The Minister of Defence, Walter Astudillo Chávez, presented updates to the Congressional Oversight and Audit Committee on security operations in the Pataz province of La Libertad. Authorities are considering establishing a permanent military unit in the area to support police efforts against illegal mining and organized crime.
Astudillo reported that 1,996 patrols conducted by the Armed Forces and National Police resulted in the arrest of 56 individuals, seizure of 50 firearms, 12,272 rounds of ammunition, and 39,186 explosive devices. He stated these actions caused losses exceeding S/ 242 million for illegal activities.
“The results are encouraging: decrease in crimes, increased perception of security, dismantling of 56 criminal gangs with an equal number of detainees and seizure of 50 weapons, ammunition and explosives of irregular origin,” said Astudillo.
He added that authorities shut down 160 illegal mine shafts, tunnels, camps and processing plants. These efforts involved multiple state institutions working together under a supreme decree that allocated additional resources for joint operations.
Astudillo also noted that members of the Armed Forces received special training before intervening in illegal mining sites. “The Joint Special Force, which has extensive experience in special operations in VRAEM, had to undergo specific training to operate in mine shafts and tunnels,” he explained.
He emphasized that these measures have led to a reduction in crime rates, disruption of criminal groups and improved public perception of safety.
Astudillo highlighted cooperation from local rural patrols (rondas campesinas) and complementary measures such as mandatory nightly curfews from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., implemented under the state of emergency declaration.
The session was chaired by Congressman Elvis Vergara Mendoza. General David Ojeda Parra, head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces, also attended alongside Minister Astudillo.
