on Monday praised the heroic act of Erickson Pozo Reategui. He was promoted to first-class non-commissioned officer in the Peruvian National Police (PNP) after shooting dead a criminal in Lima's Comas district.
The Head of State said the country needs more law enforcement agents like him, adding that there is a commitment from the State and government to them.
The exceptional promotion ceremony for distinguished action was held at the Government Palace in Lima.
The event saw the participation of Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio and Peruvian National Police General Commander Oscar Arriola, among other authorities.
In his speech, the President stressed that in difficult times like the present, Peru needs role models such as Non-Commissioned Officer Erickson Pozo Reategui, who go beyond strategy in the fulfillment of their duty.
In this regard, the top official underscored that the recognition granted to the agent reflects full support—not only from the government, but from the State—for this type of distinguished action.
"As a country, we need more Ericksons—brave police agents who act in accordance with the law without hesitation. Our commitment is to them when other individuals attempt to threaten the proper actions of our police. It will not only be the police who defend the police, but also their government—and beyond the government, the State," Jeri expressed.
The top official said that restoring peace and security in Peru requires the commitment of the State.
Likewise, he called on younger generations to follow the example of the 31-year-old law enforcement agent, who was today exceptionally promoted for his brave conduct.
Furthermore, the President highlighted the importance of combining experience and youth in police work to confront crime, recalling that today crime "is the number one enemy of the (Peruvian) State."
"And as the State’s number one enemy, we must strike it with everything we have—within the law, but without hesitation, without fear. Because it will not only be the police who stand ready to defend in difficult situations; their government will also be there with you," Jeri said, as he called for applause for Pozo Reategui.
On January 7, the non-commissioned officer confronted and shot dead a criminal in Comas, who moments earlier had taken the life of a minibus driver.
The victim, identified as Jose Carlos Marin, was traveling in his vehicle with passengers on board.