State of Emergency Declared in Metropolitan Lima as Crime Concerns Escalate
Peru has declared a state of emergency throughout Metropolitan Lima in response to rising crime rates, though a curfew is not currently planned. The move, announced by sources within the Goverment Palace, will see the Peruvian National Police (PNP) leading security operations with the support of the Armed forces (FF.AA.). The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MTC) has also detailed a schedule of sanctions set to take effect between November and December 2025.
The military deployment will operate under the Joint command of the Armed Forces (CC.FF.AA.), divided into three operational commands: Maritime, Center, and Air. The Maritime Operational Command will cover callao, Ancón, and Santa Rosa; the Center Operational Command will oversee areas from Villa El Salvador to Independencia, including the Center of Lima; and the Air Operational Command will focus on the districts of
Interior Minister Demands Results
Interior Minister Víctor torres Falcón recently convened a meeting with PNP generals to address the escalating crime situation. Uracio emphasized, stressing the need for concrete results in investigations targeting hitmen, extortion, and drug trafficking. A senior official stated that the minister demanded a shift away from mere reporting and toward tangible outcomes.
Following this meeting, Tiburcio met with counterparts from the Ministry of Defense (Mindef) and the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem), alongside the PNP’s commander, to assess the progress of the Pataz Unified Command, a joint operation involving the Armed Forces and the National Police.
President Seeks Expertise in Combating Crime
President José Jerí Oré has been actively consulting with experts to formulate a comprehensive strategy. He held meetings with former members of the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) and commissioners of the PNP, seeking concrete proposals to address crime nationwide. Accompanied by Minister Tiburcio and General (r) Marco Miyashiro, the President underscored the importance of leveraging the experience of those who previously combatted terrorism.
During a meeting with police commissioners, Jerí expressed gratitude for their dedication and assured them that their proposals woudl be swiftly evaluated and implemented. Minister Tiburcio highlighted the historic nature of the gathering, noting the presence of all Lima police station heads and the sharing of triumphant strategies for potential replication nationwide.
Curfew Ruled Out, Alternative Measures Proposed
Lima’s mayor, Renzo Reggiardo, has explicitly ruled out the imposition of a curfew in response to the recent security crisis stemming from a protest on October 15, in which one individual died. Though, Reggiardo voiced support for a state of emergency, provided it is indeed accompanied by complementary measures and avoids “extreme restrictions.” “Yes, there should be a state of emergency accompanied by other measures, without us still having to attend the curfew,” he stated in an interview.
Reggiardo proposed immediate actions including stricter control of motorcycle traffic, increased monitoring of undocumented foreigners, and military intervention in prisons, which he described as a “school of crime” due to severe overcrowding. He argued that these measures must be implemented in parallel and cannot solely rely on the ministry of the Interior.
Understanding the State of Emergency
the state of emergency, as defined by the Political Constitution of Peru, grants the Executive Branch unusual powers to respond to crises that threaten institutional stability, citizen security, or internal order. Under Article 137 of the Magna Carta, the President, with the approval of the Council of Ministers, can declare a state of emergency across all or part of the national territory in the event of serious public disturbances, catastrophes, or exceptional circumstances. The decree can last for a maximum of 60 days and is renewable.
During this period, authorities are empowered to restrict essential rights, including personal freedom, the inviolability of the home, freedom of assembly, and freedom of movement. This allows the National Police and Armed Forces to enter homes without a warrant, limit public gatherings, and restrict circulation in specific areas. The overarching goal is to restore order and protect the population from threats that exceed the capacity of ordinary state mechanisms, such as organized crime, terrorism, or extreme violence. The state of emergency has been previously implemented in regions grappling with citizen insecurity,illegal mining,and social conflicts. While it concentrates power in the Executive, legal frameworks mandate control and accountability to ensure restrictions are proportionate and lifted once the crisis subsides.
