"Military Can Still Contribute to Dismantling Extremist Groups in Southern Zone"

While unions victimized by violence are arranging a meeting with Defense Minister Fernando Barros through La Araucanía Senator Miguel Becker, the Secretary of State's statements to "El Mercurio" ruling out an "abandonment" of the State regarding the southern macrozone were well received, but with nuances.

"Although his words may be reassuring, we need more concrete actions. The military, within the context of the state of exception, can still make an important contribution to dismantling extremist and violent groups," said the president of the Multigremial of La Araucanía, Patricio Santibáñez. He added that "this task is not finished, and we are concerned that without the Armed Forces, this situation of violence will persist or increase. If it persists, that's already bad."

The president of the Biobío Agricultural Society and vice-president of the National Agriculture Society, José Miguel Stegmeier, stated that "it would be very absurd to abandon the southern macrozone from the point of view of the state of exception, because the conditions for that are not yet in place." He added that "violence remains latent, and as long as we don't have those who commit these attacks imprisoned and these groups dismantled, we cannot withdraw the military and leave the police forces alone."

Source:El Mercurio