Defense Minister Walter Astudillo announced the creation of a unified command, led by a Peruvian Army general, to combat organized crime (illegal mining) in the province of Pataz, La Libertad region, after expressing his regret over the "heinous murder of thirteen compatriots" in that area.
"The Executive's response has been immediate, and the supreme decree the Prime Minister mentioned, in some way, outlines the actions of the Peruvian Armed Forces and National Police: the state of emergency has been extended for 30 days, starting May 9, and the Armed Forces will assume control of internal order," he indicated.
Since the weekend, he noted, meetings have been held with the participation of the head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, the Minister of the Interior, the Commander-in-Chief of the Peruvian National Police, among other officials, to detail the activities to be carried out.
"From the Defense sector, as soon as the supreme decree is published, a ministerial resolution with political guidelines must be formulated and disseminated so that, based on this, the Joint Command can formulate its directives," he commented.
Leadership
Minister Astudillo emphasized that "one of the important measures, different from the other actions, is the creation of a unified command led by an Army general, who combines leadership qualities and who will coordinate the actions of the members of the Armed Forces and the Peruvian National Police."
The National Police "has specialized professionals to act against illegal mining; therefore, these capabilities cannot be wasted," he emphasized, adding that this unified command will be given "coordinated use to make it more effective" and will be responsible for formulating strategies.
Other important actors include the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Judiciary, the National Superintendency of Customs and Tax Administration (Sunat), the National Superintendency for the Control of Security Services, Weapons, Ammunition, and Explosives for Civil Use (Sucamec), among others.
"This government's work will not begin tomorrow. I have been in Pataz since the first day I took office—February 14th of last year—because, precisely, the state of emergency had been declared the day before, February 13th," he stated.
Threat
Minister Astudillo stated that "illegal mining is one of the threats that affect the country's security, not only security but also development. That is why all Peruvians must unite to confront this threat."
"I mentioned that since last year I had the opportunity to visit Pataz. I held meetings with the three main mining companies in the area, and received their support at all times because they are stakeholders, they are part of the problem, and we, as a State, must provide them the greatest possible support, regardless of how this problem originates," he stated.
He also emphasized, on this point, that "the State has the obligation to provide security for the development of these operations, which are important for the country. Mining constitutes a main economic activity for the country."
Specialized police officers
After emphasizing that the government has always been attentive to the scourge of illegal mining, Minister Astudillo commented that the mining company Poderosa had committed to providing land and the construction of a suitable facility for a police front, as initially discussed.
"A month ago, it was verified that the facilities, where 280 specialized police officers will be deployed, were 95% complete. The construction of three checkpoints is also planned, one of which is 95% complete," he explained.
Illegal mining and citizen insecurity "are problems that have been generated by a series of factors, such as informality; the culture of illegality, which is characteristic of our society; and corruption at all levels of the government. Given this, we must find a way to solve the problem, and we must all get involved in the issue," he emphasized.
Professionalism and responsibility
Although the Armed Forces have another task or mission, according to the Constitution and the laws, "we take on this challenge with great professionalism and responsibility because we are convinced that this is the moment we must contribute to [achieving] the country's security," the minister stated.
He also recognized and valued the work of those on the battlefield, as they are risking their lives and neglecting the comfort of being with their families.
The Defense Minister invited journalists to visit Pataz to "see it on the ground, and not just watch it on video or television and believe the situation is easy. It's extremely complicated."
"Law enforcement alone will not win the battle," and therefore, "everyone's support is required," and "it must be a tough response" and "within the framework of the law," he asserted during the press conference held at the end of the Council of Ministers session, emphasizing that illegal mining is the enemy and defeating it requires the unity of the country.
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(END) JOT / MDV
Publicado: 8/5/2025