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Nine Local Companies Affected by Mega Attack on Rucalhue Power Plant

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The "terrorist" attack that struck part of the construction works at the Rucalhue Power Plant in the Biobío province early Sunday morning not only caused millions in material losses—the largest recorded in the Southern Macrozone—but also severely impacted micro and small businesses, as well as local employment.

According to data gathered by *La Tribuna*, nine local companies were affected, mostly subcontractors and small transport firms, estimating losses exceeding 5 billion pesos.

Among those mentioned are transport companies VSC, Opazo, Cancino, Rosales, GHC Servicios Industriales, CHEC, construction company Retro, transport firms Talmak and CFHEC, which provided services to the hydroelectric plant. Most of them reportedly lack associated insurance coverage.

"This attack not only represents an assault on infrastructure and economic development but also on social stability and the well-being of communities," stated business associations and organizations collectively on Monday, emphasizing the severe consequences for workers, their families, and the entire community.

"This attack directly impacts the quality of life of residents in remote areas and local employment," they affirmed.

"FOR 30 YEARS, THEY’VE BEEN BURNING US"

The transport sector also raised its voice to demand greater job security. "Minister Cordero, President Boric, (take) responsibility for restoring the Rule of Law, peace, and ending the crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking unleashed in the nation—it’s your duty. Do your job," were the emphatic words of Sergio Pérez, president of the National Confederation of Freight Transport (CNTC), which has been on high alert since the incident.

The leader added, "For 30 years, we’ve been attacked, burned, and it’s time for the government to definitively put a stop to this serious problem. Today, there are injured people and 47 productive assets of small and medium entrepreneurs that have been damaged."

Recall that a group of 12 hooded individuals, armed with firearms, entered the site where the Rucalhue hydroelectric plant is being built, on the border of Quilaco and Santa Bárbara communes, intimidating guards before setting fire to 48 trucks, two excavators, and a motor grader.

During the violent act, two security personnel were injured, and no arrests have been made so far by the police.

POWER PLANT UNDER PERMANENT GUARD

Following the arson attack, the Public Ministry instructed Investigative Police personnel to carry out procedures to locate those responsible. According to *La Tribuna*'s information, the investigation is led by prosecutor Carlos Díaz, who is working with a "Task Force" involving units from both Los Ángeles and Santiago.

As part of the investigation, a "permanent protection measure" was ordered for the power plant facilities, to be implemented by Chile’s Carabineros.

Regarding the on-site investigations, Biobío Regional Chief of the Investigative Police, Inspector Prefect Claudia Chamorro, stated, "Numerous procedures have been carried out, first based on the requests of the Flagrancy Prosecutor’s Office, related to fieldwork at the scene by our detectives and the Forensic Lab, who focused on collecting evidence and analyzing any traces found."

She added that all fieldwork is part of the investigative file, which remains confidential due to the severity of the incident.

When asked about visual records that could provide relevant information to clarify the events, Chamorro confirmed that all collected evidence—including security camera footage, if available—is part of the Public Ministry’s records.

Finally, she stated that despite logistical challenges, police teams have managed to gather evidence related to physical tests, soil analysis, incendiary material examination, and potential traces to identify those responsible.

Source:*La Tribuna*