The Renovacion Popular parliamentary group in Peru has demanded the resignation of National Police commander general Oscar Arriola after four people were killed in Trujillo.
The conservative political party also cited the kidnapping of another citizen in the northern coastal city as a primary reason for demanding an immediate change in top law enforcement leadership.
In an official statement, deputies from the party declared that the National Police of Peru needed new leadership due to a persistent lack of results in tackling crime. They called on the government to act immediately to regain control of public order and safeguard citizens across the nation.
The legislative group also expressed its formal condolences to the families of the four victims killed during the violent attack. Renovacion Popular is a major political party in Peru's parliament, advocating conservative policies and strict law enforcement measures.
Widespread Opposition in Parliament
Renovacion Popular is not alone in seeking the removal of the top police officer. Several other political caucuses in the Chamber of Deputies, including the left-leaning Juntos por el Peru and the Ahora Nacion party, have similarly demanded that Arriola step down from his post.
Concerns regarding the police chief's performance are not limited to the legislative branch. Government sources revealed to Peruvian national newspaper La Republica that executive officials are dissatisfied with Arriola's management of the security forces following the recent violence.
The National Police of Peru, known locally as the PNP, is the national law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining domestic security, protecting public infrastructure, and enforcing law and order across Peru's 24 departments.
Legal Barriers to Removal
Despite the widespread criticism from multiple political factions and government dissatisfaction, replacing the police commander general presents a complex legal challenge. Current statutory regulations severely limit the executive branch's ability to dismiss the head of the police force before his designated term concludes.
The restriction stems from Law 31570, a piece of legislation passed during the previous parliamentary term. The law was approved with the backing of Fujimorist lawmakers, who belong to the political movement associated with former president Alberto Fujimori.
Law 31570 imposes strict statutory conditions that make it difficult to remove a sitting PNP commander general before they complete a full two-year tenure in the position.
Under the terms established by Law 31570, Arriola could remain at the head of the National Police of Peru until late 2027. Unless legal conditions change or the police chief resigns voluntarily, the administration faces obstacles in appointing new leadership to the national security agency.
