New Conaie president urged to reinstate Pachakutik Assembly members; Cuenca criminal gang is busted; Gasoline rationed in Quito; Blessing of the pets

National Assemblywoman Cecilia Baltazar is asking new Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (Conaie) President Marlon Vargas to reverse the expulsion of six Pachakutik members ordered last week by the Conaie Governing Council. “The vote was taken by the outgoing council the day before it was voted out of office,” she said. “I understand that Marlon is rejecting the iron-handed approach of [former Conaie president Leonidas] Iza.”

On Sunday, the full Conaie membership voted to replace Iza with Vargas and also elected a new Governing Council.

The annual blessing of pets will begin Sunday morning, July 27, at 8 at the San Sebastián church.

Iza had called the six Pachakutik asambleistas “traitors” for voting for proposals presented by President Daniel Noboa and recommended their expulsion from the party, which is the political arm of Conaie.

Baltazar defended her votes and those of other Pachakutik members, saying they were voting for the interests of their constituents. “We are all dedicated to the cause of the indigenous people but sometimes our interests do not align with the interests of Conaie leadership,” she said. “I believe that the new Conaie leadership will recognize the diversity of positions within the movement and support the freedom of the Assembly delegation to vote in the interest of our people.”

Gasoline rationed in Quito
Gasoline distributors in Quito are demanding that Petroecuador explain why many stations are receiving only 70% of their normal allotment of Extra gasoline. The reduction in deliveries began late last week, forcing some gas stations to limit purchases to $15 per customer.

“The government told us there would be no disruption in deliveries as a result of the problems at the refinery and pipeline but now they are not returning our calls,” says Oswaldo Erazo, executive secretary of the National Chamber of Petroleum Distributors. “All we ask is that they provide honest answers to our questions so we can make plans to serve the public.”

Ecuador’s largest refinery in Esmeraldas is operating at less than 50% capacity due to a May fire while two oil pipelines have been shut down for 10 days due to erosion on the Rio Coca.

Cuenca criminal gang busted
National Police arrested 11 people for drug trafficking in a series of raids Monday night in Cuenca. Among those arrested was Carlos A., alias Oso, who police said has ties to the Los Lobos gang.

According to prosecutors, those arrested engaged in drug micro-trafficking in Cuenca as well as thefts of motorcycles, cell phones and other valuables. In raids, police seized 37 kilos of cocaine, seven kilos of marijuana, two motorcycles, 15 cell phones and an undisclosed amount of cash.

In statement on X, Interior Minister John Reimberg praised the arrests, and claimed that the Los Lobos activities in Cuenca had been “disassembled.” He said that seven of those arrested had been arrested previously.

Blessing of the pets
The annual blessing of the pets will begin Sunday morning, July 27, at 8 at San Sebastián church in Cuenca. The traditional blessing was established in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The blessing is conducted by priests who sprinkle holy water on pets while reciting a prayer.