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PDI Rules Out Dismantling of Mapuche Lafkenche Resistance (RML) After Arrest of Federico Astete

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The PDI (Investigative Police) addressed the arrest of Federico Astete Catrileo, identified as a leader of the radical Mapuche group Mapuche Lafkenche Resistance (RML), dismissing that his capture means the end of this radical organization.

When asked whether Astete Catrileo's arrest translates to the downfall of the organization, PDI Subprefect Marcelo Contreras stated, “We cannot confirm that.”

“Federico Astete plays a significant role within the organization, but we cannot assign him sole leadership,” expressed the police official.

He added, “We must understand that this is an organization with a more horizontal than vertical leadership structure, which allows us to say that he is indeed a key figure within the group.”

Regarding the movements of the now-detained individual, Contreras explained that Astete Catrileo, “as a fugitive, constantly changed his locations, staying overnight in different places.”

Additionally, the civil police subprefect asserted that there were three arrest warrants against the RML member for the crimes of homicide, criminal association, and arson.

However, he reported that Astete is currently wanted by the judiciary in connection with the assault on Molino Grollmus on August 29, 2022, in the commune of Contulmo.

“We must understand that this is a criminal organization operating since 2020, and historically, they became known after the attack on the Lleu Lleu bridge, where explosives were used inside a vehicle,” he stated.

The arrest of the alleged RML leader by the PDI

Specifically, Astete Catrileo was captured in an operation carried out in the rural area of Pocuno, 30 kilometers south of Cañete.

According to information gathered by Radio Bío Bío in the Arauco province, the arrest took place in a house located within his parents' property.

Astete, identified as “RML’s number one,” was actively sought for his alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes in the Southern Macrozone.

The arrest was executed following a pending warrant from January 2024, when the individual managed to evade an operation in which three members of his group, including his partner Claudia Nahuelan, were captured.

The procedure was part of a coordinated effort in recent hours by the Public Ministry with the PDI’s Anti-Kidnapping Brigade (BIPE), with support from the Navy during the operation.

Source:BiobioChile