AGP Executive Report

Peru Elections: OAS coordinators finished training for Peru’s runoff vote, as the campaign heads into a high-stakes second round. Public Safety & Crime: A photo essay says fear is rising ahead of the runoff, with reports of extortion and killings adding pressure to voters. Diplomacy: President Marcos received credentials of Peru’s new ambassador to the Philippines, highlighting renewed ties after the Peruvian embassy reopened in Manila. Environment & Food: Umios-backed Peru eel fishery Sakana del Peru won MSC certification, a first for the country. Culture & Faith: In Chiclayo, Peru marked the Eucharistic miracle of Eten with a renewed call to live the Eucharist in unity and faith. Science & Nature: SIU researchers helped name three new poison dart frog species from Peru and Brazil, underscoring how much Amazon biodiversity remains unknown. Tourism: Peru’s Huayna Picchu will temporarily close in June for conservation and maintenance.

Peru Election Watch: Peru is heading into another volatile presidential runoff after vote counting delays and fresh claims of fraud, with Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez advancing to the June 7 showdown. World Cup Build-Up: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal is expected to be fit for Spain’s opener after missing the Iraq warmup; Spain’s final friendly is set against Peru in Mexico. Health Alert: PAHO warns measles is surging across the Americas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, noting Peru has recorded 301 confirmed cases and urging stronger surveillance and vaccination checks for travelers. US Trade Pressure: The U.S. is proposing new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor import rules, and Peru is listed among economies flagged for failing to enforce prohibitions. Sports & Peru Connections: Peruvian UFC bantamweight Daniel Marcos signs with PFL after his UFC exit, while Peru’s World Cup preparations also include a Haiti vs Peru friendly preview.

Peru Runoff Politics: Peru’s presidential runoff is tightening as fear grows over extortion and killings, with voters weighing Keiko Fujimori’s right-wing bid against Roberto Sánchez’s promises of change. Public Health: PAHO warns measles is surging ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with Peru reporting 301 confirmed cases and most cases tied to people unvaccinated or with unknown status. Climate Watch: The UN’s weather agency says there’s an 80% chance El Niño will develop from June to August, raising risks of heat stress and extreme weather that can hit food and water systems. World Cup Prep (Peru-linked): Haiti thrashed New Zealand 4-0 and will face Peru in a final warm-up before meeting Scotland, underscoring how competitive Group C could be. Diplomacy/Church: Pope Leo XIV is set to visit Spain and meet migrants in the Canary Islands, with his itinerary highlighting compassion for people crossing dangerous routes.

Crime & Runoff Anxiety: Ahead of Peru’s presidential runoff Sunday, Trujillo and other cities are bracing for a surge in extortion and killings, with extortion cases reported up fivefold over five years and murders more than doubling in 2025—small businesses and market vendors say gangs demand regular payments and violence has become part of daily life. Pope Leo XIV in Peru: Peru’s foreign minister says Pope Leo XIV is considering a visit to Peru and two other regional countries before year-end, likely around November, with stops expected to include Chiclayo and Lima and possibly an Amazon city. Diplomacy/Trade: Argentina moves to join the CPTPP, submitting its application in Paris; Peru is already a CPTPP member. Sports (Peru-linked): Peru’s Huayna Picchu will temporarily close in June for conservation work, while Peru also appears in regional sports coverage tied to the World Cup buildup.

Presidential Runoff: Peru’s election day is set for a tight Sunday runoff, with Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sánchez neck-and-neck in polls after a first round marred by logistical failures and fraud allegations; Peruvians are also holding a traditional blessing ritual with shamans ahead of the vote. Fishing Economy: Peru extended its anchovy fishing pause due to high juvenile presence and warming ocean conditions tied to El Niño, cutting the 2026 TAC to 1.9 million metric tons and threatening supply. Infrastructure & Trade: Korea National Railway won a roughly $13M contract to oversee improvements on the Huancayo–Huancavelica railway in Peru’s central highlands. Natural Hazards: Sabancaya volcano in Peru is emitting ash plumes up to about 26,000 ft, prompting an aviation advisory. Sports: Allison Tighe was named to Peru’s women’s national team for World Cup qualifiers against Argentina (June 5) and Bolivia (June 9).

El Niño & Fisheries: Peru extended a pause in anchovy fishing after high juvenile presence, as warming ocean conditions tied to El Niño keep threatening operations and authorities cut the 2026 total allowable catch to 1.9 million metric tons. Volcanic Alert: Peru’s Sabancaya volcano is emitting ash, with a VAAC Buenos Aires advisory warning a plume rising to about 26,000 ft and drifting southeast. Biodiversity in the Amazon: Scientists identified a new lungless salamander species, Bolitoglossa chrysothyma, in Peru’s Panguana conservation area, underscoring the rainforest’s value amid illegal mining pressure. Politics & Democracy: Peru’s election campaign remains in focus as ONPE pushes for transparency in the 2026 runoff and debate coverage highlights crime and corruption themes. Diplomacy: Peru’s interim president received Qatar’s ambassador credentials, signaling continued efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Peru Politics: Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez faced off in Peru’s presidential runoff debate, with both candidates laying out plans across citizen security, democratic state and human rights, education and health, plus the economy and poverty reduction. Protests in Lima: Thousands marched under “Fujimori never again,” rejecting Fujimori’s candidacy and denouncing repression and inequality ahead of the June 7 vote. Elections Logistics: Peru’s electoral authority (ONPE) continued sending voting materials to interior regions, including deployments to Tumbes, Piura, and Lambayeque. Diplomacy: Peru’s interim president received credentials from Qatar’s ambassador, signaling ongoing regional engagement. Weather & Emergencies: Peru extended emergency measures in rain-hit areas and added more districts to emergency status after heavy rainfall. Sports (Peru on the map): A major international friendly pairing Haiti vs Peru is scheduled in South Florida ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Peru Politics: Right-wing Keiko Fujimori holds a narrow lead over leftist Roberto Sanchez in two polls ahead of Peru’s June 7 presidential runoff, with undecided voters and blank/invalid ballots seen as the key swing. Weather & Emergencies: Peru extended a state of emergency for another 60 days in 41 districts across 11 regions after heavy rains, with authorities still clearing rivers and ravines and setting up temporary shelters. Environment & Risk: NASA-backed satellite observations point to developing El Niño conditions later this year, with warmer Pacific waters already raising sea levels near Peru and raising the stakes for rainfall extremes. Sports (Peru-linked): Peru’s national team is also in the World Cup build-up orbit, with Spain sending its full squad to a friendly in Puebla that includes players recovering from injuries, while Senegal is set to face the U.S. in a pre-World Cup friendly where Senegal recently beat Peru. Civic & Safety: Peru’s emergency response and public health pressures continue to intersect as the country prepares for more weather-driven disruptions.

Peru Politics & Public Health: Peru declared a state of emergency as a measles outbreak exposes gaps in public health, and it also extended emergency measures in 41 districts after heavy rains. Labor & Economy: Peru swore in a new labor and employment promotion minister, while separate coverage highlights mining’s weight in the economy and exports. Mining & Environment: A new push to regulate artisanal and small-scale mining in Madre de Dios targets the chaos left by weak oversight and mercury contamination. Justice & Accountability: A major U.S. lawsuit could reshape how far U.S. law reaches in pollution cases tied to Peru’s La Oroya complex. Culture & Society: Peru’s ONPE began deploying electoral materials to regions ahead of the 2026 elections, and there’s also a spotlight on Peru’s mummies as DNA testing approval remains a key hurdle. Sports: Peru’s Suheyn Cipriani advanced in the MGI All Stars Top 10/Top 18 race, and Peruvian UFC prospect Rodrigo Vera scored a fast knockout in Macau.

Health Emergency: Peru has declared a 90-day health emergency over a measles outbreak, with 301 confirmed and 1,403 suspected cases as the crisis concentrates in Puno but spreads to multiple regions including Lima’s Callao. Disaster Response: Peru extended a state of emergency for 60 days in 41 districts across 11 regions after heavy rains, with authorities ordering river and ravine cleanup and temporary shelters. Politics & Labor: Peru’s new Labor and Employment Promotion Minister was sworn in, replacing Oscar Fernández Cáceres, with the appointee previously leading Promperu and roles tied to labor oversight and education. Economy & Mining: Peru’s government highlighted mining’s weight—about 11% of GDP and nearly 67% of exports—while stressing the need to turn mineral wealth into sustainable growth and formal jobs. Elections Logistics: ONPE continues deploying electoral materials to interior regions ahead of the 2026 vote.

Peru–U.S. Border & Detention: Peru-linked coverage highlights U.S. lawmakers’ scrutiny of immigrant detention conditions, with reports of neglect and abuse at a Pennsylvania facility. Regional Security Pact: Chile, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador signed the Santiago Commitment to coordinate against transnational organized crime, including border and financial controls. Mining & Trade: Peru is pushing closer cooperation on critical minerals and sustainable mining, while separate reporting points to Peru’s mining potential and confidence-building efforts. Elections & Governance: Peru’s electoral process continues as ONPE sends materials to interior regions, amid claims of irregularities affecting citizens’ ability to vote. Culture & Heritage: Pope Leo XIV’s Peru connections surface in coverage of his missionary outlook, alongside Peru-related heritage and tourism items like Machu Picchu’s overtourism curbs. Local Incident: A teen was hospitalized after a reckless-driving incident at a Peru McDonald’s.

Critical Minerals Diplomacy: Peru signaled closer cooperation with Türkiye on critical minerals, sustainable mining and industrialization, with talks on a possible memorandum of understanding. Transnational Crime Pact: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru signed the Santiago Regional Compact to coordinate action against organized crime, including a rotating working group and measurable results. Border Security: Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency in Tumbes to intensify police operations, border controls and intelligence work against weapons and cross-border crime. Mining & Investment Outlook: BCR head Julio Velarde said Peru’s terms of trade have been favorable but warned confidence and long-term execution need restoring to attract more investment. Lithium Push: Solis Minerals outlined plans to start lithium drilling in Brazil in June 2026 and also updated copper exploration in Peru. Climate Risk: New reporting highlights how Super El Niño could disrupt fisheries and coastal food security, with knock-on effects for livelihoods and policy.

Protest Crackdown in Huancayo: A 19-year-old student, Leonardo Enrique Fierro Quispe, was arrested May 26 during an anti-Keiko Fujimori demonstration while carrying a perforated Peruvian flag with red spots; prosecutors opened a case for disturbing public order and insulting national symbols, while his defense argues the flag was protected protest and says police used tear gas that sickened nearby demonstrators. Machu Picchu Overtourism Plan: Peru’s iconic site is rolling out a 2026 management strategy tied to wider overtourism controls—taxes, visitor caps, and tighter access rules—to reduce crowding. Church Apology in Piura: Peru’s bishops held a Mass of reparation May 23 in Catacaos, Piura, where cardinals and bishops asked forgiveness to victims of the suppressed lay movement Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, citing alleged dispossession and harassment of Tallán farmers. Diplomacy & Business Links: Finland’s ambassador visited Piura to highlight cooperation in trade, education, technology, and key sectors like agro-exports, fishing, mining, and tourism. Cultural Curiosity: New DNA testing on Peru’s “conehead” Paracas mummies failed to settle their origins, reviving debate over cranial binding versus extraterrestrial theories.

Cusco Travel Update: Authorities say missing U.S. tourist Brittini Nicole Harper left Peru for Cancun via Lima and a Bogota stopover on July 31, 2025, after earlier reports she was still in Cusco. Elections & Voting Logistics: Peru’s runoff campaign is moving fast, with ONPE deploying electoral materials to regions and coordinating with the Armed Forces and foreign missions to support voting abroad. Mining & Economy: Peru’s mining plans are under scrutiny as candidates’ approaches raise doubts about investment and industry stability. Archaeology at Kuelap: Excavations at Peru’s Kuelap fortress uncovered a five-person tomb with ceremonial offerings, adding detail to Late Horizon burial practices. Indigenous Language Work: Cultural Survival’s Language Projects Gathering in Cieneguilla brought together partners and youth to support Quechua and other Indigenous languages through teaching and new learning materials. Wildlife Conservation: Spectacled bear conservation efforts around Machu Picchu use GPS collars and camera traps to better protect threatened habitat.

Mining & Elections: Peru’s mining industry is warning that the June 7 runoff could shake up billions in investment, as SNMPE chief Julia Torreblanca says neither candidate’s mining plan is “sustainable” long term—Keiko Fujimori’s royalty-sharing and fast-track incentives vs. Roberto Sanchez’s higher taxes, contract reviews, and a possible new constitution. Airport Business: Lagardère Travel Retail opened “Duty Free Express,” a 182 sq m last-minute duty-free shop at Lima’s Jorge Chávez Airport, expanding the airport’s retail push after the June 2025 terminal rollout. Tourism & Culture: A guide highlights Cusco and the wider Machu Picchu region beyond the headline sites, while Peru’s Inti Raymi presentation in China is framed as a boost for Cusco tourism. Exports: Peru’s dried pineapple exports rose in early 2026, up 37% in volume and 6% in value year-on-year, with the U.S. taking over 95% of shipments. Food & Lifestyle: Peru’s “fresh” culinary presence keeps spreading abroad, including coverage of Peruvian rotisserie-style dining concepts and Japanese-Peruvian fusion brands expanding in the U.S.

Peru Runoff Politics: Peru’s presidential runoff is set for June 7, with Keiko Fujimori (Fuerza Popular) and Roberto Sánchez (Juntos por el Perú) chasing a split electorate of more than 27 million voters—Fujimori leaning on security and continuity, Sánchez pushing agrarian reform and constitutional change. Machu Picchu Pressure: A global heritage group says Machu Picchu’s overcrowding and transport problems are still serious, and it’s now offering to work with Peru’s government to improve conditions. Mining & Water Stress: Peru’s Quellaveco mine is again in the spotlight over water scarcity and contamination concerns tied to an ongoing investigation. Climate on the Plate: Peru’s fishing industry is warning that warmer ocean conditions linked to possible El Niño could disrupt the anchovy season and hit jobs and income. Energy Access in the Amazon: A solar expansion project in a remote Peruvian Amazon community is boosting production at a plantain flour facility, aiming to turn reliable electricity into more work and steadier livelihoods.