The
Ministry of Defense (Mindef) on Monday confirmed the death of four members of the Peruvian Army in the town of Ilave, Puno region, who tried to cross the river of the same name.
Thus, the government agency flies the national flag at half-mast, as a sign of mourning and respect in memory of the brave corporals.
The victims of this unfortunate event were corporals Franz Canazas Cahuaya, Alex Quispe Serrano, Elvis Pari Quiso, and soldier Elias Lupaca Inquillas.
"Today we fly our flag at half-mast as a sign of mourning and respect in memory of our brave corporals Franz Canazas Cahuaya, Alex Quispe Serrano, Elvis Pari Quiso and soldier Elias Lupaca Inquillas, who unfortunately died yesterday (March 5) in Puno. Honor and glory!" the Ministry said on Twitter.
Earlier today, in a statement, the Defense portfolio expressed full solidarity with the relatives of the deceased, noting that the search will be carried out on a continuous basis.
Moreover, it stated that the search will not stop until all the missing soldiers are found.
Likewise, the Mindef reported that a thorough investigation was immediately opened to clear up the facts and determine, when applicable, the responsibilities that may arise.
Finally, the Ministry of Defense strongly condemned the hostile attitude exercised by violent activists against the patrol car occupied by the aforementioned soldiers, which prevented them from passing the bridge.
This forced the personnel to take an alternate route, which involved crossing the river, in order to avoid a confrontation with said radical protesters.
Defense Commission
Defense Minister Jorge Chavez Cresta sent a letter to the chairman of the Congress' Defense Commission, Diego Bazan, in which he requests to appear before the working group in order to report on the
unfortunate events that occurred in Puno.
(END) MRCA/CVC/RMB
Published: 3/6/2023