Quito, Oct 8 (NationPress) The government of Ecuador has officially lodged a criminal complaint regarding an alleged assassination attempt on President Daniel Noboa during his visit to the southern province of Canar.

Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano reported that the president's motorcade was attacked in the town of El Tambo on Tuesday while en route to a local stadium for the inauguration of new public works, according to the Xinhua news agency.

“Approximately 500 individuals emerged and began hurling stones, and there were also bullet impacts on the president’s vehicle,” Manzano informed the press, adding that Noboa emerged unscathed.

Authorities apprehended five suspects who will be charged with terrorism, and multiple vehicles in the convoy sustained damage.

The presidential office accused the assailants of attempting to obstruct the inauguration of a community initiative.

This incident took place on the 16th day of nationwide protests spearheaded by indigenous groups opposing the government's decision to abolish diesel subsidies on September 12, a move that has significantly raised fuel costs and ignited widespread unrest.

Previously, President Noboa had mandated the extension of the state of emergency across four coastal provinces and one canton for an additional 30 days amidst rising violence associated with organized crime.

This extension, enacted under Executive Decree 175, covers the provinces of Guayas, El Oro, Los Rios, and Manabi, in addition to the canton of Echeandia in the central province of Bolivar.

The emergency was first declared for 60 days in August as a response to what officials characterized as “serious internal unrest.”

As per the decree, constitutional protections against home searches and the privacy of correspondence are currently suspended.