In a public complaint, the senior PNP non-commissioned officerIn retirement César Alberto Meyer Velásquez accused the congresswoman Kira Alcarraz to grant decorations to officers and non-commissioned officers of the National Police of Peru in exchange for a monetary payment. According to Meyer, these payments are channeled through Isaac Ferro Lozanoa retired commander and close collaborator of Alcarraz, who is also responsible for organizing these events. Meyer assures that the funds raised are intended to cover the cost of the medals and other expenses related to the recognition ceremonies, according to the program. Panorama.
The controversy arises in the middle of the eleventh recognition ceremony for “Veterans of national pacification”, organized by Alcarraz, who has been accused of converting an act of honor in a profitable business within Congress. During the event, which took place on October 1 in the José Faustino Sánchez Carrión auditorium of the Congress of the Republic, participants were asked to deposit S/160 soles to cover the expenses of the event.
The revealed chats indicate that in addition to the cost of recognition, an extra S/50 was charged for each additional guest at the lunch.
Meyer criticized the system, arguing that it is unheard of that honorees must pay for a medal that the state should provide free of charge as part of the recognition. Furthermore, market research showed that the actual cost of the medals is considerably less than the price charged, suggesting a possible 100% profit on each award. Panorama contacted the congresswoman and she maintained that she has no knowledge about these payments.
The “Pacification Veterans Recognition Ceremony” is a annual event organized by Congresswoman Kira Alcarraz to honor former police officers and soldiers who have participated in armed conflicts and contributed to the pacification of the country. During the ceremony, they are awarded medals and awards for their bravery and heroism in service.
What did Isaac Ferro Lozano, the congresswoman’s collaborator, say?
Isaac Ferro Lozano He defended the operation of the events and Congresswoman Kira Alcarraz. As revealed in the documents, Ferro argues that the payments are necessary to cover the costs of the ceremony and materials such as medals and pins. Despite the criticism and accusations, Ferro maintains that it is satisfactory for them to receive recognition from a congresswoman, and suggests that the attacks against Alcarraz could be motivated by interests in damaging her reputation due to her work in Congress.
“For us it is satisfactory to receive recognition from a congresswoman like Congresswoman Kira Alcarraz. “There are interests in harming the congresswoman because she is doing her job,” he said.
Ferro also mentioned that they provide everything necessary for the ceremonies and that, in his words, it is not about enrichment, but about recognizing the service of veterans. However, it does not directly address allegations of medal overpricing or the obligation to pay to receive recognition.
