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Calls to Anticipate Possible Attacks 48 Hours Before Catrillanca's Death Anniversary

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The last few days have seen a series of violent incidents in Biobío and La Araucanía.

Two homes and nine machines set on fire, along with threats to guards at a forestry estate, were the result of attacks recorded last week in the provinces of Arauco (Biobío), Malleco, and Cautín (both in La Araucanía).

And although a state of emergency remains in effect in these areas, which has helped reduce the actions of criminal groups, it has not prevented an increase in such incidents in recent days.

Thus, just 48 hours before the sixth anniversary of the death of Camilo Catrillanca—shot by Carabineros on November 14, 2018, within the Mapuche community of Temucuicui—the series of attacks has reignited alerts in the southern macrozone.

The presidential delegate of La Araucanía, José Montalva, acknowledged that "these are complex dates from a contingency standpoint."

The date adds to others that generate tension in the area, such as January 3, marking the death of Matías Catrileo in 2008; November 12, for Alex Lemún (2002); or August 12, for Jaime Mendoza Collío (2009).

The manager of the Wood Corporation (Corma) in Biobío, Margarita Celis, urged "the authorities to act with the utmost diligence (and) redouble efforts to (...) ensure a safe environment for those working in the sector."

Deputy Miguel Mellado (RN) called on the government to be "on alert" due to messages "from these groups claiming responsibility for these acts, referencing the memory of the fallen," considering the commemoration of Catrillanca's death.

Meanwhile, Republican deputy Stephan Schubert argued that "what authorities should do to prevent attacks involves intelligence, handling information (...) that allows them to anticipate and identify who might carry out the attacks."

"Present and Active"

The president of the Multiguild Association of La Araucanía, Patricio Santibáñez, stated that the rise in attacks "only confirms that terrorism is still present and active, requiring greater efforts to dismantle and defeat it."

Former security coordinator Pablo Urquizar adds that in the face of violent acts, such as those claimed by the CAM, it is necessary to "redouble efforts to detain and prosecute its members."

Source: subscription edition ofEl Mercurio