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Mapuches Against Mapuches: Death Threats from Violent Groups Against Forestry Workers

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For several years, forestry companies in the regions of La Araucanía and Biobío have implemented actions to involve local communities in their productive activities. However, for radicalized groups, the decision of people of Mapuche origin to participate in these programs constitutes a "betrayal."

This week, a "warning" appeared on social media against "yanakonas and winka groups" in the Gulf of Arauco. The former refers to people of Mapuche origin whom the violent factions accuse of being allied with forestry companies. Meanwhile, the term "winka" is used to describe Chileans who do not belong to the Mapuche people.

Thus,in a statement dated June 4,"the various lof in resistance of Arauco" declare: "We demand that Forestal Arauco refrain from entering the territory and warn any contractor or person involved in the so-called 'mixed operations' that they are an enemy and their actions represent a direct attack against the Mapuche nation."

They then threaten: "Having issued this warning, from this moment onward, any material losses or injuries, harm, or even deaths resulting from this conflict will be the sole responsibility of Forestal Arauco and its 'mixed operations' strategy."

The statement closes with slogans: "no more cops in recovered territory," "forestry companies out of Mapuche territory," and a call for the release of those they label "Mapuche political prisoners."

The Death of Segundo Catril

The threat is not trivial. A year ago, Mapuche worker Segundo Catril Neculqueo was murdered.

He died on May 24, 2022, after being shot in the head when the transport vehicle taking him to work was ambushed in Relún, Lumaco commune in La Araucanía, on the route connecting Capitán Pastene with Tirúa. The incident occurred around 9:00 AM.

Catril was not alone in the vehicle—over 20 workers were shot at, and besides Catril, two others were injured.

The victims worked for Santo Reinao SpA, a contractor providing services for Forestal Mininco, a subsidiary of Compañía Manufacturera de Papeles y Cartones (CMPC), and were on their way to reforest native trees.

The local businessmanSanto Reinaohas also faced ambushes, accused by violent groups of being a "yanacona."

The regional prosecutor of La Araucanía,Roberto Garrido,confirmed at the time that shotguns and "military-grade weapons" were used in the attack against the workers.

None of the radicalized groups operating in the Southern Macrozone claimed responsibility for the attack, and to this day, the incident remains unresolved, with no known perpetrators.

However, the crime occurred in one of the high-risk zones near the border with the Arauco commune, allowing access through inland roads to the Lleu Lleu and Tirúa areas, where ORT (territorial recovery organizations) linked to the CAM operate.

According to locals, this is the most expedient route between the VIII and IX Regions, and for the violent factions, it serves as a majorescape routedue to the territorial control they exert in areas like Antiquina, Peleco, and Contulmo.

The Reason Behind the Threat

Humberto Toro, Presidential Provincial Delegate of Arauco, explains to El Líbero that the origin of this statement may lie in ongoing discussions with communities in the southern cone of the province, who have shown interest in starting forestry operations in partnership with companies, as well as small transporters who also wish to provide services to these firms.

Regarding the former, Toro notes that some want to work on their own lands, "primarily to sell directly to those who need the wood and thus avoid confusion that might arise when transporting their timber, which could be mistaken for theft."

He adds that "other organizations have expressed willingness to engage in collaborative work with forestry companies, opening the possibility for these firms to hire them for internal operations. Local trucks could then transport the wood sold by communities with existing forests... This is a way to make the process transparent and prevent what has happened in Arauco Province, where we’ve been aggressively combating timber theft."

Consequently, the presidential delegate believes the statement may come from "more isolated groups, disconnected from the communities in the southern cone."

Toro adds that "when I speak of southern cone communities, I’m referring to strong, well-organized groups in Arauco Province, some of whom have been labeled as complex in the past. But today, they are seeking direct relationships with buyers to avoid, as they say, the perception that they are involved in timber theft."

Clearing Territory for Illegal Activities

Sources linked to the forestry sector, speaking anonymously, explain that forestry companies and landowners employ both Mapuche and non-Mapuche local communities.

They add that ORT—territorial resistance organizations—and timber theft gangs intimidate people living and working in areas they target, "threatening them, posting declarations on social media, and using violence to clear the territory for their illegal activities with impunity. They also call them 'yanaconas,' or traitors to the Mapuche cause, despite these individuals living and working like any other Chilean."

The statement issued this week was prompted by planned operations in a property called "Chacay," located in the Cañete commune.

Forestal Arauco has filed multiple lawsuits for timber theft on this property in 2021 and 2022. According to complaints, illegal logging and continuous timber extraction were taking place there.

"The frequency and method of these acts suggest they are part of a sustained illicit economic activity, where individuals systematically and premeditatedly steal wood for sale, ruling out the possibility of isolated incidents," states the lawsuit filed in October 2021 at the Cañete Guarantee Court.

This situation persisted until 2023, when, according to sources consulted by El Líbero, Carabineros—with Navy support—intervened under the state of emergency in effect in the area.

Illicit Entrepreneurs

Toro describes the groups engaged in timber theft as "illicit entrepreneurs," who "have always sought to legitimize their crimes under the guise of the Mapuche cause."

"They do not represent the Mapuche cause, its ideals, or its organizations. It could well be that these groups, tied to such illicit entrepreneurs who have enriched themselves at the expense of Arauco Province’s poverty, are behind the threat posted online—groups that have nothing to do with the Mapuche cause or its communities."

The delegate believes "these groups sense their illegal business is drying up, hence these threats." He attributes this to the crackdown on organized timber theft, ongoing investigations by the Prosecutor’s Office, and the fact that communities are regrouping in territorial roundtables to address demands like water access, roads, and production support. Additionally, legal sales opportunities are emerging through agreements with forestry companies and transporters.

A "Dangerous" Statement

Ultimately, experts say these threats stem from violent groups opposing any form of development.

For René Muñoz, manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors AG (Acoforag), the social media threat is "highly complex and concerning, as it targets those engaged in forestry work in Arauco Province—a dangerous precedent."

He adds, "This is a public warning attributed to a terrorist group. We must take it seriously but hope it remains just a threat. It undermines the constitutional right to work and the freedom of people in the province—the most alarming aspect. Authorities must analyze this statement appropriately."

On collaboration between forestry companies and communities, Muñoz states: "This aligns with what companies seek—to bring development and well-being to communities. Nearly 60% of Arauco Province is forest-suitable land, so involving communities is logical, as it provides them resources. These groups seem intent on keeping people in poverty, which makes no sense... Partnering with communities is reasonable; threatening those seeking to escape poverty is not."

Source:www.ellibero.cl