Manuel Orellana rescue in Chile's Cajón del Maipo sparks controversy

A snowstorm in Chile's Cajón del Maipo left 19‑year‑old Manuel Orellana, known as “El Chino”, and two preschool teachers stranded for several days. A large rescue operation involving the Carabineros, PDI, the Army and the National Office of Emergencies deployed helicopters and cost over US $100,000.

After the rescue, Orellana’s former partner Genesis Aránguiz gave her first public interview, saying the family never requested the helicopter or media presence and criticizing the cost of the operation. Orellana later appeared in a barbershop video, joking about being “punished” and confirming he has a wife, while also issuing a public apology for the incident.