Susy Isabel Aponte Polo, a 43-year-old journalist and candidate for the Regional Government of Áncash running under the Socios por Áncash movement, was assassinated on Saturday during a campaign activity near the local market in Caraz, according to local media reports. Police investigating the homicide reported the preliminary detention of a foreign citizen suspected of carrying out the attack, during which a pistol was seized.
The attack occurred while the candidate, widely known as ‘La China’ Polo, conducted proselitizing campaign work in the area, as reported by Chimbote Informate and Exitosa Trujillo. Police information specified that two people were struck by firearm projectiles and transferred to the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Caraz. Aponte Polo died from her injuries, while an unnamed man continued receiving medical treatment at the facility.
Police and Fiscal Investigations Underway in Áncash
Following the shooting, the Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the National Police of Peru (PNP) deployed initial investigative steps, placing a detained foreign suspect at the disposal of competent authorities. General PNP Eduan Díaz Díaz, head of the Áncash Police Region, traveled to Huaraz alongside specialized Homicide and Intelligence teams to gather evidence and conduct inquiries. Additionally, the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Violence against Women and Family Members in Huaylas initiated a preliminary investigation for femicide against those responsible. Provincial prosecutor Dina Raquel Ramos Jáuregui and four deputy prosecutors joined police agents to secure surveillance camera footage and execute the removal of the body.
Did You Know? Just days before the fatal shooting, Susy Aponte Polo participated in the official debate organized by the National Jury of Elections (JNE) for candidates running for the Regional Government of Áncash on September 15.
Prior Threats and Canceled Broadcast Plans
Before her death, Aponte Polo gained prominence on social media platforms by broadcasting information regarding alleged corruption cases and regional issues. According to Diario Nuevo Sol, she published a video days prior to the crime warning that she faced threats against her life, claiming she received calls from three prisons and pointing to General PNP Victor Revoredo Farfán. Hours before the attack, she announced plans to air a new episode of ‘China Polo Dominical’ at 8 p.m. to cover the background of Lalo Villa, an APP candidate for the mayor of Huaraz, water management in Áncash, and an investigation extending to Ferreñafe and Chiclayo.
Institutional Reactions and Security Demands
Electoral bodies and regional organizations released urgent statements following the killing. The Regional Government of Áncash condemned the homicide, demanded an immediate police cordon from the Ministry of the Interior and the PNP, and called for an emergency session of the National Council for Citizen Security (CONASEC) to address regional insecurity. The National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) and the National Jury of Elections (JNE) issued separate statements calling on security actors to remain vigilant ahead of the scheduled October 4, 2026 elections. Meanwhile, the Ombudsman’s Office (Defensoria del Pueblo), the Press Council of Peru (CPP), the Lima Journalists’ College (CPL), and local figure Valentin Fernandez condemned the attack and demanded transparent, thorough investigations into both material and intellectual responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Susy Aponte Polo?
She was a 43-year-old journalist and candidate for the Regional Government of Áncash representing the Socios por Áncash movement, known locally as ‘La China’ Polo.
Where did the attack take place?
The shooting occurred on Saturday during campaign activities in the vicinity of the market in the city of Caraz, Áncash.
What is the status of the investigation?
The National Police detained a foreign citizen carrying a pistol as a preliminary suspect, while the Ministry of Public Works, through the Huaylas prosecutors, launched a preliminary femicide investigation alongside specialized police homicide units.
What further security measures should electoral authorities implement to protect candidates across Peru during active campaigns?
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