SANTIAGO – After GOPE, the special force commandos of Chile’s Carabineros, met heavy criticism, President Piñera has announced the withdrawal of the group from the Araucanía region. The GOPE, known as the Jungle Commando, was involved in the shootout that led to the death of Camilo Catrillanca, a 24-year-old Mapuche. During the protests that erupted after Catrillanca´s death, activists demanded GOPE’s withdrawal from the region.
Ever since the GOPE units, called Jungle Commando after receiving anti-guerrilla training in Colombia, were sent to La Araucanía, their presence had been criticized. Mapuche activists saw the presence of the heavily armed Carabineros as militarization of their ancestral lands, and after Camilo Catrillanca, a 24-year-old Mapuche died from a stray bullet in the neck during a shootout between GOPE-members and armed men, protests against the elite forces grew stronger.
The protests have resulted in the withdrawal of the special forces, President Piñera said on Saturday. After announcing the withdrawal, Piñera added that the government will stimulate the region in four areas, by improving socio-economic development, recognizing indigenous people and opening dialogue, as announced in the Plan Impulso Araucanía.
The fourth area the government is looking to stimulate concerns security. This has led critics to believe Chilean special forces will remain in the region, but under another name. Piñera said the government plans to “strengthen the Special Forces in La Araucanía, as these forces are especially necessary in La Araucanía”.
The opposition celebrated the government’s decision, while conservative politicians saw the withdrawal as a step back. Over the last couple of days, various Carabineros decision-makers have resigned over the criticism their organization received in the aftermath of the Catrillanca case. Four GOPE members are currently standing trial for their involvement in the killing of the Mapuche man.
Catrillanca case: process against suspected Carabineros starts
Editor-In-Chief Boris van der Spek is the founder of Chile Today.