The decree states that the measure will continue in the Lima districts of Ate, Ancon, Carabayllo, Comas, Independencia, Los Olivos, Lurigancho-Chosica, Puente Piedra, Rimac, San Martin de Porres, San Juan de Lurigancho, Santa Rosa and Villa El Salvador, and Ventanilla, in the neighboring port province of Callao.

The measure has not been successful, according to opinion polls and comments by security experts and reporters, who cite the almost daily murders and attacks against those who do not pay quotas to extortionists.

Critics of Interior Minister Juan Jose Santivañez have repeatedly recalled his commitment to resign if the state of emergency does not succeed at the end of its term.

However, Santivañez recently stated that if he makes progress, contrary to the majority’s view, he will remain in office because, this week, Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen said he would defend the ministerial cabinet’s stability.

jrr/iff/jha/mrs