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Arauco 7 and Forestry Contractors: Government's Challenge is to Ensure Greater Security from Cañete Southward

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The provincial delegation of Arauco issued a statement regarding progress in arrests for timber theft in the area. According to the document, which compares 2023 and 2022, last year saw 204 arrests for this crime, representing a 127% increase in captures compared to 2022.

However, despite the progress, which is acknowledged and confirmed by both representatives of the forestry industry and local authorities, these figures also highlight a challenge for 2024: from Cañete southward, forestry work has not yet normalized, meaning there are unresolved objectives.

The effectiveness statistics against timber theft in Arauco Province

According to information shared by the Arauco Provincial Delegation, the results regarding arrests for timber theft are exponentially higher compared to 2021 and 2022. Considering the 204 arrests last year, this reflects a 127% increase compared to 2022 (as mentioned) and a 191% increase compared to 2021.

"Last year, Carabineros under the Arauco Prefecture jurisdiction arrested 204 individuals linked to timber theft, which is 114 more than in 2022 and 134 more than in 2021. This rise in arrests reflects the criminal prosecution we are pursuing for this crime, even detaining individuals who financed violent acts, such as arson attacks," said Humberto Toro, the Presidential Delegate of Arauco Province.

Additionally, the number of arrests occurred during a period when reports of timber theft decreased. For example, there were 75 reports in 2023, 117 in 2022, and 155 in 2021.

Complementing the data on crime prosecution effectiveness, in 2023, Arauco Province seized 82 small vehicles, 51 trucks, and 4 pieces of machinery, doubling the seizures from 2022 and marking a 114% increase compared to 2021.

The Challenge in Arauco Province

As outlined, it can be inferred that the work of public institutions is yielding results, a point supported by René Muñoz, representative of Biobío Forestry Contractors, and Cristián Peña, Mayor of Lebu and President of Arauco 7.

According to René Muñoz, "objectively, there has been a decrease in attacks against forestry contractors. We’ve seen an approximately 80% reduction in attacks in Arauco Province," but, "here’s the caveat: we are working from Cañete northward."

Muñoz added, "In the other half (from Cañete southward), the truth is that work is impossible. In fact, the roads from Cañete to Tirúa or from Cañete to Purén (La Araucanía) are hotspots of violence where these terrorist groups operate."

Meanwhile, Lebu Mayor Cristian Peña noted, "Regarding operations, there is increased movement (...) We’ve seen a recent dynamism in these operations, which aligns with the data."

However, Peña cautioned, "We shouldn’t settle only for the positive data, which is accurate and real. I believe we must push much further, especially now, given the prevailing sense of general insecurity in society, likely due to the country’s ongoing security crisis."

Regarding the situation south of Cañete, where, according to René Muñoz, forestry activity has not yet normalized, Mayor Peña admitted, "That’s correct—it’s cut off from Cañete southward, from Peleco down."

"It won’t be so easy," Peña stated, adding that this represents a "task for the Commission for Peace and Understanding—there’s a big challenge there. While things are calmer and travel is safer—in fact, tourism is recovering well in that area—the ongoing actions south of Arauco Province still make forestry operations unviable."

Source:www.diarioconcepcion.cl