AGP Executive Report

Earthquake Response: A 5.1–5.5 quake hit central Peru near Chupaca, Junín, late Saturday, with reports of at least one death and several injuries as buildings collapsed and power outages spread. Worse Damage Reported: A separate update put the quake at about 5.6, with deaths rising to at least five and dozens of homes collapsing in Pumpunya, Chongos Bajo, as rescuers searched for people trapped in rubble. World Cup Culture in Peru: Peruvian shamans held a ritual outside Lima’s National Stadium predicting Argentina will beat Spain and lift a fourth World Cup title, tying the message to Peru–Argentina historical links. Baby Names Boom: RENIEC says Peru has registered more than 500 babies named after Erling Haaland, with “Haaland” and “Erling Haaland” among the most popular World Cup-inspired choices. Sports Roundup: In Lima, the Philippines beat Peru 13-0 in the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup playoff for fifth place.

World Cup backlash in Latin America: As Spain and Argentina meet for the trophy, fans across the region are openly rooting against Argentina, with critics blaming “help” from FIFA and referees and saying social media has shattered old football solidarity. Peru Church diplomacy: President-elect Keiko Fujimori visited the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, signaling coordination for a possible apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV in November 2026. Peru civil registry trend: RENIEC says over 500 Peruvian newborns were named after Erling Haaland, with “Haaland” and “Erling Haaland” leading the wave of World Cup-inspired baby names. Regional sports in Lima: The Philippines’ Blu Girls beat host Peru 8-0 in the Women’s Softball World Cup group stage, but still finished 2-3 and did not advance. Security and governance angle: Peru’s transition and security bills continue to be discussed as the incoming government prepares to take office.

Peru Politics & Church: President-elect Keiko Fujimori met with the Peruvian Bishops’ Conference, signaling willingness to coordinate for a possible apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV in November 2026, as civil and Church authorities continue preparations. UN & Justice: Peru’s Foreign Ministry said a UN Working Group report on Pedro Castillo “lacks binding character,” arguing it cannot trigger his release, though authorities may still consider a presidential pardon on technical grounds. Economy & Trade: Peru’s Chancey port marked its first year of commercial operations, launching routes that cut transit times—reporting 17 fewer days for exports to Asia and 22 fewer days for Asia-to-Brazil cargo—positioning Peru as a logistics bridge for APAC–LatAm trade. Sports (Peru in the spotlight): In Lima, the Philippines’ Blu Girls beat host Peru 8-0 in the Women’s Softball World Cup group stage, finishing 2-3 and out of advancement contention. Regional Context: A separate report highlights Colombia’s election turmoil after President Gustavo Petro rejected the results tied to Abelardo de la Espriella, setting up fresh street mobilizations.

Human Rights & Access: A new “right to be offline” debate is hitting Peru and the region after a citizen was blocked from a government appointment for not having a mobile phone, raising the question of whether public services can be denied over digital access. Education & Skills: MINEDU and UNESCO presented a study aimed at strengthening Peru’s technical and vocational education and training, linking learning more directly to work and everyday life. Politics & Justice: Peru’s Foreign Ministry rejected a UN working group report on Pedro Castillo’s detention as non-binding, arguing it cannot justify his release, while supporters push back. Diplomacy & Church: Peru’s president-elect Keiko Fujimori met bishops as Pope Leo XIV’s South America visit in November draws closer, with coordination plans for meetings with communities. Economy & Trade: Peru’s milling industry sent executives to South Dakota to tour wheat production, underscoring long-term ties with one of the biggest wheat-importing markets. Culture & Sports: A World Cup baby-name boom is spreading in Peru, with hundreds of newborns registered as “Haaland” and other star-inspired names. Consular Services: A new Peruvian consulate head in Utah says faster document processing and added focus on gender and family violence are priorities for the community. Earthquake Watch: A major 7.3 quake off Mexico triggered tsunami alerts across parts of the region, including Peru.

El Niño Preparedness: Governments across Latin America are mobilizing for El Nino’s knock-on effects—drought, extreme heat, flooding and wildfire risk—while experts warn forecasts often don’t translate into action fast enough. Northern Peru Fishing Crisis: On Peru’s Piura coast, El Nino-warmed waters are pushing anchoveta and other species into colder zones, with industrial and artisanal fishermen reporting income losses that can reach 96%, and calls for help from the incoming Fujimori administration. Peru–U.S. Security Cooperation: Peru’s president led the launch of a U.S.-linked push to fight terrorism and organized crime, with officials also reviewing the broader bilateral agenda and priorities for the transition. Trade & Investment: Indonesia’s trade minister says the IP-CEPA deal could lift exports to Peru to about US$745 million by 2045, while Peru’s own coffee push—Ficafe Cusco 2026—aims to attract buyers and expand markets. Transport Tragedy: A minibus crash in Cajamarca killed at least 14 people, including children, as authorities investigate the cause and discrepancies in the passenger manifest. Sports & Culture: Peru’s RENIEC says hundreds of babies were registered with “Haaland” or “Erling Haaland” after Norway’s World Cup run, and Peru is also set to host major judo events in Lima.

Presidential Transition: Peru’s National Jury of Elections has officially declared Keiko Fujimori the winner of the June 7 runoff, making her the first woman elected president by popular vote, with a razor-thin margin of 49,641 votes; she is set to be sworn in July 28. Security & Governance: A new analysis says South America’s rightward political shift will likely deepen security cooperation with the U.S. and draw selective private investment, including as Peru’s incoming government prepares to take office. Foreign Policy: Fujimori’s early foreign policy signals support for Morocco’s Sahara autonomy plan, after meetings with the Moroccan ambassador and references to UN Security Council Resolution 2797. Economy Watch: S&P Global Ratings projects resilient household consumption and private investment after the election, while flagging energy-price pressure and El Niño risks. Human Stories: Peru’s search for three climbers missing on Huascarán is ongoing amid extreme weather and limited high-altitude rescue capacity. Church Update: Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of a Peruvian bishop accused of sexual abuse, following allegations made public earlier this year.

Presidential handover: Peru’s National Elections Board (JNE) officially delivered credentials to President-elect Keiko Fujimori in Lima, marking the end of the proclamation process ahead of the July 28 transfer of power; Fujimori framed her first steps around restoring institutional trust, public safety, economic growth, and social inclusion, while calling for national reconciliation. Mining pressure and social risk: New analysis warns Fujimori’s push to speed up mining approvals could inflame conflicts with indigenous communities and raise the odds of unrest, as critics argue deregulation may weaken safeguards and consultation. Legal spotlight on detention: A UN Human Rights Council expert group urged Peru to release former President Pedro Castillo, saying his detention was arbitrary—Castillo called the ruling a clear confirmation of rights violations. Economy watch: Peru’s growth picture remains mixed, with reports pointing to weak fishing and manufacturing alongside broader inflation and expansion indicators. HealthAI governance: Peru is listed among countries joining HealthAI’s Global Regulatory Network, adding another layer to how regulators share oversight for AI tools in healthcare. Popular culture & identity: RENIEC data shows hundreds of Peruvian babies named after Norway’s World Cup star Erling Haaland, underscoring how global sports trends land fast at home.

Mining Protests Ahead of Fujimori: Peru’s president-elect Keiko Fujimori faces fresh risk of unrest in mining regions, with a new study warning that many key areas voted against her and that delayed copper projects could reignite social conflicts. Security & Transition Moves: Peru’s Council of Ministers approved citizen security bills and declared emergency measures in parts of Pisco province, as the government pushes for a “clean and orderly” handover. Fujimori’s Unity Pitch: Fujimori received her credentials and vowed to put the State “at the service” of all Peruvians to end inequality and confrontation, framing her cabinet as unity “in diversity.” Economic Pulse: INEI data shows Peru’s economy grew 1.80% in May year-on-year, with an economic activity index expanding but slowing from April. Mining Output Watch: Peru’s copper output rose 2.3% year-on-year in May, adding to signals of uneven momentum. Public Health Alert: A U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to fresh produce has people talking about “diarrhea lettuce,” with cases reported across multiple states. Global Perception of China: A Pew survey finds views of China and Xi improving in many countries, including Peru. Crypto Payments in LatAm: Exodus announced subscription payments via stablecoins for DGO and SKY+ users across several Latin American markets. Culture & Community: A Peruvian Fest event is set for Mobile, Alabama, highlighting Peru’s food, music, and dance.

Peru Budget & Transition: Peru’s Congress approved a $2.8 billion budget expansion to keep services running ahead of President-elect Keiko Fujimori’s July 28 inauguration, with funds for infrastructure, salaries, crime initiatives and flood-prevention as El Niño threatens northern regions. Foreign Policy: Fujimori’s team says it will back Morocco’s territorial integrity and UN-backed Sahara autonomy. Security Focus: A report on Fujimori’s incoming agenda highlights citizen security as the top challenge, with extortion-linked killings cited. Education & Social Policy: PRONABEC scholarship recipients and students protested in Lima and Cusco, demanding a longer public consultation period and warning proposed rule changes could reduce support. Economy & Industry: Peru’s copper output rose 2.3% year-on-year in May, and Epiroc won a major order for mining equipment for a Peruvian copper expansion. Culture & Media: Filming is underway in Lima on “Los Principiantes,” an eight-part Spanish-language drama about power, corruption and a law school cabal, aimed for a 2027 release.

Peru Politics: Interim President José María Balcázar asked Congress for a lifetime pension as his term ends July 28 ahead of Keiko Fujimori’s handover, a move critics say may clash with how the benefit is meant to apply to elected presidents. Human Rights & Security: Human Rights Watch urged Balcázar to veto a bill expanding Peru’s military justice reach, warning it could deepen impunity for security forces accused of rights abuses. Public Safety: Balcázar also highlighted a 2026–2028 citizen security plan focused on prevention, intelligence, border control against illegal economies, and justice/prison strengthening. Crime Prevention Push: Civil society groups renewed calls to repeal Peru’s “Pro-Crime” laws, arguing citizens must act to ensure legal change. International Fallout: Peru and Colombia are investigating claims that nationals were illegally routed to fight in Ukraine after reports of Peruvians and Colombians appearing in recruitment footage tied to Russia. Climate Watch: UBS warned El Niño could raise inflation pressure across Latin America, flagging Peru among economies directly exposed via crops, fisheries, and infrastructure.

Transport Tech: Waze is rolling out Gemini-powered personalized navigation, route suggestions based on trip history and traffic patterns, and voice search that can handle requests like “find parking near Grand Mall” or “lowest-price premium gas,” plus a “less chatty” voice mode. Peru Politics & Justice: Former president Alejandro Toledo has asked Peru’s president for a humanitarian pardon, citing serious health deterioration in prison and arguing his case has dragged on beyond reasonable deadlines. Impeachment Fallout (Philippines, via De Lima): Leila de Lima says VP Sara Duterte’s “amnesia” stance is undermining the impeachment process, while Duterte’s camp insists the complaint lacks evidence. Peru Economy & Energy Planning: Peru’s energy ministry published a draft decree to standardize national energy planning across long-, medium-, and short-term horizons, including scenario building for solar and storage integration. Trade & Food Security: Peru’s eel fishery is set for Marine Stewardship Council certification, which producers say could unlock major export growth. Environment & Tourism: Peru’s whale-watching season is being promoted as a nature-tourism driver, with training and environmental standards aimed at responsible viewing. Global Risk Watch: UBS warns El Niño could hit Latin America harder, flagging Peru and Brazil for climate exposure affecting agriculture, fisheries, and transport.

Education & Money Skills: A new push argues schools should teach children more about how money works—spending, borrowing, savings, and inflation—so everyday financial choices don’t feel like a mystery later. National Planning & Cost Control: Nepal’s National Planning Commission is under fire as MPs question its legal authority and push to restructure it, while officials also warn “national pride” projects are too many and too slow, driving major cost overruns. Peru Development & Infrastructure: Peru’s interim president says the Virgen de Chapi Bridge in Arequipa—over S/170 million—will cut travel times and strengthen connectivity, calling for ongoing dialogue to keep public works moving. Peru Economy & Exports: Peru’s agro-exports near US$5 billion as of May 2026, with fruit leading non-traditional growth and key markets concentrated in the US and Europe. Climate Risk for the Region: UBS warns El Niño could hit Latin America via food, electricity, and inflation shocks, flagging Colombia as most exposed, with Brazil and Peru also at risk. Health & Dementia Research: A Lancet trial across 11 Latin American countries finds structured, coach-led lifestyle programs improve cognitive outcomes more than self-directed approaches. Peru in the Spotlight: Hundreds of Peruvian newborns reportedly registered as “Haaland,” showing how World Cup stars are shaping local naming trends.

Impeachment Watch (Philippines, with Peru links): In Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors say they’re moving from “foundational” matters to arguing Duterte’s fitness for office, while De Lima insists “no healing without closure” and that the alleged trigger for Duterte’s “kill threat” remarks is “immaterial.” Peru Politics & Governance: A new analysis of Peru’s political landscape warns that narrow election margins and deep polarization make it hard for winners to govern—an issue highlighted by Peru’s own recent right-wing shift. Peru Culture & History: Peru’s Ministry of Culture announced 43 carved ritual figurines and objects found at Peñico, offering fresh clues on how Caral-era society adapted and preserved sacred practices during decline. Peru Tech & Business: BYDFi took part in the Peru Blockchain Conference 2026 in Lima, pitching Web3, trading, and regulation discussions to a large LATAM crowd. Peru Sports: Alianza Lima plays an international friendly vs Deportivo Cali, with Pedro Gallese returning to Matute ahead of Liga 1’s restart. Peru in the World: Peru hosted the WBSC Women’s World Cup group opener in Lima, with the Philippines starting against Venezuela.

Peru Politics & Elections: A new report says 1 in 4 Peru regional governor candidates for the Oct. 4, 2026 vote has a criminal sentence, raising fresh questions about candidate integrity and how voters may react. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Peru is also in the spotlight for its role in regional security cooperation, including defense ministers from the Americas signing a Cusco declaration aimed at tightening coordination. Economy & Inflation: Peru’s central bank kept its key interest rate at 4.25% for a tenth straight time, while inflation expectations reportedly eased to 2.83% for the coming 12 months. Environment & Climate Risk: Scientists warn a potential super El Niño could intensify in autumn and winter, with knock-on effects for Pacific fisheries and food prices. Culture & Tourism: Peru is set to host major global dining rankings for the first time, and there’s movement on Machu Picchu’s tourist carrying capacity study and related tourism planning.

Impeachment Watch (Philippines): House prosecutors say Week 1 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate trial turned “allegations into evidence,” after NBI agent John Mark Calilung authenticated threat videos; Leila de Lima says the next witness (NBI chief Jeremy Lotoc) will explain how the material was assessed. Legal Threshold Debate: A constitutional law expert argues the 16-vote requirement to convict Duterte could be lowered based on actual attendance of senator-judges. Peru Elections Integrity: A report flags that 1 in 4 candidates for Peru’s 2026 regional governor races has a criminal sentence, raising questions about eligibility and voter trust. Indigenous & Afro-Peruvian Snapshot: Peru’s census shows 26.8% identify as Indigenous or Afro-Peruvian, with Lima, Puno and Cusco among the largest shares. Culinary Diplomacy: Peru will host The World’s 50 Best Restaurants global edition in 2026, with Lima set for major events around the awards. Environment Alert (Peru): El Niño-linked warming is blamed for a steep Humboldt penguin decline on Peru’s northern coast, with extinction “a possibility.”

Impeachment Update (Philippines): House prosecutors say the first week of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial shifted from allegations to proof, with NBI Senior Agent John Mark Calilung authenticating video recordings tied to alleged grave threats—setting up more testimony from NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc. Defense Strategy (Philippines): Duterte’s camp says it may still play the full two-hour press briefing video, after only a portion was shown in cross-examination, and is preparing to treat chief of staff Zuleika Lopez as a “hostile witness.” Peru Rights Push: A habeas corpus petition seeks the immediate release of former President Pedro Castillo, citing a UN working group finding his detention was arbitrary and urging Peru to nullify parts of his case. Local Justice (Peru): A Chiclayo court ruled an oral trial over alleged illicit appropriation against transitional president José María Balcázar will continue after his term ends, with civil proceedings set for August. Environment (Peru): A study testing recycled-bottle sound reflectors in Peru reports major reductions in dolphin bycatch, with commercial catches holding steady.