Manabi, Ecuador: Bank Robbed During Festivities of the Virgin of Carmen

ElUniverso.com reports that on Friday July 15th a group of bank robbers entered the National Bank of Fomento (BNF) in Rocafuerte located in the Manabi province, stealing about $20,000. Officials say the bank is located about 50 meters from the police station in Rocafuerte and 70 meters from the Church of Carmen. Witnesses say the robbery occurred during the virgin of Carmen festivities. They add that two women stood by the robbers’ truck while about five robbers entered the bank and opened the safe. Officials say the robbers kidnapped the bank manager and tied up the security guards. Witnesses say the robbery took about 15 minutes. On Saturday authorities began a province wide search for the robbers but have not made any arrests.Read Article