on Thursday stated that extortion and contract killings must be confronted with effort, firmness, and intelligence in order to restore peace to sectors affected by this scourge, as well as to the country’s entire population.

The remarks were delivered during his speech at the graduation ceremony for students of the Peruvian National Police (PNP) Higher Technical Professional School, held in Lima’s Puente Piedra district.

“We are aware that most (of the graduating police agents) will face contract killings and extortion, which was not previously a major phenomenon but must now be fought with effort, with firmness but also with intelligence, and for that I hope you are properly trained,” he said.

The Head of State expressed confidence that the current class of police agents “will give much to talk about in favor of the country,” as long as they identify with the people and show the population that they are an ethical and moral example.

“The uniform you wear inspires confidence in your work, you who are going to have one that comes from the effort of the people of Peru. Therefore, you must repay that effort, the work, the taxes that are paid,” he stated.

The top official mentioned that the new police agents graduated in a ceremony attended by their families, many of whom come from low-income households.

“Young men and women are now joining the different departments to which they are assigned, where they must uphold honor, which is their guiding principle,” he added.

On this occasion, President Balcazar was accompanied by Cabinet Chief Luis Arroyo, Interior Minister Jose Zapata, and Police General Commander Oscar Arriola.

Other police and military authorities were present at the event as well.