on Friday reaffirmed the commitment to fighting terrorist remnants, and said that they will be defeated just as happened in 1997 through the Chavin de Huantar Military Operation.
"From this glorious square in honor of Grand Marshal Andres Avelino Caceres, we reaffirm our commitment to fight terrorist remnants. I say to them with determination and firmness: 'we will defeat you just as the Commandos of Chavin de Huantar Operation did in 1997,'" she stated.
The president underscored that the fight against terrorism carried out by the military would not have been successful without the valuable support from Self-Defense Committees.
"On behalf of the (Peruvian) State, I recognize your worth and the titanic work that, together with the Armed Forces, was the cornerstone of victory, especially the support from their brave women; my gratitude to all those who stood up without fear in the face of terrorism," Mrs. Boluarte expressed.
"Those women are an example for the country," she added.
The top official specified that defending Peru "without personal calculations or selfishness" is the highest honor that a Peruvian can engage in —a titanic and demanding task fulfilled by brave Peruvians in the dark era of Shining Path and Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA) terrorist groups.
"These men and women deserve the country's recognition, which is why I am excited to be at this ceremony to award the 'Medal for Defenders of Democracy,' which is granted to 433 brave compatriots, including military personnel and graduates of the Armed Forces, Chavin de Huantar Commandos, and members of Self-Defense Committees," she specified.
Moreover, the Head of State expressed recognition to the Defenders of Democracy's widows.