News

Ninth Member of Weichán Auka Mapu Arrested in Coronel

Sponsors

• Police operation achieves capture of suspect linked to the murder of a Mapuche community member in La Araucanía.

In a successful overnight operation, Carabineros forces detained Francisco Javier Pérez Álvarez, an alleged member of the Weichán Auka Mapu (WAM) organization, during a highway checkpoint in the city of Coronel. This arrest adds to the judicial actions against those involved in the 2022 murder of a Mapuche community member in Carahue, La Araucanía Region.

The regional prosecutor of La Araucanía, Roberto Garrido, reported that Pérez Álvarez was actively sought by authorities, becoming the ninth person arrested in connection with this case. "Early this morning, during a highway checkpoint in Coronel, Carabineros identified an individual for whom the Prosecutor's Office had requested an arrest warrant due to his ties to the criminal organization WAM," stated the prosecutor.

Prosecutor Garrido emphasized the importance of these arrests in clarifying the crime and dismantling the criminal organization. "A total of eighteen arrest warrants have been issued, and with this recent capture, we have now arrested half of the suspects," he added.

The operation leading to Pérez Álvarez's arrest is part of a series of actions carried out by the Investigative Police (PDI), which had previously faced high-risk situations, including a shootout that resulted in the death of one suspect and a wounded detective.

The Mapuche community and society at large have closely followed this case, which has heightened tensions in the region due to violence linked to territorial disputes and conflicts between indigenous groups and the state. The arrest of WAM members is seen as a crucial step toward restoring peace and justice in La Araucanía.

Authorities continue investigations and operations to locate and detain the remaining suspects. The Prosecutor's Office has reiterated its commitment to justice and security in the region, vowing not to stop until all those responsible are brought to trial.