President Bernardo Arévalo stated, "Our strategy is succeeding without pacts; the towers of corruption are falling," emphasizing that the state's response will be frontal and definitive to ensure lasting peace. In response to an unprecedented escalation of violence that left eight police officers dead, President Arévalo declared a State of Siege across the national territory for a period of 30 days. This measure seeks to grant extraordinary powers to the security forces to dismantle gangs, primarily Barrio 18, following a weekend marked by prison riots and coordinated attacks on the streets. In a national address, Arévalo assured that the state has regained full control of the three prisons that were in riot (Renovación I, Fraijanes II, and the Preventivo in zone 18), managing to release all hostages without any casualties among the prison staff. However, he denounced the attacks against the National Civil Police (PNC) as a "cowardly retaliation" by criminal structures against the government's firm stance. Details of the State of Siege and Security Measures: The president emphasized that the objective is to use "the full force of the state" against groups seeking to terrorize the population, also linking them to "political-criminal mafias" attempting to halt the purification of the justice system. Use of Force: Combined military and police operations and preventive patrols in critical areas are authorized. Citizen Guarantees: Arévalo clarified that the measure will not alter daily life, citizen mobility, or ongoing institutional and political processes. Education: As a preventive measure, the Ministry of Education confirmed the suspension of classes for this Monday, January 19, nationwide. National Mourning: Three days of mourning have been declared for the eight PNC agents who fell in the line of duty. President Arévalo reaffirmed that his administration will not yield to the pressures of criminal groups that demanded the restoration of prison privileges (such as restaurant food or special transfers).
