Former La Araucanía Chief Prosecutor Takes Helm in Biobío, Chile's 'Most Complex Region'

Roberto Garrido Bedwell has taken up his new post as the head of the Public Ministry in Chile's Biobío region, a region he described as "the most complex in the country" in terms of security.

Garrido's investiture ceremony was led by National Prosecutor Ángel Valencia, who selected him from a shortlist compiled by the Concepción Court of Appeals. Garrido succeeds Marcela Cartagena, whose eight-year term concluded on Sunday.

"I have had to face complex situations in my previous assignment (in La Araucanía), and that complexity motivates the Prosecutor's Office teams to improve daily and provide better service," Garrido stated after his assumption of office. "That is our focus from the moment we take over as a working team in this region."

Garrido, who did not complete his term in La Araucanía after serving since 2021 and recently acted as interim national prosecutor multiple times, announced he has ordered a review of legal decisions made in cases such as Bruma and fires. He emphasized the importance of directly contacting victims to update them on case progress and ensure continued momentum.