Critical Report by Multigremial of La Araucanía: Arson Attacks on Machinery Increased by 58%, with 27 Attacks per Month

June 01, 2023 0 Comments Last News Sin tags

The Multigremial of La Araucanía has recorded over 389 acts of violence in the Southern Macrozone during the last 14 months. Hours before the presidential address, the organization presented a new report highlighting the complex security situation in the southern part of the country, where arson attacks on machinery have increased by more than 50% this year, along with the monthly average of such incidents.

The report by the Multigremial of La Araucanía, accessed by La Tercera PM, shows that, on average, 27 attacks of any kind occur monthly in the macrozone. This indicates that, overall, the regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos experience nearly one rural violent incident per day.

One of the most concerning trends for the organization is that the most violent incidents increased by 28% in May. Crimes such as arson or armed attacks remain at levels similar to those of the last three years, according to the group's analysis. The data, the report states, "contradicts the discourse of Interior Minister Carolina Tohá and raises questions about the government's perception and management of the situation."

This reflects that a series of police incidents occurred in the Southern Macrozone last month, specifically in the La Araucanía Region. In that area,up to sevenviolent attacks were recorded in a single day. This led the government to declare a "red alert" in the region due to the wave of violence.

The president of the trade association, Patricio Santibáñez, argues that this increase "challenges the official perception of security in the region and raises concerns about the government's management of the situation." For this reason, the group is calling for a series of measures authorities should take, especially as President Gabriel Boric prepares to deliver his annual address this Thursday.

So far this year, according to the analysis, 224 properties have been affected by some form of rural violence, rising to 350 during Boric's administration. This figure also shows an increase compared to the 218 incidents last year and the 208 in 2021. This reflects a significant 58% rise in arson attacks on machinery and equipment, even surpassing vehicles as the most targeted this year. Meanwhile, the burning of constructions has decreased by 37%.

Although the report reveals a 19% decrease in high-profile crimes up to this month, it warns of changes in the types of crimes occurring and, especially, where they are happening.

The analysis shows that the number of attacks in the Biobío Region is significantly lower than previous records, dropping from 63 high-profile crimes in 2022 to 27 in the same period this year. However, there has been a considerable and steady increase in the regions of La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos.

For example, in the region with the capital city of Temuco, 81 high-profile crimes occurred in 2021. A year later, in the same period, this number rose to 86, and so far in 2023, it has reached 88. The group states that this regional disparity "is striking and raises the question of why these differing trends exist between regions. It is important to analyze and understand the factors influencing this phenomenon."

There is also an increase over time. According to the Multigremial's report, during 2022, under the state of emergency, an average of 20 incidents occurred. This year, in the same period, that number has risen to 25.

The president of the Multigremial emphasizes that "beyond specific numbers, what is important is to recognize that terrorist groups have maintained their capacity to generate violence, which has not been effectively contained. This persistence in their power and ability to carry out violent acts underscores the need for more effective strategies to address this situation and ensure public safety."

The organization's report concludes that "while the state of emergency is a useful and indispensable tool, its functioning must be improved, including support for police procedures, greater authority, increased staffing, reduced personnel and command rotation, and specialization."

Therefore, they argue for implementing a "brake plan" to "develop effective strategies to halt the actions of terrorist groups." Additionally, they point out that the government lacks a "clear strategy to confront terrorism, which should include operational, preventive, and legislative aspects. There has been no progress or urgency regarding the Anti-Terrorism and Intelligence Laws. In fact, we are concerned that the government displays contradictory stances on key issues like the Land Seizure Law, adopting positions that favor the demands of violent groups, leaving room for their impunity."

Source:www.latercera.com