Answer: Vigilantes are present on the highways in Peru due to a lack of trust in the police force and the government's ability to maintain order and protect citizens from crime. These vigilantes, often referred to as "ronderos," take it upon themselves to patrol their communities and highways, sometimes using violent means to enforce their own version of justice. The reason for this is primarily due to high crime rate and perception of ineffective law enforcement in those areas. However, it's important to note that vigilantism is illegal in Peru and is not supported by the government.