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Forestry Contractors Demand State Action Over Crisis in Arauco

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•René Muñoz, manager of Acoforag, denounces state inaction in the face of violence and organized crime that has paralyzed forestry activity in the province of Arauco.

The province of Arauco is facing a critical situation that has remained in the shadows for over a decade. René Muñoz, manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), spoke out on Canal 9 Regional's program "El Tablón" to expose the severe reality affecting the forestry sector due to violence and organized crime. The situation has reached an unsustainable point, with half of the province paralyzed and no legal forestry activity, according to Muñoz.

The Acoforag manager was emphatic in pointing out that, although public attention has recently focused on the murders of police officers, the productive sector he represents has been suffering attacks for 11 years. Muñoz criticized the lack of progress by the State, which has left the province in a state of stagnation, severely impacting the local economy.

Security and the Rule of Law are the main concerns of forestry contractors. Muñoz rejected the idea of a State of Emergency, arguing that it restricts freedoms and is intrusive, advocating instead for the strengthening of institutions, such as the Prosecutor's Office, which to date has resolved only one of the 167 reported attacks in the last decade.
The budget for security has increased, but Muñoz insists that security must be a concept that guarantees investment and normal work, something that currently does not happen with an average of four attacks per month over the last ten years. This year, the number has already reached 11 attacks, with two occurring in Arauco, demonstrating the need for more effective state action.

The program also featured Alejandra Burgos, mayor of Curanilahue, and Gastón Saavedra, PS senator of the Biobío Region, who also expressed their concern about the situation and the need to find solutions.

The Arauco community hopes the State will take concrete measures to restore security and the Rule of Law, allowing forestry activity and daily life to return to normal.

Watch the full interview on Canal 9 Regional's website:

https://www.canal9.cl/episodios/el-tablon/2024/05/03/el-tablon-analisis-de-la-situacion-en-la-provincia-de-arauco