Tegucigalpa, May 21 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Several Guatemalan officials were arrested on Wednesday in connection with a series of corruption scandals unfolding in the country as thousands took to the streets in the latest round of protests demanding the resignation of President Otto Perez Molina. Guatemalan authorities detained Central Bank governor Julio Suarez and issued an arrest warrant for Social Security Institute President and former presidential aide Juan de Dios Rodriguez for fraud, including a health care corruption scandal involving $14.5 million in medical service contract irregularities.

Over a dozen other suspects were also arrested and are being investigated for fraud and other charges. The prominent arrests follow the resignation of Vice President Roxana Baldetti earlier this month in an unrelated corruption case.

Amid protests and unfolding corruption scandals that have fueled national indignation and discontent with the government, President Perez Molina announced in a press conference that he will not cede to pressure and will not resign as head of state, Prensa Comunitaria reported.