Portoviejo O

2026-02-12

Portoviejo Opens Its Forensic Center with a Zero-Kilometer Isotermic Car

In the heart of Portoviejo, a beacon of modernity and efficiency shines through with the inauguration of its new Forensic Center. This facility is not just a building; it’s a symbol of progress and commitment to justice in Manabí, Ecuador. With an investment surpassing 600 thousand dollars from the Municipality, Ministry of Interior, and National Police, this center stands as a testament to collaboration and innovation.

The Forensic Center, strategically located on the road to Manta, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and facilities designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of forensic investigations. Among its notable features is a zero-kilometer isotermic car, a generous donation from the National Police, capable of transporting up to four bodies. This addition underscores the commitment to providing dignified and timely services to the families of Manabí.

The center boasts a capacity for nine bodies, with potential expansion to eighteen, supported by two forensic pathologists and dissectors working round-the-clock. According to Javier Pincay, the mayor of Portoviejo, this facility is set to revolutionize the current service model centralized in Manta by reducing transport times and improving family care.

Designed with functionality and operational comfort in mind, the center includes nine individual preservation spaces, autopsy laboratories, external examination areas, and offices for DINASED investigators. This layout facilitates direct coordination between forensic doctors and prosecutors, ensuring swift and efficient criminal investigations. Security is guaranteed through ²⁴⁄₇ private guardianship, specialized cleaning services, and a continuous supply of forensic reagents and materials.

The inauguration was marked by the presence of key figures such as Víctor Hugo Zárate, the General Commander, who emphasized the Police’s involvement from planning to ensuring international standards in professional care. Giovanni Naranjo, commander of the National Police Zone 4, highlighted how this new infrastructure would streamline services currently centralized in Manta.

Beyond serving Portoviejo, the Forensic Center extends its reach across all cantons requiring its services, benefiting over 320 thousand residents of Manabí. Aurora Valle, the governor, praised the center as a symbol of humanity, respect, and efficiency that strengthens justice and citizen dignity.

Moreover, the center will forge academic partnerships with local universities, allowing medicine and forensic science students to gain practical experience by observing real procedures. This integration of education and public service is expected to enhance the training of future professionals in the field.

Operated under the administration of the National Forensic Pathology Center, while the Municipality provided the civil works, this initiative marks a significant step forward for Portoviejo and the broader Manabí region. It not only addresses immediate forensic needs but also lays down the foundation for future advancements in criminal justice and academic collaboration.

In conclusion, the opening of the Portoviejo Forensic Center symbolizes a new era of efficiency, dignity, and academic excellence in forensic services. This center is not just a facility; it’s a promise to the families of Manabí that their loved ones will be treated with the utmost respect and care, both in life and beyond.