1 cop killed as he dies while on duty in Manabí province, Ecuador

An Ecuadorian National Police corporal was killed while on duty in the province of Manabí on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Corporal Luis Xavier Ramírez Romero (also reported as Luis Javier Ramírez), 38, who had served for more than 13 years, died during an armed attack in the Resbalón sector (near Cuatro Esquinas) of the Rocafuerte canton. He was carrying out investigative and surveillance duties related to anti-drug operations when armed individuals approached and opened fire.

Another police officer was wounded in the incident and is receiving medical treatment. Officials have expressed hopes for his prompt recovery.

The Commander General of the National Police of Ecuador, Pablo Vinicio Dávila Maldonado, and other institutional accounts issued statements of deep sorrow, offering condolences to the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues. The Ministry of the Interior also paid tribute, stating that the institution will honor his memory and service.

This is reported as the second police officer killed in Rocafuerte in 2026 amid ongoing security challenges in the province.