Acoforag Warns That State of Emergency Is Not Enough to Restore Security in the Southern Macrozone
The manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), René Muñoz, warned that the current state of emergency implemented in the Southern Macrozone "is not sufficient" to guarantee real security conditions in the regions affected by rural violence.
"The number of attacks and levels of violence have decreased, but with the state of emergency as it stands today, it is not enough," stated the leader. He explained that during its enforcement, four workers have already been murdered, demonstrating that the risk situation persists for those working in the forestry sector.
Muñoz added that currently there are over 100,000 hectares at production age captured by violent groups, which prevents the productive development of the area. "In the province of Arauco, for example, there is no formal work from the south. Despite the progress, it is necessary to normalize work in the Southern Macrozone. We cannot bring well-being and development if there is no security," he affirmed.
The union leader indicated that although the figures show a slight decrease in the frequency of attacks—from 3.5 monthly incidents before the state of emergency to 2 currently—the violence "persists despite the military and police deployment."
"We believe the State must change its position and understand that it is necessary to guarantee effective protection and security for the inhabitants of the Southern Macrozone. Only then will it be possible to restore productive activity and generate employment in these regions," concluded Muñoz.
