Policarpo Toro was born November 8, 1889, the first child of Juan and Maria Toro. Juan was a low-ranking officer in the Chilean military police, and his son Policarpo followed his example. Policarpo rose quickly through the ranks, achieving the status of general and authority over his own garrison at the early age of thirty. From there, however, his career came to a staggering halt. Through a stunning combination of government politics, personal vendettas, and rumors of blackmail, it became clear to the entire southern district that Gen. Policarpo Toro wasn't going anywhere.