Endorsed by nine out of 10 Salvadorans, the measure extended the day before by the Legislative Assembly, at the request of the government’s security cabinet, attracts more support than criticism after helping to position the country as one of the safest in the continent, and in the world.

Although it restricts three constitutional rights, its impact is evident in the lives of the entire population, from mobility, full-scale commerce, housing recovery, real estate prices, among other benefits.

Thanks to its effectiveness the population can move freely now, because 32 months ago just crossing a street or an imaginary line was a reason for it to represent gang harassment and even death.

To their credit, it has made it easier to eliminate gangs from neighborhoods and colonies, thwarted their illicit businesses such as drug trafficking, extortion and front businesses where they laundered money.

Today the division of territories established by the Mara Salvatrucha MS-13 and the 18 gangs that caused thousands of deaths among defenseless villagers is history.

An illustration of its effectiveness is that at least 88% of citizens feel safe in the city, neighborhood or demarcation where previously gangs made it impossible to coexist.

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