National mourning for fallen police officer
The Government decreed three days of national mourning, from July 18 to 20, 2026, for the death of Carabineros Corporal First Class Marcos Javier Cosme Barquero, who died in the line of duty after being shot in the face. The Ministry of the Interior expressed its condolences to the family and to the Carabineros institution.[S1][S2][S3][S5]
Cosme Barquero, 32, belonged to the Special Police Operations Group (GOPE) of La Araucanía and had 13 years and five months of service, in addition to ten commendations on his record for his participation in operations and rescues.[S1][S3][S4]
Operation and capture of 'El Rana'
The operation took place in the rural sector of Punucapa, in the Los Ríos Region, and led to the capture of Carlos Esteban Cancino Tapia, alias 'El Rana', who remained a fugitive for his alleged involvement in the homicide of Senior Staff Sergeant Eugenio Naín in 2020. During the procedure, Cancino fired at the police officers.[S1][S2][S3]
Two carabineros were injured: Corporal Cosme was shot in the face and left in life-threatening condition, while Staff Sergeant Roberto Canio Quilaqueo suffered an abdominal wound and was discharged after nearly two days of hospitalization. Cosme remained hospitalized in critical condition until his death on Saturday.[S1][S2]
Condolences and additional measures
President José Antonio Kast lamented the death of the police officer on social media, assuring that the perpetrator will spend the rest of his life in prison and that those who harbored him will be held accountable before justice. Carabineros de Chile also expressed its grief and highlighted the corporal's bravery.[S1][S2][S4]
In addition to the national mourning, the commune of Hualaihué decreed three days of communal mourning, while the Municipality of Valdivia adopted the measure for July 20. The General Director of Carabineros, Marcelo Araya, ordered that the flags at police stations remain at half-mast.[S1][S3]
Career of Corporal Cosme
Corporal First Class Marcos Cosme had 13 years and five months of service in Carabineros and recorded ten commendations on his record, including for his participation in police operations and high-mountain and river rescues. He was a member of GOPE Araucanía.[S3][S4]
National mourning implies that the National Flag must remain at half-mast at the headquarters of public powers, state offices, and units of the Armed Forces and Law Enforcement, as well as the suspension of Government ceremonies of a celebratory nature, according to the Public Ceremonial Regulations.[S3]
