News

Forestry Contractors Harshly Criticize Government and Demand Siches in Los Álamos After Attack

Sponsors

The manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors, René Muñoz, spoke with Radio Bío Bío about the major arson attack recorded this Thursday morning in the commune of Los Álamos, in the Bío Bío region. He also stated that the Minister of the Interior, Izkia Siches, should travel to the area to see the situation that has terrified the community.

René Muñoz, manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), spoke with Radio Bío Bío after the arson attack that left at least 25 trucks destroyed in Los Álamos, Bío Bío region. He also issued strong criticism of the current government and indicated that the Minister of the Interior should be traveling from Santiago to the province of Arauco to see what is happening.

It should be recalled that the arson attack occurred this morning in the province of Arauco, inside a gravel storage plant.

Muñoz stated that he regrets the attack and that this situation must stop, as it is a social conflict that is growing, escalating, and the current authorities are not addressing it.

"What is happening in the province of Arauco, to business owners, to workers, is no longer conceivable. Let’s not forget that there are workers here who have families and are trying to get ahead under working conditions unimaginable to those who are not suffering (…)," expressed the manager.

He also added that the Minister of the Interior, Izkia Siches, should be traveling to the province of Arauco to witness the acts of violence.

"Today, the Minister of the Interior, Izkia Siches, is stuck in Santiago, scheduled by Ms. Camila Vallejos—she has no autonomy, she cannot work. We would like her to be here. Right now, today, she should be traveling from Santiago to the province of Arauco to see what is happening. It’s brutal," affirmed Muñoz.

He also called on the presidential delegate of the area to "please stop this situation (…) we believe it is no longer bearable, and immediate action must be taken."

Losing Hope in the Current Government

It should be recalled that the manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors, together with the current government, held meetings before the current administration took office on March 11. After these discussions, Muñoz said the meetings left them hopeful.

However, after recent events, the union leader stated that they have no faith left and added that the Supreme Court ruled ten days ago on a protective order in their favor, but no one has approached them to provide a solution.

"We have no hope left in the current administration. Let’s remember that the Supreme Court ruled ten days ago on a protective order in our favor, obliging government authorities to speak with us, and we have received no call," expressed the manager.

State of Exception or Siege for the Area

René Muñoz stated that authorities should declare a State of Exception or Siege in the area, which has left the community terrified.

"It’s very easy to apply the State Security Law to truckers, but why not apply it here? Why not issue an ultimatum to the terrorists, these criminal groups operating in the province of Arauco? I think enough with ideologies—this is about governing a country (…) We must apply the States of Exception allowed by our constitution, and we could even reach a State of Siege," declared René.

It should be recalled that this new attack destroyed an aggregates plant and trucks located next to the Villa Los Ríos neighborhood, six kilometers from Los Álamos, in broad daylight.

The manager also indicated that, according to their records, this is the month with the most violence against forestry contractors since 2014, and authorities must take action now.

"The State of Exception ended on March 26, and this month, under President Boric’s government, has been the most violent. The facts show that this is happening, free-for-all (…) Here, the presence of the President or the Minister is warranted—she should leave her current vacation and come see firsthand what is happening, and speak with us contractors, the victims of this conflict that has terrified Los Álamos," concluded Muñoz.

Source:biobiochile.cl