Overview

• During an event in Chorrillos, President Dina Boluarte urged people not to open unknown calls or messages and to note and report the numbers to the National Police.
• Her remarks prompted sharp criticism from citizens and media figures, including YouTubers from the Zalo channel, who argued the guidance downplays bombings, direct threats and killings used by criminal groups.
• Some critics also questioned the effectiveness of reporting to police, citing distrust of the institution’s ability to curb organized extortion schemes.
• Prime Minister Eduardo Arana defended Boluarte and condemned verbal attacks against her in media programs and podcasts, calling such abuse unacceptable and suggesting bias may be involved.
• Congress President José Jerí convened an interinstitutional session for Oct. 9 with the prime minister, the acting prosecutor general and the head of the Judiciary to coordinate actions against rising extortions, threats and murders affecting transport workers.