AGP Executive Report

Flight Safety: A LATAM jet bound from Lima to Piura was evacuated after flames and smoke erupted from an engine before takeoff. No injuries were reported; the airline cited an unexpected technical issue. El Niño Preparations: President Keiko Fujimori said the government could do little more to protect communities along the Piura River, urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate. Critics said the response relies too heavily on private help and lacks adequate flood defenses. Amazon Crime: Human Rights Watch says bribery of soldiers and police is hampering efforts to stop illegal gold mining in Peru. It urged European countries to back stronger international cooperation against environmental crime at UN talks in Vienna. Human Trafficking: Three Peruvian women were rescued in Gqeberha, South Africa, in a suspected trafficking investigation after being lured with promises of work. Regional Cooperation: Peru took over coordination of an Ibero-American and Caribbean network focused on better regulation, administrative simplification and the use of artificial intelligence in government.

Coastal Heat: Senamhi warns that intense daytime and nighttime temperatures will persist along Peru’s coast through Oct. 31, with highs of 32–38°C in Piura, Tumbes, Lambayeque and Ica, driven by Coastal El Niño. Trafficking Probe: South African authorities rescued three Peruvian women from a suspected trafficking and online-scam operation after an 18-year-old was allegedly lured there with a fake call-centre job. Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo says he will gradually resume duties after lung-cancer surgery; his planned Nov. 6–17 Latin America tour includes Peru, though his attendance remains uncertain. Amazon Security: Indigenous leaders from Peru and other Amazon countries are urging the UN to confront criminal networks behind illegal mining, logging and drug trafficking, saying communities face pollution, threats and violence. Economy and Culture: Peru’s central bank governor says the country has recorded the region’s lowest inflation this century, while thousands joined the Lord of Miracles procession in Lima. Andean Finds: Researchers identified an endangered Peruvian plant named Salvia messii after Lionel Messi; archaeologists also found 1,200-year-old mummified hairless dogs at a coastal Wari site.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance after lung cancer surgery, saying he will gradually resume duties. His surgeon sees no medical reason to cancel the pope’s planned November trip to Peru, Uruguay and Argentina. Faith and Tradition: Thousands joined Lima’s Lord of Miracles procession on Sunday, Peru’s largest religious celebration, as it passed through the city center. Amazon Protection: Peru is considering measures to combat illegal economies in the Amazon, while Indigenous leaders are urging stronger international action against criminal networks driving mining, trafficking and deforestation. Wildlife: A rare white red howler monkey has been photographed for the first time in Manu National Park, documenting leucism in the protected area. El Niño: President Fujimori has called for unity on the climate threat, as civil society presses for a contingency plan and fishing families seek direct support.

Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV made his first public appearance since lung cancer surgery, saying he would gradually resume duties. His surgeon says there are no clinical reasons to cancel the pope’s Nov. 6–17 trip to Peru, Uruguay and Argentina. Amazon Security: Indigenous leaders from Peru and neighboring countries are heading to a U.N. crime conference in Vienna to press governments to target the financial networks behind illegal mining, logging and drug trafficking, and give Indigenous communities a stronger role in protecting their territories. A Peruvian university workshop also proposed family farming, territorial protection and local knowledge as ways to address illegal economies in the Amazon. Archaeology: Researchers discovered a 1,200-year-old mummified hairless dog in Peru.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV returned to the Vatican four days after lung cancer surgery. His surgeon says there is no clinical reason to cancel the pope’s Nov. 6–17 Latin America trip, which includes Peru. Archaeology: Researchers found naturally mummified remains of hairless dogs dating back more than 1,200 years at Castillo de Huarmey, a Wari-era site north of Lima—the first physical evidence of the distinctive dogs there. Fishing & Farming: Peru canceled its second anchovy season of 2026, while climate conditions have prompted another cut to the blueberry export forecast. Economy: Peru’s economy grew 3.23% in August, with gains across most sectors, according to INEI. Andean Discovery: Scientists named a newly described, endangered Peruvian plant Salvia messii; its pale blue and white flowers resemble Argentina’s football colors.

Amazon Conservation: Camera traps in northeastern Peru recorded seven mammal species crossing canopy bridges, including a rarely seen porcupine, offering a glimpse of life high in the rainforest. Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV left hospital after lung cancer surgery and is expected to lead prayers Sunday. Preparations continue for his November trip to Peru, though his recovery could affect plans. Security and Politics: President Keiko Fujimori is pushing to deport undocumented Venezuelan immigrants amid concerns over crime. She has also urged Congress to unite on the response to El Niño. Economy and Climate: Peru has canceled its second anchovy fishing season of 2026, while copper output slipped in August and the blueberry export forecast was cut again amid poor climate conditions. Heritage: Researchers have uncovered rare Moche ritual objects in the Chicama Valley. Football: Peru will host Bolivia in a friendly in Lima on November 13.

Energy Transition: The EU and Germany are backing Peru’s energy shift with a €6 million program aimed at attracting European investment and improving regional electricity links. Culture and Heritage: Archaeologists in the Chicama Valley uncovered Moche ritual objects, including ulluchu seeds and painted clay faces; the Lord of Miracles procession has also been named Andean cultural and religious heritage. Farming and Fisheries: Peru canceled its second anchovy season of 2026, while climate pressures prompted another cut to the blueberry export forecast, now 344,000 tonnes. Climate and Amazon: Cusco wildfires killed six people, and Indigenous brigades are helping fight fires as authorities step up preparations for El Niño. Peru and Ecuador are also increasing cooperation against illegal mining. Politics and Security: President Keiko Fujimori has proposed deporting undocumented Venezuelan immigrants, citing security concerns.

Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV plans to lead prayers Sunday as he recovers from lung cancer surgery; the Vatican says preparations for his Nov. 6–17 South America trip, including Peru, are continuing. Wildfires: Fires in Cusco have killed six people and left one seriously injured, while Indigenous communities are also on the front line of Amazon blazes. El Niño Response: Peru is strengthening its response to El Niño, and the government is considering direct payments to fishing families affected by the weather phenomenon. Agriculture: The blueberry export forecast has been cut again to 344,000 tonnes for the 2026–27 season, 10.3% below last season, as recent weather disrupts plant growth. Economy: Peru’s economy grew 3.23% in August, with gains across most sectors. Regional Security: Peru and Ecuador are stepping up cooperation to curb illegal mining.

Cross-Border Crime: Peru and Ecuador are coordinating intelligence and joint operations against illegal mining and logging, aiming to stop criminal networks shifting across their shared border. Economic Outlook: Peru’s economy grew 3.23% in August, while the government plans a countercyclical fiscal push to sustain growth. El Niño Pressures: The government is weighing direct payments for fishing families hit by El Niño; blueberry export estimates have also been cut to 366,000 tons, and grape harvests are forecast to fall 9%. Wildfires: Indigenous communities in Cutivireni and Oviri are confronting Amazon fires as Peru works to contain blazes in Cusco. Papal Visit: Pope Leo’s recovery after lung cancer surgery is proceeding as expected, but his November South America trip, including Peru, remains uncertain.

Pope’s Recovery: Doctors say Pope Leo XIV’s operated lung is recovering well and post-surgery tests are normal. The Peruvian citizen has resumed work in hospital, but further test results will guide treatment and leave his planned November visit to Peru uncertain. El Niño Preparations: Civil society groups are urging Loreto’s incoming authorities to prepare for severe rains and flooding forecast for January to March, as the region faces a change of government. Economy and Exports: Peru plans a countercyclical fiscal push to support growth, while its 2026–27 blueberry export forecast has been cut to 366,000 tonnes amid El Niño’s impact on supply. Archaeology: Researchers have discovered anthropomorphic figurines at Caral, dating to 3000–1800 BC.

Wildfires: Fires are spreading across Cusco, Áncash and Ucayali as Peru braces for a potentially severe El Niño. SERFOR reported hundreds of fires in several regions, including 576 in Apurímac and 383 in Ucayali by Oct. 8. Pope’s Visit: Pope Leo XIV is walking and eating after surgery for lung cancer, but his planned South America tour — including Peru — is uncertain. Chiclayo, where he served as bishop, is praying for his recovery and hoping for his expected Nov. 13 visit. Agriculture: Peru has cut its 2026–27 blueberry export forecast to 366,000 tons amid El Niño concerns. Rural Technology: A development program says digital tools are helping rural households in Peru and five other countries reach markets, access financial services and manage crops; 32,000 households are using the services.

Pope’s Recovery and Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV is walking, eating normally and recovering as expected after surgery for lung cancer. The Vatican says his November South America tour, including Peru, remains on the schedule. Agricultural Exports: Peru has cut its 2026–27 blueberry export forecast to 366,000 tons, below last season’s shipments, as El Niño accelerates crop development and reduces yields. Public Integrity: Corruption complaints in Peru doubled from 2018 to 2025, reaching 10.9 per 1,000 public employees; a separate index flags 12 regions as at high or very high risk. Economy: The IMF raised its 2026 growth forecast for Peru to 3%. Schools and Government: President Keiko Fujimori has backed stricter school appearance rules, including limits on nail polish and short skirts; the government also made writer Álvaro Vargas Llosa’s appointment as ambassador to the United States official.

Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer after successful surgery to remove part of his right lung. He is expected to recover in hospital for about a week; his November tour, including Peru, remains on the schedule for now as doctors conduct further tests. School Rules: President Keiko Fujimori’s government proposed banning girls’ short skirts and nail polish and boys’ long hair in schools, along with restricting cellphone use. Rights groups say dress codes will not prevent bullying or sexual violence; the proposals are open for public consultation. Cusco Wildfires: Fujimori said two fires were under control after she flew over the region to assess the response. Investment and Trade: Private investment rose 15.5% in the first half of 2026, while Peru expects exports to reach $100 billion this year. Callao’s port authority also agreed with PortMiami to strengthen trade links, as investors from the US, China and India eye a proposed port project. Caral: Researchers marked 32 years of work at the ancient city, while officials prepare to protect the site from El Niño risks.

Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery in Rome to remove an early-detected lung nodule and is expected to recover for about a week. His November trip to Peru remains on the schedule, though the operation has raised questions about travel plans. Schools: President Keiko Fujimori announced stricter school rules, including short hair for boys, bans on makeup and dyed hair for girls, and renewed use of conduct grades and expulsions for serious offenses. Wildfires: More than 70 Asháninka brigade members are battling fires in Junín after flames burned about 250 hectares; community leaders say they lack food, equipment and enough firefighters. Economy: Peru expects blueberry exports to reach a near-record 412,500 tons this year, but falling prices are likely to trim export value. Ports and Tourism: Investors from India, the United States and China are eyeing an $844 million port project, as Peru’s growing role in regional trade draws attention. The country also won six World Travel Awards, including South America’s leading destination.

Tourism: Peru won six 2026 World Travel Awards, including South America’s Leading Destination for the fourth year in a row; Machu Picchu also repeated as the region’s top tourist attraction. Lima Concerts: BTS drew more than 150,000 fans to three sold-out shows, with a major boost to tourism expected. Earthquake: A magnitude 5.2 quake struck Peru’s southern coast; no casualties were reported. Business: Private investment rose 15.5%, and exports are forecast to reach $100 billion in 2026, according to the economy ministry. Agriculture: Peru’s grape harvest is projected to fall 9% in 2026–27, while the blueberry outlook has weakened. Local Politics: A businessman named Hitler Mussolini won a mayoral election, drawing international attention. Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV is due to undergo lung surgery in Rome, with recovery expected to take about a week; his November trip to Peru, Argentina and Uruguay remains planned.

Earthquake: A magnitude 5.2 quake shook Peru’s southern coast, with no casualties reported. Pope’s Peru Visit: Pope Leo XIV is set to enter hospital on Oct. 13 for lung surgery and a week of recovery, casting uncertainty over his Nov. 6 Latin America trip, which includes Peru. Tourism: BTS drew more than 150,000 fans to three sold-out Lima concerts, with a major boost to local tourism expected. Andes Tragedy: Australian trekker Jordan Yap was found dead weeks after disappearing on a solo hike in Peru’s remote mountains. Local Politics: A candidate named Hitler Mussolini won a mayoral race in a Peruvian town, drawing international attention. Economy: Private investment rose 15.5%, while exports are projected to reach $100 billion in 2026. Road Safety: Five people were killed in a head-on crash in southern Peru.