Protests paralyze traffic in Chiloé

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ANCUD.- Circulation of the Chacao Cana has almost completely come to a halt as of 12AM this morning due to a demonstration being held by organizations belonging to the Conectividad del Archipiélago.

The protest originated after several unsuccessful attempts made by the government to reach an agreement with those organizing the demonstration, who are criticizing the failure to carry out the "Chiloé Plan" and claim that the area has been abandoned.

The organization's critique comes in addition to complaints that have been voiced by the local fishing industry.

The governor of Los Lagos, Sergio Galilea, has called the protest disproportionate and rejected the attitude taken on by demonstrators, who he says are not willing to negotiate.

Galilea also stated that the government will maintain public order, security and free transit for citizens, and has not completely ruled out a request to apply the State Interior Security Law if routes are blocked.

At 6:30, only two barges, one coming and one going, were operating within the Chacao Canal, while the other six were circulating in Pargua, as well as Chacao.