General Director Marcelo Araya posthumously promoted Cabo Primero Marcos Cosme Barquero to Suboficial Mayor during his funeral in Temuco. Araya demanded that Carlos Cancino Tapia, alias El Rana, pay with jail time for his role in the operation that led to the officer's death.
During the religious ceremony in Temuco, Araya stated that he used his powers for the posthumous promotion, as corresponds to heroes who give their lives for the country. He described Cosme as an exemplary member of the GOPE and a husband who fulfilled his institutional oath.
Araya affirmed that Carabineros will provide all background for the investigation and emphasized that the criminal must be in jail. He also urged those who protected or covered up the accused to provide information to authorities.
President José Antonio Kast attended the funeral service along with the First Lady and ministers. On his X account, Kast said Chile was saying goodbye to a man who served with bravery and sense of duty. Minister Martín Arrau highlighted Cosme's legacy of bravery and service vocation.
Cosme's father, Javier Cosme, recounted in an interview that his 32-year-old son, with 13 years and five months of service, had applied to the Suboficiales School and finished work on his new house before the incident in Punucapa, Valdivia.
