Noticias, jueves 20 de agosto del 2026 | 24 Horas | Quito

Summary of the news (Teleamazonas / Quito — jueves 20 de agosto de 2026)

Religious event (Loja)

• The broadcast highlights the start of the pilgrimage of the Virgin of El Cisne, departing from Catamayo to the city of Loja.
• The event is expected to bring faithful from across Ecuador.
• Estimated arrival time: around 4:00 pm, with coverage planned throughout the day.

Crime and public safety in Quito

Daylight robbery (Tumbaco)

• Police report a daytime robbery carried out by two men on motorcycles.
• Victims were robbed of over $2,000 and multiple cell phones.
• Investigators used tracking from one phone and surveillance footage to locate the suspects’ motorcycles.
• Authorities reportedly found a 9mm firearm at a property.
• One suspect allegedly had been arrested about six months earlier, and residents describe worsening insecurity, saying the area is no longer “peaceful.”

Armed suspects arrested (south Quito)

• Operations in Argelia and Ferroviaria resulted in three arrests.
• Additional arrests were made during another vehicle stop.
• Police reportedly found revolvers and pistols, along with evidence allegedly linking them to robbery crimes.
• Six people were detained in southern Quito within hours.

Clandestine bar/nightclub shut down inside restaurant (Metropolitan controls)

• City enforcement shut down a hidden “clandestine bar/nightclub” inside a shawarma restaurant, featuring a concealed staircase.
• Authorities report over 100 intoxicated young people were removed, including individuals with warrants.
• The owner is described as a repeat offender.
• The AMC also mentions broader actions in university areas and against fronts for illegal alcohol/drug activity and brothels.

Shooting during attempted robbery (south Quito — Villaflora / near Juan Jácome street)

• Residents report a wounded Uber driver who was shot in the neck during an interception by criminals on a motorcycle.
• Neighbors criticize delays from ECU 911/ambulance response (around 45 minutes or more), while police arrival is described as quicker.
• The injured driver remains hospitalized in critical condition.
• Thieves reportedly failed to steal the car and then fled.

International cooperation (Esmeraldas border)

• A new strategy is activated involving U.S. Southern Command, with a team arriving in Esmeraldas to strengthen security along the northern border amid transnational crime violence.
• The U.S. team coordinates with Ecuadorian authorities.
• Reported figures include 117 violent deaths in Esmeraldas canton in the first half of 2026.
• Concerns are also highlighted in San Lorenzo, including alleged recruitment of youth by criminal networks.

Illegal mining crackdown

Napo (armed forces offensive)

• Operations against illegal mining over two months caused nearly $1 million in losses to mining structures.
• Authorities describe damage to logistics and equipment, dismantling of camps, and broader impacts including:
  • Deforestation
  • Abandoned machinery
  • Pollution
  • Harm to communities and rivers

Zamora Chinchipe (clashes in the San José mining area)

• A military operation targeting mining machinery triggered clashes between military personnel and miners.
• Several detainees were initially held and then released.
• Miners protest the operations, demanding:
  • Regularization
  • Rejection of the burning/destruction of machinery

Mobility and traffic updates (Quito)

Major crash (Simón Bolívar Avenue near El Troje)

• Early morning: a trailer truck overturned, striking an electric utility pole.
• The right lane (south-to-north) remained closed pending investigation.
• It was also noted the truck had not undergone required inspection.
• Later updates indicate the trailer carried hazardous chemical cylinders (including ammonia and other chemicals).
• Firefighters report no leaks.
• Removal/turning is expected around 9:00 am, and alternate routes are advised.

Vehicle restriction (Thursday “pico y placa”-style)

• The last-digit restriction is reiterated for:
  • 6:00–9:30 (morning)
  • 4:00–8:00 (afternoon)
• Exceptions include seniors, people with disabilities, and drivers of electric vehicles.

Municipal enforcement / infrastructure

Unsafe pedestrian bridge (Maldonado Avenue)

• Residents denounce a pedestrian bridge that is reportedly split in half and heavily rusted.
• Allegations say it was left that way after a drunk-driving crash years earlier.
• Residents report pedestrians face high risk and describe misuse of the structure (e.g., “thieves’ mine/urinal”).
• Mobility and public works indicate many bridges are being assessed, but this one is described as neglected.

Anti-feeding campaign / pest control (historic center)

• Metropolitan agencies intervene regarding people feeding pigeons in the historic center (San Francisco Square).
• Officials say this violates municipal rules and contributes to pest proliferation (including ticks and fleas), increasing pigeon concentration.
• Penalties are mentioned (e.g., 0.2% of a basic unified salary).

Vendors vs relocation plan (La Carolina Park)

• Licensed vendors oppose a proposed relocation by Mobility and Public Works.
• Their arguments include that relocation would:
  • Expand informal commerce
  • Reduce sales
  • Increase insecurity
• They cite prior failed relocation attempts and state permissions/permits have not been fully addressed.
• Vendors request improvements to current locations rather than fences/relocation that could disrupt pedestrian flow.

Environmental/social policy

Monjas River complementary urban plan (Quito)

• Four years after a Constitutional Court ruling recognized the Monjas River as a subject of rights, the city’s complementary urban development plan is moving forward.
• The plan seeks to address:
  • Erosion and landslides
  • Restrictions in vulnerable zones
• A legal critique is presented using an analogy that the approach is like a “band-aid” instead of “stitches.”
• The Land Use Commission requests pending technical and legal reports.

Drunk driving enforcement results (Quito)

• Authorities report an approximate 92% increase in arrests for driving under the influence in 2026 (so far).
• 907 drivers were apprehended by Aug. 17.
• Most offenders are described as men, particularly the 18–35 age group.
• Experts call for measures beyond local checkpoints, noting the lack of a national road safety strategy and camera controls.
• Alcolemí checkpoint operations are referenced in multiple areas.

Cost of living update (Ecuador)

• Ecuador’s basic consumer basket is updated from 75 to 98 goods/services.
• Added items include:
  • Yogurt
  • Apples
  • Pet food
  • Urban taxi transport
  • Postpaid cell phone service
  • Residential internet
• Some services are excluded (e.g., shoe repair, newspapers).
• The basket total is referenced at around $25, and methodological changes related to household composition are explained.

Humanitarian aid to Colombia (earthquake response)

• Ecuador dispatches a humanitarian convoy to Colombia following the August 10 earthquake (7.4 magnitude).
• Trucks arrive at the border logistics point (Ipiales) for onward distribution.
• Supplies include personal hygiene items, bedding/sleep products, and non-perishable food.
• Engineering rescue teams and the convoy are described as supporting the most affected areas in Colombia’s Pacific coffee region, with references to casualties and housing damage.

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Presenters / contributors

Teleamazonas hosts / reporters (as named in the subtitles)

• Andreita (anchor greeting)
• Andre (implied co-host during traffic/drunk driving segment)
• Juan Miguel Rodríguez
• Natalie Jiménez
• Gustavo Jaramillo
• Ismenia Solorzano
• Michel Villacís
• Gregory Rosero
• Roberto Verde Soto
• Sandra Machuca
• Jairo Jacomo Ortega
• Michelle Villacís
• Natalie Jiménez (also appears in the Simón Bolívar crash update)
• Gustavo Jaramillo / Juan Miguel Andre (local exchange in the Villaflora report)

Officials/experts quoted on scene

• Captain Pablo Andino (Quito Fire Department)
• Edison Huarango (constitutional lawyer)

Other named individuals/roles

• Gabriel Palacios (drone operator/colleague)