News

Public Statement

Sponsors

Regarding the ongoing violence in the regions from Biobío to Los Lagos, the Association of Forestry Contractors A.G., the sector most affected by terrorism and destruction, and which these groups and illicit associations have publicly declared war upon, states the following:

1.- Twenty-four days into the administration of President Gabriel Boric, the toll of terrorist attacks and impacts on forestry contractors is as follows:

• 1 terrorist attack in the province of Cautín
• 3 terrorist attacks in the province of Arauco
• 5 terrorist attacks in the province of Malleco

In other words, we have suffered nine arson attacks, equivalent to one attack every 2.7 days.

2.- We urge the new government to take note of the irreversible damage being inflicted on such a vital sector of this country's economy, a pillar of sustainable development in the southern regions. We remind these new authorities that the forestry sector generates 300,000 direct and indirect jobs and supports 1,200,000 people.

3.- Providing resources and logistics to the police is not enough. As we have expressed to Undersecretary of the Interior Mr. Manuel Monsalve, there must be political will to govern for all the country's inhabitants, setting aside rhetoric that paralyzes us.

4.- How is it possible that, at this point in the 21st century and with the available technology, not a single perpetrator or participant in these terrorist acts of violence has been apprehended?

5.- It is urgent to bring together the key stakeholders in these territories to begin addressing this issue that affects us all and has caused so much harm to the residents of the southern regions. But it is equally urgent for law enforcement efforts to become more efficient, yield results, and apprehend the criminals who operate with impunity in the area.

6.- Workers and forestry contractors continue to wait for the State and authorities to provide us with the conditions JUST TO BE ABLE TO DO OUR JOBS IN PEACE.

ASSOCIATION OF FORESTRY CONTRACTORS A.G.

Concepción, April 5, 2022