President Gabriel Boric at the wake of the Communist Party (PC) leader, Guillermo Teillier.     Photo: Mario Téllez / La Tercera.

Santiago de Chile, August 30 (RHC)-- The funeral honors of the president of the Communist Party of Chile (PCCh) Guillermo Teillier began Tuesday at the headquarters of the former National Congress in Santiago de Chile, where militants, friends and personalities are attending to pay tribute to him.

In a press conference the general secretary of the PCCh, Lautaro Carmona, expressed his regret for the loss of one of the most outstanding militants, a full-fledged communist capable of assuming with great intensity the tasks that his time demanded.

Since his youth, prior to the 70's, he was committed to the Popular Unity led by Salvador Allende, when he directed the work of the party in the city of Valdivia.

He recalled that in that capacity he was arrested in 1974 by the coup regime and subjected to the worst tortures for several months, and later toured various concentration camps.  "When he was released, he chose to stay in Chile to contribute to the organization of the party in clandestinity," said Carmona.

For her part, the government spokesperson minister and CCP militant, Camila Vallejo highlighted Teillier's ability to build bridges, even with sectors of the opposition, to make this a fairer country.

"He was a man who never wasted words, he was always very accurate, a builder of justice, defender of democracy and human rights", said the official.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric decreed national mourning on August 30 and 31 in honor of Teillier's legacy and his lifelong dedication to the country.