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Acoforag: "We are still waiting for a response from Minister Cordero"

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René Muñoz, manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), questioned that "we forestry contractors have suffered 138 attacks, which have resulted in the destruction of 607 pieces of equipment. I understand he can imagine what this means in patrimonial terms, but we have also had three fatalities, three forestry workers murdered."

This comes three years after the constitutional state of exception was declared in the Southern Macrozone, with the Minister of Security, Luis Cordero, highlighting the importance of this controversial measure to reduce acts of violence in the regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, Los Ríos, and Los Lagos.

This Monday, the Secretary of State is in La Araucanía participating in a police committee meeting, where he took the opportunity to address the achievements of this preventive measure.

"This visit to the region is not only about the presence of the Ministry of Security but also about the Public Security System, which is linked to the enactment of the law," Cordero explained.

For Muñoz, "so when we tell the minister that we want to talk, that we are the most affected, how do we solve this, how do we ensure we can return to working in peace and develop the La Araucanía Region, we have received no response and are still waiting," he lamented.

According to La Tercera, in these three years of the state of exception, there have been 56 extensions, a thousand officials deployed across these regions, and at least 23 billion pesos spent on implementing the measure.

On this matter, Cordero stated that "just days before completing three years of the Constitutional State of Exception, between 2021 and the end of 2024, we have seen a 67% reduction in rural violence incidents, meaning over 700 events prevented by authorities in terms of security and public order."

He added that "so far this year, we already have a 49% reduction compared to last year."

"Why are these figures relevant? Because despite still facing complex, serious incidents, such as arson attacks, every public peso invested in security in the Southern Macrozone, and particularly in this region (La Araucanía), has been worth it and will continue to be worth it—not only for crimes prevented but for lives saved and peace of mind for the people of this region," emphasized the authority.

Source:Cooperativa