On 12 July 1980, the MIR sent the first unit of its newly formed guerrilla group "Destacamento Toqui Lautaro" into the mountainous area around Neltume. Most of the guerrillas had been detained in 1973 following the 1973 Chilean coup d'état and had to enter illegally into Chile from their exile countries aboard. The foco was discovered by the authorities in July 1981 when it had been active for less than one year.
On 12 July 1980, the MIR deployed the first unit of its newly created rebel force "Destacamento Toqui Lautaro" into the mountainous region around Neltume. The majority of the rebels had been arrested in 1973 following the 1973 Chilean coup and were required to secretly re-enter from their exile countries. The nucleus was discovered by the authorities in July 1981, having been active for less than a year.