on Thursday stated that the Government, along with the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces, is delivering blows against crime and criminal gangs that are causing citizen insecurity.
"Today marks 16 days of the War Room. Alongside senior officials of the National Police, the Armed Forces, and State ministers, we are striking against crime and criminal gangs. We are also listening to the population's need to live in peace and tranquility," Mrs. Boluarte expressed.
The Head of State stated that this is "a long-term fight" and that daily efforts must be intensified because criminals continually seek new ways to operate.
Regarding the past 24 hours in Lima Metropolitan Area and Callao region, she reported that the PNP deployed 3,997 officers, conducting 571 operations that resulted in the capture of 243 criminals: 219 Peruvians and 24 foreigners.
The top official mentioned that 56 individuals with active warrants were arrested. In support of the National Police, the Armed Forces reinforced security with 4,340 troops, conducting 422 patrols.
Highlights laws approved by Congress
The President emphasized the importance of collaboration among all State institutions, the private sector, and citizens in the fight against insecurity.
She noted that a coordinated effort is crucial to eliminating crime, which takes advantage of legal loopholes and "corrupt professionals who let criminals walk free."
In this regard, the Head of State praised Congress for approving three laws that will strengthen this fight.
First, the President of the Republic highlighted the approval by the Decentralization Commission of a bill allowing municipal security personnel (serenos) to use non-lethal weapons, such as electroshock pistols.
Additionally, the top official noted that Congress passed a law, in a second vote, establishing criminal responsibility for 16- and 17-year-olds who commit serious crimes.
"Congress has also passed the bill regulating police use of firearms in cases of flagrante delicto. As a result, our police can act in self-defense against armed criminals. I hope these bills arrive soon so they can be enacted within this War Room," Mrs. Boluarte expressed.
Finally, she urged citizens to use the 105 emergency hotline to report extortion cases and to go to police stations in order to file complaints, warning that commissioners will face sanctions if they fail to receive and process complaints.