...Since April 24, 2025, the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) has been conducting a large-scale operation in Mapuche Williche territory, which led today, April 25, to the arbitrary detention of Felipe Trunci González, a member of the Aylla Rewe of the Ngen Mapu Kintuantü and a well-known defender from the commune of Puyehue, along with acts against other defenders of the ancestral territory. According to available information, Felipe was taken to the PDI facilities in Osorno, Los Lagos Region. Preliminary reports suggest the detention is linked to a sealed case (RIT 157-2023, Río Bueno Guarantee Court). Authorities have requested DNA samples, an excessive measure suggesting possible more serious charges not yet disclosed. It is important to note that at the time of his detention, Felipe had no access to legal counsel and was transferred without a court order and without being formally charged before the Guarantee Judge to the Forensic Medical Service. These circumstances are contrary to due process, minimum judicial guarantees, and human rights.

In recent days, police presence has also been reported at at least two other homes of defenders and members of the Aylla Rewe. At the time of the arrest, reports described a disproportionate deployment involving multiple police vehicles, agents, and road blockades. These circumstances appear to form part of a systematic pattern of persecution, intimidation, harassment, and revictimization against defenders, in violation of the right to defend human rights.
These actions occur at a particularly sensitive time for the Mapuche Williche communities of the Pilmaiquén territory, who have defended their land and spirituality for over a decade against hydroelectric projects driven by the Norwegian company Statkraft...

The recent detention of Felipe Trunci and the excessive police deployment also occur in the context of the resumption of the indigenous consultation process regarding archaeological findings at the Los Lagos Hydroelectric Project (operated by Statkraft), being conducted by the National Monuments Council, whose next session is scheduled for May 3, 2025...