“La Roca” Prison is not 100% save

Social Rehabilitation Center No. 2 in Guayaquil, known as ‘La Roca’

After the most recent episode happened on Monday in the Social Rehabilitation Center No. 2 in Guayaquil, known as ‘La Roca’, it was clear the lack of security that exists in this criminal confinement.

Within two and a half years of operation, ‘La Roca”s security has been violated several times through explosions, fights, riots and even a murder occurred, confirming that the extreme security of this prison, which receives the most dangerous criminals in the city and the country, is not so, and instead is not inviolable.

On different occasions, it was put into question the “maximum security” prison due to constant incidents occurring inside.

A recent alert was an underground communication system, with seven bases and transmission antennas, discovered near the Men Rehabilitation Center of Guayaquil (Penitentiary), adjacent to ‘La Roca’. It was in a small cane house, near the site and there was speculation that serving the detainees.

‘La Roca’ was built in 2006 with funds from the Corporation for Public Safety of the city hall of Guayaquil and the local Chamber of Commerce. In March 2010, in the middle of controversy, the Council transfered the administration to the Ministry of Justice. Just three months after opening in October 2010, was the first escape attempt.

“La Roca”, 2010

Episodes:

October 3, 2010: During an alleged escape attempt, there was a detonation at the outer perimeter of ‘La Roca’, which caused two holes of 2 meters each, in a prison wall. The explosion left five injured, including two prison guards, who were struck by shrapnel and blast.

June 25, 2011: The defendant William P. was shot allegedly from another prisoner in ‘La Roca’. His brother, Walter P., was also wounded in the incident, which was denounced by their family. Juan Carlos Valle, director of the center, resigned after the incident.

January 24, 2012: José Luis A. was killed after receiving 10 shots in his prison cell, allegedly by another prisoner. In this same episode, another inmate was injured and two guides were detained for investigation.

September 8, 2012: There was a scuffle and an explosion in ‘La Roca’, injuring three detainees. According to the Interior Minister, the explosion was caused by “a small device used for fishing. There was no shooting,” he said