LIMA, May 28 (Xinhua/GNA) — Peru has declared a state of emergency in Tumbes province, in the northern department of Tumbes on the border with Ecuador, to strengthen the fight against crime and protect public order, the presidency said Thursday.
The measure, formalized through a supreme decree published in the official gazette El Peruano, took effect Thursday, and will remain in force for 60 days.
Tumbes has become the second province in the department to be placed under a state of emergency, after the government extended a similar measure in Zarumilla to maintain security operations.
Under the decree, the National Police will remain in charge of internal order, with support from the armed forces. Operations will focus on areas with higher crime rates and violence, based on intelligence, statistics and crime maps.
The government also ordered the creation of a unified operational coordination command, led by the regional police chief in Tumbes, and including representatives from the armed forces, prosecutors, the judiciary and local authorities.
Security forces will carry out permanent and random patrols, identity checks, operations against illegal weapons and inspections of illicit activities, as well as controls in critical areas and unauthorized border crossings.
The decree also includes special intelligence operations along the border, stricter prison controls and measures against the illegal use of telecommunications, to prevent crimes such as extortion, contract killings and other forms of organized crime.
Regional and local governments will provide available infrastructure, equipment and logistical support for police and military operations, the presidency said.
GNA