In brief
Armed men opened fire on a rally in Huaquillas, Ecuador, killing former mayor Ronald Farfan and councilor candidate Cristhian Rugel. The National Police confirmed the shooting in the Los Israelitas neighborhood, and El Oro province has seen a surge in homicides this year. Police are investigating possible motives tied to criminal groups, as Ecuadorians prepare to vote on Nov. 29.
At about 10 p.m. Monday, armed men opened fire on a political rally in Huaquillas, Ecuador, killing former mayor Ronald Farfan and councilor candidate Cristhian Rugel, the National Police said.
The shooting occurred in the Los Israelitas neighborhood, where the candidates were attending a gathering with supporters ahead of the Nov. 29 local elections, local media reported Tuesday.
Background
El Oro province’s homicide rate has surged, with official figures cited by local media indicating almost 1,000 killings so far in 2026, roughly fifty percent higher than the same period last year.
Police are investigating several possible motives for the attack, including threats and extortion by criminal groups, the Quita‑based agency added.
Electors in the province are set to choose provincial prefects, vice‑prefects, mayors, urban and rural city councilors, and members of rural parish boards on Nov. 29, the National Police noted.
The incident has heightened concerns over violence ahead of Ecuador’s local elections, as officials call for increased security measures across the country.
