South American country. These developments have occurred following the prison escape of Jose Adolfo Macias, the leader of the notorious Los Choneros criminal organization.

The prosecutors' office in Ecuador has officially charged two corrections officers with involvement in Macias's disappearance. The escape occurred on Sunday in Guayaquil, where a complex was left vulnerable. Macias, considered the "most-wanted prisoner" by officials, managed to leave undetected.

Reports reveal that three police officers were abducted from their station in the city of Machala overnight, while another officer was taken by a group of criminals in the capital city of Quito. Additionally, an explosion targeted a pedestrian bridge in Quito, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Ecuadorian police have responded swiftly, with specialized units actively searching for their colleagues and aiming to apprehend the perpetrators. They have made it clear that these acts will not go unpunished.

President Daniel Noboa declared a national state of emergency on Monday, granting authorities the power to suspend certain rights and deploy the military, particularly in prisons. Although President Noboa did not directly reference Macias's escape, in an Instagram message, he expressed his determination to restore peace to all Ecuadorians and reinforce efforts to combat crime within prisons.

The Ecuadorian prison authority also revealed that guards in five prisons across the country have been taken hostage, further exacerbating the situation.

Fito, or Jose Adolfo Macias, was serving a lengthy 34-year sentence for various crimes, including drug trafficking and murder. It is worth noting that Macias and the Los Choneros organization were previously linked to the death of Fernando Villavicencio, a presidential candidate who was killed in August last year following a rally in Quito. Villavicencio had publicly accused Los Choneros and Macias of threatening him and his campaign team prior to his assassination.

Los Choneros has gained a reputation for its involvement in extortion, murder, and drug trafficking activities within Ecuador. Authorities consider them a significant criminal force, putting the nation's security and stability at risk.

As Ecuador grapples with this alarming situation, efforts to locate and arrest the perpetrators are underway. The government's declaration of a state of emergency signals a firm commitment to restoring order and ensuring the safety of its citizens.