The funeral of Chilean National Police officer Cristopher Andrés Aguilera Fernández took place on Tuesday following his fatal shooting during a preventative patrol in the Lo Espejo commune. Aguilera Fernández, who held the rank of second corporal at the time of his death, received a posthumous promotion to suboficial mayor during the memorial services.
State Funeral and Official Attendance in Providencia
The service was held at the institutional church of the uniformed police, situated on Mardoqueo Fernández Street in the Providencia commune. President José Antonio Kast and First Lady María Pía Adriasola attended the ceremony to honor the fallen officer. Additional high-ranking officials present included Interior and Government General Secretariat Minister Claudio Alvarado, Public Security Minister Martín Arrau, General Director of Carabineros Marcelo Araya, and National Prosecutor Ángel Valencia. Following the service, video footage shared by the police institution showed President Kast helping carry the casket to the funeral carriage before its transport to the General Cemetery.
https://x.com/PresidenteKast/status/2104973669701157311
Posthumous Honors and Renaming of Police Unit
Archbishop of Santiago Fernando Chomalí presided over the mass where the posthumous promotion to suboficial mayor was announced. General Director Araya stated that the rank elevation recognized Aguilera Fernández’s service vocations, courage, commitment, and absolute dedication to protecting the community. In addition to the promotion, the institution announced that the officer’s unit will be renamed the 42nd Radiopatrols Police Station Suboficial Mayor Cristopher Aguilera Fernández.
Public Statements Following the Shooting
President Kast utilized social media following the ceremony to address the loss publicly, writing on his personal X account that the country lost a brave carabinero who gave his life protecting citizens. Kast added that the administration would honor the officer’s memory by working decisively for national security and supporting law enforcement personnel. The attack occurred during routine preventative patrol duties in Lo Espejo.
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