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 dispatched the first unit of its newly created insurgent group "Destacamento Toqui Lautaro" into the mountainous region around Neltume. The majority of the insurgents had been apprehended in 1973 following the 1973 Chilean coup d'état and were forced to re-enter illegally from their exile countries aboard. The focal point was discovered by the authorities in July 1981 when it had been operational for less than a year.