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Guild report reveals decrease in rural violence cases in the province of Arauco

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A report by the Multiguild Association of Araucanía revealed a decrease in rural violence incidents in the Biobío region during February, a perspective shared by the Association of Forestry Contractors (AcoforAG) in the area, though the intentionality of the forest fires recorded in February in the Southern Macrozone remains a concern.

According to data from the Multiguild Association, in February 2021, 8 high-profile incidents were recorded in Biobío, in 2022 there were 7 cases, and in February of this year, they dropped again to 6 cases.

Meanwhile, data from AcoforAG indicate that between 2014 and 2022, the average number of attacks occurring during January, February, and March was 4.2 attacks, while in 2023, that average dropped to one attack per month.

The general manager of AcoforAG, René Muñoz, stated that they attribute the decrease in attacks to the 10 months the State of Exception has been in effect, but even more so to the Timber Theft Law: "We all knew that this crime is what funds the criminal and terrorist activities of these armed groups," he said.

However, one thing that does concern the guilds is the intentionality of forest fires. According to Conaf data, the intentionality of forest fires in the region reached 67%, and it is estimated that 8 out of 10 fires fought by private companies were intentional.

Source:www.soyconcepción.cl