Carabiniero wounded in Valdivia dies in an operation to arrest a fugitive for the murder of Eugenio Nain

The death of Corporal First Class Marcos Javier Cosme Barquero has sparked widespread reaction across Chile’s political landscape following his fatal injury during a police operation in Valdivia, Region of Los Rios. The 32-year-old officer, who belonged to the Special Police Operations Group (GOPE) based in La Araucania, was shot in the face during the operation aimed at capturing Carlos Esteban Cancino Tapia, known as "El Rana," who is linked to the murder of Subofficer Major Eugenio Nain in 2020. Cosme Barquero had been hospitalized in critical condition after the incident and succumbed to his injuries. General Director of Carabineros, Marcelo Araya, confirmed the death and described the day as "sad" for the institution. President Jose Antonio Kast expressed deep sorrow over the death of Cosme Barquero through social media. He stated that the officer was assassinated cowardly by a fugitive who had lived in complete impunity until now. Kast emphasized that he would ensure the criminal spends the rest of his life in prison and that all those who protected and covered up for him would be held accountable. Similarly, Minister of Public Security Martin Arrau noted that the officer died while seeking justice for the murder of a colleague. He condemned the act as vile and cowardly, stating that the suspect would have to answer before the law without any leniency. Both leaders extended their support to the family of Cosme Barquero and the entire Carabineros institution. The Senate expressed its condolences to Carabineros for the loss of the officer. In a statement, the Senate conveyed sincere condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Carabineros institution, emphasizing their solidarity with them during this time of profound grief. They reiterated their strongest condemnation against acts of violence targeting those who uphold public order and citizen safety. The Senate reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the rule of law and pursuing justice. The president of the Senate, Paulina Nunez (RN), and vice president Ivan Moreira (UDI) signed the message expressing respect, solidarity, and recognition of the dedication and service of Corporal First Class Marcos Cosme Barquero. Congressman Omar Sabat (UDI) highlighted that it should not be normalized that four Carabineros officers were shot within a week. He urged Minister Arrau to strengthen the Nain-Retamal Law and advance decisively on the security agenda. He added that he is ready to support Carabineros from Congress. Former presidential candidate Evelyn Matthei (UDI) expressed that the assassination of the police officer should not only cause concern but also anger. She argued that attacking a Carabinero is equivalent to attacking the country itself, as they protect the safety of all Chileans. She concluded that she hopes the full weight of the law falls upon those responsible for this cowardly crime. Carabineros de Chile opened a virtual book of condolences for the deceased officer. The institution created a space on its official website for people to send messages regarding the passing of Corporal First Class Marcos Javier Cosme Barquero, who was part of the GOPE unit in La Araucania and died after being seriously injured during an operation to capture Carlos Esteban Cancino Tapia, alias "El Rana." During the operation, two Carabineros were wounded by gunfire. Cosme Barquero sustained the more severe injury and remained in critical condition. The second officer, who was wounded in the abdomen, was later discharged. Following confirmation of the death, General Director of Carabineros, Marcelo Araya, declared institutional mourning and announced that the institutional flag would remain at half-mast in the barracks. The institution informed the public via its official channels that individuals could access the virtual book of condolences using their Unique Key through the Virtual Police Station. The operation in which Cosme Barquero was injured took place in the context of efforts to arrest Carlos Esteban Cancino Tapia, who had evaded justice for his alleged involvement in the murder of Subofficer Major Eugenio Nain in 2020. The operation occurred in the rural area of Punucapa, in the Region of Los Rios. General Director Araya gave a press conference in Valdivia and described the day as "sad" for the institution. He said it is difficult when one of their own leaves, especially when a member who has given their life for the country departs in such a manner. After confirming the death, Araya announced that Carabineros had declared institutional mourning, effective from Saturday. He mentioned that the institutional flag would be flown at half-mast in all barracks. Araya also indicated that he spoke with President Kast, Minister of Public Security Martin Arrau, and other authorities following the officer's death. Regarding farewell ceremonies, Araya stated that the details would be determined together with the family of Corporal First Class Marcos Javier Cosme Barquero. It is expected that there will be a ceremony in Temuco, while the funeral would take place in Puerto Montt. Araya said they would accompany the family to give the final farewell to this great officer, martyr of the institution and the country. The trajectory of Marcos Cosme included 13 years and five months of service in Carabineros. According to the institution, he had ten commendations in his record, including participation in the capture of those responsible for the murders of the Heroes of Arauco, rescue operations in high mountain areas and rivers, and representation of Carabineros in triathlon competitions. Cosme joined the institution on January 16, 2013, in the Valdivia Training Group, graduating in January 2014. He was then assigned to the Pampa Alegre Post, under the Third Osorno Police Station. In 2019, he completed the special training course for the GOPE and the following year was assigned to the Special Police Operations Section in Araucania, where he served until his death.