The Admiral is not the problem

We should be concerned about Security, with a capital S. Without it, there will never be economic or social development.

The week began with the government declaring a state of emergency for the provinces of Arauco and Biobío. The situation in the Southern Macrozone was at a breaking point: violent incidents had increased by 171% in the 50 days following the lifting of the measure. Within 48 hours of the announcement, the Chief of Defense (Rear Admiral Parga) appointed for that area was already being questioned. 72 hours later, we were informed of his removal from that position. The public debate was dominated by the news, and opinions on the matter were exchanged back and forth. But the truth is that the Admiral was never the problem, and the issue should never have been whether he should remain in office. The problem is the violence perpetrated by radicalized groups.

Let’s provide some context. In October 2019 a naval officer driving an infantry vehicle struck a person who was in an area where disturbances were occurring. The resolution was quasi manslaughter because there was no intent, meaning it was an accident. The investigation was lengthy, and during it, Rear Admiral Parga issued a statement asserting that the Navy would defend its officer. The problem: this week, the family of the young man who was struck issued a statement expressing that they felt “hopeless and abandoned” with Parga’s appointment and reminded the President that prior to the campaign’s closure, he promised them “justice, truth, reparation, and memory.”

The words of the victim’s family fell like a bucket of cold water in La Moneda, which ended up transforming a security issue into a political one. Government spokesperson Camila Vallejo stated that the decision was made out of “respect for Human Rights.” And what about respect for the Rule of Law in Araucanía? What about prioritizing security? Where does all that stand?!

The state of emergency is declared as a consequence of the fact that usurpations increased by 400%, armed attacks by 289%, and arson attacks by 91%, according to a report from the Multigremial of La Araucanía. Under these conditions, dialogue is almost impossible. We must control the security problem and then advance the conversation. That is what we should be concerned about: Security, with a capital S. Without it, there will never be economic or social development. Investment will not only fail to arrive in the area, but it will also leave, creating even more voids that will be filled by violent groups.

Let’s return to the origin: the Admiral was never the problem. In fact, his statements demonstrate the loyal support of the institution for one of its own and prove the cohesion of one of the institutions that defend our homeland. I had the fortune of knowing Rear Admiral Parga, who faithfully embodies the values of his institution, and I can only express my gratitude for the duty fulfilled and the dedication he brings to every task assigned to him. 

To the government, I would just like to remind you that the problem lies with the radicalized groups that have undermined the Rule of Law and to ask that, at least this time, you set aside ideology and respond to violence as we all expect: without fear of using force and firmly combating those who attack daily the citizens living in the Southern Macrozone. 

Pilar Lizana 
Researcher at AthenaLab

Source: El Líbero