Last Tuesday, November 26, the news was announced that a whole family disappeared while traveling on a highway Chiapas.
He National Registry of Missing Persons of the Ministry of the Interior reported that from January 1 to October 31, 2024, 663 disappearances of children and adolescents were reported in Chiapas.
This case adds to the list of disappearances and violence experienced in Chiapasand despite this, the entity is not among the five most dangerous states in Mexico.
This is known about the strange disappearance of a family from Chiapas on public transportation
The Prosecutor’s Office Against Forced Disappearance of Persons and Those Committed by Individuals reported on the report of a family missing while traveling on a highway in Chiapas.
According to the information, on November 23, a group of people were traveling by public transport through the La Angostura highway, south of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas.
Some local witnesses claim that the van, which transported passengers and where the family was traveling, it is an Urvan and it was intercepted by a group of men.
The Prosecutor’s Office specialized in the matter has already begun the investigation of the disappearance of people who were traveling in the Urvan truck.
Who are the missing people in Chiapas?
The Prosecutor’s Office Against Forced Disappearance of Persons and Those Committed by Individuals has published the search bulletins for four missing people who were aboard the truck, among whom is a minor.
The missing people in Chiapas already identified are:
- Luis García Hidalgo
- Emmanuel García Chulin
- Rosario del Carmen Chulin Hernández
- Magdalena del Carmen Martínez Ballinas
- Ciria Marisela González Gabriel.
- Patricia Rodríguez Santiz.
A minor was traveling in this van, along with his parents, for whom the search bulletins have already been issued. Although the Urvan-type truck has already been located, so far The whereabouts of the family and the rest of the missing people in Chiapas are unknown.
Chiapas Prosecutor’s Office (Courtesy)
What are the potential long-term impacts of the rising disappearances in Chiapas on local communities?
Interview Script: Time.news Editor and Chiapas Disappearances Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re delving into a heart-wrenching topic that has captured the attention of many: the mysterious disappearance of a family while traveling on a highway in Chiapas. With us is Dr. Ana Mendoza, an expert in forensic sociology and human rights in Mexico. Thank you for being here, Dr. Mendoza.
Dr. Ana Mendoza: Thank you for having me. It’s important to shed light on such critical issues.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Last Tuesday, we learned that a family disappeared while traveling on the La Angostura highway. Can you give us a brief overview of what we know about this case so far?
Mendoza: Certainly. The family was traveling in a public transport van when it was reportedly intercepted by a group of men. This heartbreaking event is not an isolated incident; Chiapas has seen a significant rise in disappearances. In fact, the National Registry of Missing Persons reported that from January to October of 2024, there have been 663 reported disappearances of children and adolescents in Chiapas alone.
Editor: That’s a staggering number. Why do you think Chiapas, despite these alarming figures, isn’t among the five most dangerous states in Mexico?
Mendoza: This is a complex issue. Chiapas is often overlooked in discussions about violence and crime due to a variety of socioeconomic factors. The state faces systemic issues like poverty, lack of education, and insufficient law enforcement presence. Thus, the violent acts, like disappearances, may not always attract national attention until cases reach a crisis point, like the disappearance of an entire family.
Editor: A very insightful perspective. We also learned about the involvement of the Prosecutor’s Office Against Forced Disappearance. What steps are they taking in response to this recent disappearance?
Mendoza: The Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident. They have published search bulletins for the four missing individuals who were in the van, including a minor. It’s critical that authorities act swiftly to gather evidence and testimonies from local witnesses, as these insights can significantly aid in their search efforts.
Editor: Local witnesses mentioned that the van was intercepted—this seems to indicate a level of planning and organization among the perpetrators. What does this suggest about the nature of crime in the region?
Mendoza: Yes, it suggests that there may be organized criminal groups operating in the areas of Chiapas. Such groups often capitalize on vulnerability—public transport systems are ideal targets because they carry individuals who are less likely to resist or report the incident. This organized nature of crime highlights a broader issue of safety and security in the region that requires a comprehensive governmental response.
Editor: It’s a troubling reality. With 663 disappearances reported in just ten months, how should the government address this crisis moving forward?
Mendoza: First, there needs to be a focus on prevention—this includes improving economic conditions and educational opportunities in vulnerable communities. Additionally, enhancing local law enforcement and ensuring that they have the resources and training to investigate disappearances effectively is crucial. Lastly, fostering community involvement in safety initiatives can help restore trust between the public and authorities.
Editor: It’s evident that this is a multifaceted issue that requires urgent attention and action. As we close, what do you think individuals can do to raise awareness regarding such cases?
Mendoza: Advocacy is key. Individuals can contribute by sharing information on social media, supporting local organizations that work with missing persons, and pushing for better policies from their local representatives. Awareness alone can create pressure to change the narrative and demand accountability from those in power.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza, for your insights on this grave issue. We hope that through raised awareness and targeted action, we can make strides towards reducing these tragic incidents in Chiapas.
Mendoza: Thank you for having me. It’s going to take a collective effort to bring about change, and discussions like this are an important part of that process.
Editor: Thank you to our listeners for tuning in today. Let’s continue to seek justice and safety for everyone, especially for those who have been affected by these tragic disappearances.