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Security Committee Established in Santa Bárbara Amid Criticism Over Absence of Public Ministry

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Deep concern has spread across the Biobío province following an arson attack that severely damaged the facilities of the Rucalhue hydroelectric plant, located in the commune of Santa Bárbara.

The attack, considered the largest of its kind in the country's recent history, destroyed over 50 vehicles and heavy machinery, causing significant economic, social, and environmental impacts. It affected not only Rucalhue Energía SpA but also subcontractors and local small businesses.

In response, an emergency multisectoral meeting was held this Thursday, led by Mayor Cristian Oses, alongside representatives from the central government, including Nelson Morales, head of the Public Security Division of the Interior Ministry, who attended on behalf of Minister Luis Cordero.

The meeting, held in the mountainous commune, brought together public and private stakeholders, including energy and forestry companies, public services, community leaders, and local entrepreneurs, in a joint effort to coordinate immediate and long-term actions to restore security and revitalize the local economy.

The notable absence, criticized by attendees, was the Public Ministry, which, despite being invited, had no representation. Mayor Oses strongly condemned this, stating that although Regional Prosecutor Marcela Cartagena was invited, she neither attended, sent a representative, nor apologized. "It is serious that they didn’t show up. This was a working meeting, not an attack on anyone. We can’t have an office without a prosecutor. We don’t even know if the Public Ministry has been present at the attack site."

He announced that, through Minister Cordero’s representative, they would formally request National Prosecutor Ángel Valencia to ensure "this doesn’t happen again. We need the Public Ministry here, providing insight on procedures and explaining their work. I know they’re autonomous and not obligated to attend, but their presence in these working meetings is crucial."

The mayor firmly stated, "Security cannot be managed only at the provincial, regional, or Santiago level. It must be present where incidents occur, where our community suffers the consequences." He praised the formation of this permanent, multidisciplinary working committee and the commitment to coordinate concrete actions to address the challenges left by the attack.

Meanwhile, Nelson Morales welcomed the meeting and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law and the use of all available legal tools.

In this regard, he emphasized the importance of the first lawsuit filed under the new Anti-Terrorism Law, submitted by the Executive Branch after the Rucalhue incident.

"It’s essential to send a clear message that the State will protect its citizens, that respect for the rule of law is non-negotiable. This lawsuit aims precisely to deliver a firm and decisive response to groups seeking to sow terror in our territories," he stressed.

Morales added that constant monitoring, increased police presence, and sustained collaboration with local and regional governments will continue to prevent further violence.

Weeks after the attack, Santa Bárbara remains on alert but is also rising with the strength of its community. Local authorities have already scheduled a meeting for next Monday with community leaders and entrepreneurs to gather territorial proposals for a participatory crisis response.

"Today, we took the first step. Full satisfaction will come when we see concrete actions, but this working committee marks the beginning of building a better future for our commune," concluded Oses.

COMMITMENTS AND ACTION PLANS

Key agreements included implementing an interinstitutional comprehensive security plan to prevent further violence.

Establishing a public-private economic and tourism recovery committee focused on entrepreneurs, SMEs, and job restoration, along with an interministerial team for commitment follow-up, coordinated at the central level.

Defining a timeline for restoring the hydroelectric plant and affected areas, including damage assessment, contractor and worker support, and new investment planning, among others.

Source:La Tribuna