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Acoforag: "This is the fifth murder of forestry workers in the southern macrozone in 12 years"
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The murder of 60-year-old forestry guard Manuel León Urra and the serious injuries suffered by 50-year-old César Osorio in an armed attack in the commune of Victoria continue to generate strong reactions in the forestry sector.
In an interview with Radio Cooperativa, the manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors (Acoforag), René Muñoz, accused the State of abandonment and denounced that contractors and workers have been victims of systematic violence for over a decade.
"In 12 years, this is the fifth murder of forestry workers in the southern macrozone. We believe it is pure terrorism and should be investigated under the Anti-Terrorism Law, which now has better tools to punish these crimes," he stated.
Muñoz acknowledged certain progress in the work of the police and the prosecutor's office—such as arrests, dismantling of timber theft gangs, and a reduction in attacks—but emphasized that the results are insufficient:
"We have been dealing with this for 12 years. We don't just lose machines; we lose our workers, businesses, and family dreams. We want to work peacefully, like any Chilean."
The leader maintained that, although there is coordination with Carabineros and the Armed Forces under the State of Exception, the current strategy is limited:
"The State of Exception is necessary, but it is not enough. We believe a different police force is required, specially trained to confront armed groups with guerrilla-like characteristics, linked to arms trafficking and timber theft. Today, there is a vicious cycle of crime in the area."
Muñoz also denounced the existence of extortion and illegal fees charged to contractors to allow them to work, but assured that many affected individuals do not file formal complaints due to fear of reprisals.
Faced with this situation, he recalled that Acoforag filed a complaint with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and also turned to the ILO for non-compliance with Convention 187, which protects the safety and lives of workers.
"The murder of Manuel León Urra further strengthens our complaint. We believe the Chilean State is only moved by international pressure. We have been denouncing what is happening for 12 years, and it has not been enough. What we demand is security, dignity, and the right to work in peace," he concluded.
