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Alejandro Pliscoff and the Truth Behind His Departure from Senapred Araucanía: "They Asked for My Resignation"

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Thursday, March 20, was no ordinary day at the regional offices of the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) in Temuco. Weather conditions—puelche winds, high temperatures, and authorized agricultural burns—forecasted a challenging weekend. As a result, the so-called "Red Button" was activated, a preventive measure signaling critical wildfire risk.

But while teams fine-tuned emergency plans, a counterintuitive directive arrived from Santiago: Senapred’s national director, Alicia Cebrián, personally called the regional head, Alejandro Pliscoff, to demand his resignation. The reason? Officially, a "loss of trust."

When contacted by Radio Bío Bío’s Investigative Unit, the former regional director responded tersely: "They asked for my resignation," dismissing claims that it was a personal or voluntary decision, as initially stated by the Executive Branch.

Pliscoff had assumed the role just on February 6, following a selection process by the Senior Public Management (ADP), and was forced to leave amid crisis planning. According to sources gathered by this Unit, his conversation with Cebrián hinted at reasons unrelated to his professional performance. Despite positive evaluations, the director allegedly cited social media posts linked to his Jewish identity, as explained by those familiar with the discussions.

The decision sparked immediate tension within the regional team, to the point where staff attempted to organize a protest on Friday, March 21—just 48 hours before wildfires affected the communes of Traiguén and surrounding areas.

Senapred had not provided detailed public explanations for Pliscoff’s departure. However, in response to Radio Bío Bío’s inquiry, the agency stated that the resignation "was requested by the National Directorate and accepted by the employee on the afternoon of March 21." They added that it occurred "in the context of behavior inconsistent with the dignity and stature expected of a senior public official," specifying that the former director had made "posts on a digital platform during work hours, using language contrary to the respectful conduct required of public servants." According to the institution, this was not the first time his actions had been questioned. They also emphasized that "Senapred is a technical, pluralistic, and cross-cutting entity, and under no circumstances has discrimination based on creed, origin, or religion been exercised."

In fact, multiple sources indicated the issue arose when the Executive Branch became aware of Pliscoff’s documents and publications related to the Middle East conflict. Those close to him suggest the decision was motivated by his analyses and opinions in favor of the Jewish world.

Behind Closed Doors

On Thursday the 20th at 6:00 PM, Pliscoff met with his team in the Early Warning Unit (UAT) room at Senapred Araucanía. There, he informed staff that he had to step down under direct orders from the National Directorate. Only one member was absent: Catedrin Savaria, head of the Operations Department, who currently serves as interim director.

Pliscoff told his closest colleagues that National Director Alicia Cebrián and her chief of staff, Felipe Riquelme, communicated the decision. They offered two options: submit an irrevocable resignation or face removal through vacancy proceedings, which could disqualify him from future public competitions.

He chose to resign by Friday at 5:00 PM, effective April 9, using his accumulated administrative leave and vacation days. That same day, staff organized a farewell lunch on the second floor of the institutional building at Lagos 720, Temuco.

Virtual Meeting

Before the lunch, at 9:30 AM on Friday the 21st, staff attended a virtual meeting with the National Director. There, Alicia Cebrián reiterated that Pliscoff’s departure was her decision due to a "loss of trust." She provided no further details beyond a brief phrase: "Trust me."

The problem was that by then, it was already known the director had cited posts supporting Israel as the trigger for her decision the previous day. According to sources, Pliscoff suspected something was amiss when he noticed unusual access to his social media to review his activity.

Military Background

Alejandro Pliscoff studied at the Hebrew Institute of Santiago and has maintained an active commitment to Judaism.

On February 1, 2025, he requested retirement from the Army, where he held the rank of lieutenant colonel. He applied for the public competition for regional head of Senapred Araucanía five months before assuming the role.

During his military career, he was stationed in Europe, served as director of the Military Hospital, and at the time of his discharge, was head of the Logistics Department at the General Directorate of National Mobilization under the Ministry of Defense.

In emergency management, he led pandemic efforts in Sarajevo (2020), assisted in relocating residents of La Chimba in Antofagasta, and served as planning chief for the response to the Santa Olga wildfire (2017).

Senapred’s Version: "Behavior Incompatible with the Position"

When contacted by this outlet, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service issued an official statement:

"Regarding the resignation of the former regional director of Araucanía, Senapred clarifies that his departure was requested by the National Directorate and accepted by the employee on the afternoon of March 21."

"It is important to note that this resignation occurred in the context of behavior inconsistent with the dignity and stature expected of a senior public official. Specifically, it involved posts on a digital platform during work hours, using language contrary to the respectful conduct required of public servants, which led to his dismissal. Additionally, this was not the first time concerns were raised about the employee’s conduct."

"These actions undoubtedly deviate from the values guiding the Service’s mission and, consequently, public service."

The statement adds that Senapred is a technical, pluralistic, and cross-cutting entity and that "under no circumstances has discrimination based on creed, origin, or religion been exercised."

Finally, they emphasized that emergency coordination is conducted jointly with Regional System agencies and that trained staff are in place to assume interim roles and ensure operational continuity.

Source:BiobioChile