The attackers, led by a former retired army major who has gained a reputation as a firebrand nationalist, vowed to remain inside the station in Andahuaylas, 275 miles southeast of Lima, until the unpopular Toledo steps down.

''This is a military protest and we are willing to lay down our arms and surrender when Toledo resigns,'' Antauro Humala told Radioprogramas Radio from the captured police station.

He said dozens of his gunmen attacked the station early Saturday, wresting control of the building after a shootout with police.

National Police chief Felix Murazo said attackers were holding 10 officers hostage and that he has sent reinforcements to restore order.

Toledo, whose popularity has plummeted in opinion polls, cut short a vacation and returned to the capital where he issued the 30-day emergency decree, which suspends some constitutional rights such as freedom of assembly.