Change in government policy to attract community members
In 1987, the Peruvian government changed its counter-subversive policy from indiscriminate repression to a strategy of recruiting community members. This change was evidenced by the arrival of Major Ayacuchano at the Chapi base, who prohibited torture and executions, favoring the desertion of PCP-SL members.
In 1987, the Peruvian government implemented a significant change in its counter-subversive policy, shifting from a strategy of indiscriminate repression to one aimed at recovering the civilian population from the hands of the PCP-Sendero Luminoso. This change materialized with the arrival of Major Miguel Seminario Ayacuchano, who was appointed head of the Chapi base between October and December 1987. Major Ayacuchano prohibited beatings, torture and executions of detainees, in contrast to the previous practices of the armed forces and the peasant patrols. This new policy allowed many villagers to desert the PCP-SL and join self-defense committees, achieving "some pacification" in the area.