At sergeant Javier Figueroa's funeral in Puerto Varas, Carabineros posthumously promoted him to suboficial mayor and named a commissary after him. President José Antonio Kast attended and urged support for the institution. The officer died after being shot on March 11.
On Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús parish in Puerto Varas, Los Lagos Region, the funeral took place for sergeant second Javier Figueroa Manquemilla, who died on Thursday, March 19, after eight or nine days in critical condition from a head gunshot wound sustained during a police procedure on March 11 in the train tracks sector of Puerto Varas. He became the 1,255th martyr of Carabineros de Chile, with totals exceeding 1,200 according to some sources. The Government declared national mourning from March 20 to 22. General Director Marcelo Araya announced the posthumous promotion to suboficial mayor and that the commissary where he served would bear his name to honor his legacy. President José Antonio Kast, accompanied by Security Minister Trinidad Steinert, attended the mass and delivered an emotional speech: “Each time they attack a carabinero's life, they attack Chile's life. It is necessary to be present when we bid farewell to a martyr.” Addressing the deceased's son, he said: “You have lost your dad, but you have gained a nation that will accompany you.” Kast stressed: “It depends on us that Javier's death is not in vain” and called to care for Carabineros, noting the attack occurred on his presidential inauguration day. Minister Steinert stated: “We will redouble efforts so this investigation clarifies” and demanded maximum penalties. Authorities reaffirmed commitment to clarify the crime through coordinated work by the Public Ministry, PDI, and Carabineros. Carabineros opened a virtual and in-person book of condolences.
