INEXPLICATA 06

Magazine Overview

Title: INEXPLICATA: The Journal of Hispanic Ufology
Issue: # 6
Date: Spring 2000
Publisher: Institute of Hispanic Ufology
Editor: Scott Corrales

This issue of INEXPLICATA, the official journal of the Institute of Hispanic Ufology, focuses on increasing awareness of UFO and paranormal research in Spanish-speaking regions and Central/South America. The Spring 2000 issue features articles on a sensational UFO case in Brazil, contributions from international ufologists, and an editorial reflecting on the state of ufology.

Editor's Note: Ufology At A Standstill?

Scott Corrales, the editor, reflects on the year 2000 and the perceived anticlimax in ufology after a period of intense activity between 1988 and 1998, marked by events like the 'Matrix' furor, the 'Alien Autopsy,' and the 50th anniversary of Roswell. He observes that ufology has become commercialized, appearing in everything from cereal boxes to TV shows like 'The X-Files,' leading to public apathy. Corrales notes the alarming trend of disappearing UFO publications, suggesting that the ultimate consequences of this decline will be felt later in the decade.

He introduces the issue's content, highlighting Pablo Villarubia's investigation into a scary UFO case, contributions from new team members José Manuel Durán and Dr. Roque Mecoli, Manuel Carballal's exploration of the military/UFO connection, and an interview with Dr. Rafael Lara Palmeros.

Articles and Features

The Incredible Saga of Joao Prestes

Author: Pablo Villarubia Mauso

This extensive article details the mysterious death of Joao Prestes Filho in Brazil in 1946, an event that predates the famous Mt. Rainier incident. According to some accounts, a strange light caused intense burns, leading to his flesh falling off his bones within hours. The author and ufologist Claudio Tsuyoshi Suenaga stumbled upon information about the Prestes family while researching Chupacabras attacks in Sao Paulo.

They interviewed Luis Prestes, Joao's nephew, who was nine years old at the time of the incident. Luis recalls his uncle Joao going fishing and returning home to find a 'fiery torch' entering his room. Joao described falling to the floor and feeling his body on fire, burning from the waist up, with his hair and head affected. He died before reaching the hospital.

Luis clarifies that his uncle's appearance was not as extreme as some reports suggested, with serious burns but no bodily injuries beyond the burns themselves. He states that his father, a deputy policeman, requested a forensic unit investigation, but the results are unknown. Luis emphasizes that Joao repeatedly stated the light was 'otherworldly.' The area around Sao Roque is noted for frequent sightings of 'assombraçoes' (ghosts) and other anomalous phenomena, including 'wolf-man' sightings.

Luis also recounts an incident involving his uncle Emiliano Prestes, who, months after Joao's death, encountered a 'fiery torch' in a forest that caused intense heat.

Further accounts from Luis Prestes describe 'fiery torches' or 'fireballs' being seen frequently between 3 and 4 AM, frightening horses and riders, and appearing three or four times larger than the Moon, with heat felt even at a distance.

Further Aggressions

Luis Prestes directed the researchers to Vergílio Francisco Alves, Joao Prestes's second cousin, who was 92 years old. Vergílio confirmed he was born and raised in Araçariguama and had worked in the Morro Velho gold mine. He stated that Joao Prestes died on March 5th, 1946, after going fishing. Upon returning, Joao saw a 'beam of light or yellow light' in his room, felt his body burning, and ran outside barefoot. He was found by his sister María and the police chief, who concluded the attacker was 'not of this world.' This event was followed by lightning, thunder, and a rainstorm.

Vergílio also recounted an incident from his youth when Joao was a tropero (cattle driver) and saw a 'fireball' fall from the sky. He mentioned that ten or twelve balls, some red and others Moon-colored, would sometimes emerge from the sky and explode on the ground, referred to as 'boitatá lights.'

The term 'boitatá' is explained as a native word for mysterious lights that pursued and killed indigenous people. Vergílio himself witnessed one of these lights, also called 'maes do ouro' (mothers of gold) or the 'golden lizard.' The Morro Velho gold mine is mentioned as being abandoned since the late 1930s.

Vergílio also confirmed wolf-man sightings in Araçariguama.

On the Road to Araçariguama

The researchers traveled to Araçariguama, a town that had not grown much since 1946 and was still considered somewhat isolated. They met Fabiana Matias de Oliveira, head press secretary, who introduced them to her uncle Hermes de Fonseca, a local historian. Hermes confirmed knowing Joao Prestes and remembered his death on March 5th, 1946. He stated that Joao's body was said to be burned, and the press later reported it had melted or fallen to pieces.

Hermes recounted that a year after Joao's death, his brother Emiliano saw two fireballs rising and striking each other near the cemetery, encircling him and causing intense heat. He mentioned that these lights are still seen today over Ibaté.

Hermes also shared other accounts: in 1960, a bus driver named Celso Gomide saw a red light that approached and encircled his bus for 20 minutes. In 1955, workers saw a large, aluminum-colored object spinning and giving off smoke, which was later approached by FAB airplanes. The 'Folha de Sao Paulo' newspaper reported thousands had seen a flying saucer in Osasco.

They visited Joao Prestes's grave and spoke with gravedigger Nelson Oliveira, who reported seeing a round, aluminum object, like an upside-down hat, flying over the cemetery around 1989.

Ufologist Antonio Ribera suggested that Joao Prestes could have been burned by an alien ship's propulsion system, believing the aliens did not intend to harm him.

The Prestes Case: A Study in UFO Intrigue

This section details the international recognition of the Joao Prestes case, announced by ufologist Irineu Silveira in 1971. Walter Buhler initially attributed the burns to a candlestick, but other ufologists disagreed. Fernando Grossman interviewed witnesses in 1974, including former orderly Aracy Gomide. Gomide's account suggested the burns resembled indirect effects of a nuclear explosion, affecting living cells but not hair or clothing. Grossman noted parallels with other cases in Pará and mentioned that on the day of Prestes' death, a councilman saw a 'fireball' near the cemetery.

Gomide's statement claimed Joao jumped through a window after returning from fishing, saw an intense light, and was burned. Gomide, who cared for Joao during his agony, stated that flesh fell off the victim's arms, exposing bones and tendons, with the face and arms most affected. However, this account differs from those of Luis Prestes and Vergílio Alves, though all agree Joao's shirt, trousers, and hair remained intact.

Claudio Suenaga recovered Joao Prestes' death certificate, which indicated death by 'cardiac collapse, generalized 1st and 2nd degree burns,' and an age of 44, differing from earlier beliefs.

São Roque, Santana do Parnaiba y Araçariguama: Window Areas?

This section highlights the region as a site of unusual phenomena. The 'Supysáua' Newsletter reported three children witnessing a glowing UFO in Santana de Parnaíba in 1994. The object, described as yellow with green and red lights and a dome shape, hovered over a backyard before departing at high speed.

In the same year, a couple witnessed a spherical object measuring three meters in diameter, red with a darker core and blinking lights, floating between trees. In 1993, a 12-year-old girl witnessed a spherical object fire a beam of yellow light, causing headaches and eye irritation. Watchmen on the same ranch claimed to have seen two humanoids floating over a brook.

An elderly Japanese woman reported seeing a half-wolfman, half-centaur being, and the region has experienced intense waves of Chupacabras activity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained deaths linked to anomalous aerial phenomena, witness testimonies of UFOs and other strange beings, and the historical context of such events in Brazil. The editorial stance, as expressed by Scott Corrales, is one of concern over the declining public interest and academic rigor in ufology, despite the continued occurrence of intriguing cases. The journal aims to document and promote research into these phenomena, particularly within the Hispanic world.

This issue of INEXPLICATA, Volume 1, Issue 10, dated October 1974, focuses on the theme of "An Alien Heat: Chronicles of Sex and Saucery," as explored by Scott Corrales. The magazine delves into UFO cases that involve sexual encounters between humans and alleged alien beings, with a particular emphasis on incidents occurring in Brazil.

An Alien Heat: Chronicles of Sex and Saucery by Scott Corrales

The lead article posits that sex has played a significant role in UFO abduction phenomena, tracing this theme back to ancient myths and human history. It notes the prevalence of sexual congress in science fiction, citing Edgar Rice Burroughs's "John Carter of Mars" as an example. The author highlights the Antonio Villas Boas case as a prime example that could summarize the field of ufology.

The Case to End All Cases: Antonio Villas Boas

Veteran Brazilian ufologist Fernando Cleto reminisces about the Antonio Villas Boas (AVB) case, describing his acquaintance with Joao Martins, who initially opposed public disclosure. Cleto recalls seeing a model of the "flying saucer" and its occupants made by Villas Boas himself. He notes that the case was eventually disclosed by Dna. Irene Granchi. Cleto also mentions prior sightings of similar craft in Brazil, predating the AVB event.

Cleto recounts a case in Goiás where a car was forced off the road by a "flying saucer," with the driver describing occupants similar to those seen by Villas Boas. Another incident on November 6, 1957, involved Colonel Ivo Gastaldoni witnessing a UFO hovering over Cumbica Air Base, described as an egg-shaped craft with a spinning helicopter blade. Cleto found these corroborating accounts significant.

Ufologist Cleto's memorandum explains Joao Martins' reluctance to disclose the AVB case details, fearing it would encourage mentally unbalanced individuals to fabricate similar scenarios. The article then details the deposition taken by investigator Dr. Olavo T. Fontes on February 22, 1958, witnessed by journalist Martins.

Antonio Villas Boas, then 23 and a farmer from Sao Francisco de Sales, Minas Gerais, described his experience. On October 5, 1957, after a party, he and his brother Joao witnessed a strange nocturnal light from an animal pen. Ten days later, on October 15, while driving his tractor, Villas Boas saw a shining star that rapidly approached, transforming into a shiny oval object. He attempted to flee but the object landed, revealing itself as a large, elongated egg-shaped craft with three spurs and a spinning reddish light on top.

Terrified, Villas Boas jumped off the tractor but was seized by a shorter figure in a "strange outfit" and helmet. After a struggle, he was overpowered by three figures and taken to the craft. Inside, he was stripped and subjected to indignities, including a blood sample taken with a chalice-like device. He was then covered in a strange liquid and left in an unfurnished room. He experienced fear, nausea, and the stench of a strange gas, leading him to vomit.

Later, a woman entered the room. She was naked, beautiful, with whitish-blonde hair and blue, slanted eyes. Villas Boas described her as different from any woman he had known. The liquid on his body, apparently an aphrodisiac, induced sexual excitement, and he engaged in sexual relations with the woman. He felt used as "breeding stock" to improve their "stock."

After the encounter, two crewmen appeared, and the woman pointed to her belly, then to him, and then to the heavens, implying a future return. Villas Boas was returned to his tractor, realizing four hours and fifteen minutes had passed. He later learned his mother had advised him against getting involved with "those people."

Following his experience, Villas-Boas pursued legal studies, became an attorney, and ran a business. He died in 1992. In June 1993, Dr. Walter K. Bühler disclosed an anonymous U.S. letter from 1962-63 inviting Villas-Boas to examine a recovered flying saucer. Villas Boas's son allegedly confirmed his father's visit to the U.S. to inspect the object.

In the Wake of AVB

The article then presents other Brazilian cases:

• Jose Inacio Alvaro: In March 1978, an 18-year-old student in Pelotas reported a strange glow and a blue beam, followed by waking up on the street with no memory of two hours. Under hypnosis, he recounted an experience in a circular room with a tall, dark-haired woman, leading to sexual intercourse on a "net."
• Juan Valerio da Silva: On November 30, 1982, in Botucatú, Valerio was found unconscious, naked, and covered in oil. Hypnosis revealed he was taken to a strange place and forced into sexual activity with a dark-skinned woman with long black hair, with "strange tattoos" etched on his body. Valerio reportedly developed psychic abilities, including telekinesis, and believed his eldest son was a product of genetic experimentation.
• Antonio Carlos Ferreira: In Mirassol, in June 1979, a 21-year-old watchman witnessed a shining light and three diminutive entities approaching. He was paralyzed by a red light beam and taken to a craft. Aboard, he encountered beings with dark skin and red hair, and others with lighter complexions. His abductors, described as "mechanical men," took him to a room where a naked female of a darker-skinned alien species appeared. She had an unpleasant breath, large chin, small breasts, and icy cold skin, with red pubic hair. After a struggle, he was injected, losing strength, and then subjected to sexual intercourse. He was informed they came from "another planet" to secure human offspring for research.

One Day While Chasing Kites

This section shifts to the Caribbean, detailing a 1934 case involving a teenager identified as "Julio" in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. While flying a kite, Julio saw it sucked into an "air-pocket." He then saw a large, coppery ball-like object. A light raised him into the object, where he encountered a girl with platinum blonde hair and a boy looking at a giant emerald. The girl, about six years old, had a pinkish complexion and wore a silvery suit. Julio was returned to the ground with a sprained ankle and a small box from which images could be made to appear.

Later, as a man in his sixties named Juan Rivera Feliberti, he explained that the box produced a "kind of vapor made up of lights" that materialized ape-like creatures. These creatures, though unable to speak, seemed surprised to be in an alien environment. The girl-child could return them to their native surroundings. The creatures frightened children and dogs and were linked to mysterious deaths in the area.

In 1995, Feliberti encountered the same alien girl, who stated she was "from far away, from the stars." He described his alien lover's body as having breasts placed lower, a hairless pubic area, and scaly skin. He stated they had sex "several times." The article notes the recurrence of red pubic hair, first seen in the Villas Boas case.

Conclusion

The author reflects on the UFO phenomenon, noting that the cases presented, particularly those from Brazil, feature beings of a different taxonomy than the commonly reported Greys, Reptoids, and Nordics. The commonalities in these cases – the oily liquid, the aphrodisiac/antiseptic properties, and the choice of intercourse – link them together. The article humorously touches on the idea of Brazilian virility appealing to non-human intelligences.

It also briefly mentions the case of Carl Higdon, an oil worker in Wyoming, who was abducted and possibly deemed useless for a "breeding program" due to a prior vasectomy.

An Embarrassment of Humanoid Riches by José Manuel Duran

This section critiques the state of ufology, lamenting the lack of progress and the repetitive nature of cases and terminology. The author questions the nature and intentions of alleged alien visitors, asking if they are aggressive explorers or something else. Despite decades of study, their motives remain unclear, and their interest in Earth seems to have waned, leading to an "arrogant" dismissal of the planet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of UFO phenomena and sexual encounters, particularly within the Brazilian context. The magazine presents a series of alleged abductions where sexual intercourse with alien beings is a central element, often framed within a context of genetic experimentation or reproduction. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these controversial cases for examination, acknowledging their unusual nature and the challenges they pose to conventional understanding, while also hinting at a fascination with the "libidinous aspect" of the phenomenon, especially as it manifests in Brazil.

This issue of INEXPLICATA features a deep dive into the complexities of UFO phenomena, exploring the nature of alleged alien visitors, their intentions, and the scientific and governmental perspectives surrounding these topics. The content is primarily analytical and speculative, drawing on eyewitness accounts, scientific principles, and critical examination of official statements.

Article 1: Analysis of Alien Visitor Characteristics and Intentions (Dr. Roque Mecoli)

Dr. Roque Mecoli, a distinguished scientist and instructor with a lifelong interest in UFOs, contributes an in-depth analysis of the UFO phenomenon. He begins by questioning the vast diversity of descriptions of alleged alien humanoids, pondering whether this variety enhances or undermines the credibility of ufology. Mecoli expresses a personal desire to know more about the physical characteristics and behaviors of these supposed "crewmen," noting that researchers have struggled to provide concrete answers.

He discusses the "Greys" or "EBES" as a prominent humanoid type in ufological discussions, questioning their intentions and whether they represent a genuine alien race or merely another element in the chaotic landscape of ufology.

Mecoli then shifts to the "Pros and Cons of Alien Visitation," adopting a working hypothesis that Earth has been visited by nonhuman entities for centuries. He argues that if these entities possess the technology to reach Earth, their continued secrecy suggests a deliberate choice rather than an inability to manifest publicly. He finds it illogical for advanced beings to engage in activities like stealing pebbles or arranging vehicles in arbitrary shapes, suggesting the possibility of a crude hoax or deception.

He notes the evolution of the UFO phenomenon, with saucer-like craft, spherical objects, and triangular craft remaining dominant. He observes that alien "intentions" have also evolved, with a focus shifting from repairing vehicles to abducting animals and humans.

Mecoli critically examines the scientific feasibility of space travel and interdimensional travel, highlighting the immense complexity and energy requirements involved. He questions why beings capable of such feats would engage in seemingly mundane or illogical activities on Earth, such as scorching fields or mutilating cattle, suggesting these actions lack logical purpose.

He also addresses the concept of "Contactees," individuals who claim to communicate with extraterrestrials. Mecoli emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary scientific teams to rigorously study the contactee phenomenon, distinguishing genuine cases from hoaxes. He outlines three potential conclusions from such studies: impossibility of definitive conclusions, confirmation of alien visitation, or an explanation through alternative mechanisms without aliens.

Ultimately, Mecoli states he cannot confirm or deny the existence of ETs but leans towards believing their activities are not malicious, or that they may not exist at all. He concludes that the progress of events will ultimately reveal the truth.

Article 2: Never Mind the Saucers: UFOs Identified! (Manuel Carballal)

Manuel Carballal's article explores incidents that have been attributed to UFOs, suggesting terrestrial explanations for some of them. He begins with the case of a Spanish defense minister being questioned about a strange object that crashed in Barbate (Cádiz) years prior. Witnesses reported a collision involving a U.S. spyplane, with helicopters and U.S. troops collecting debris. Carballal suggests that the Rota base may be used to store sensitive espionage devices, including drone spyplanes, implying a possible explanation beyond extraterrestrial activity.

He notes that other strange incidents in Spain, such as mysterious lights and radar anomalies, have often been relegated to the "saucer mythos" but suggests that their source might be more grounded, without the need to invoke aliens.

Carballal then connects these events to a political storm in Italy surrounding the 1980 Ustica Tragedy, where a DC-9 crashed, killing 81 passengers. While some publications suggested a UFO proximity, the Italian military denied it. Recently, a special judge has brought charges against several Italian Air Force generals for bearing false witness regarding the incident. Carballal mentions a German publication's theory that the UFO sighted was actually a missile, and that remains of a Libyan MIG fighter were found shortly after the event.

Carballal's article implies a critical stance towards the automatic attribution of unexplained aerial phenomena to extraterrestrial causes, advocating for thorough investigation into more conventional explanations, including military technology and cover-ups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the nature of alleged alien visitors, and the potential for government cover-ups. Dr. Roque Mecoli's contribution emphasizes a scientific and logical approach, questioning the inconsistencies in UFO reports and the motivations of extraterrestrials. Manuel Carballal's article leans towards debunking or providing alternative explanations for specific incidents, suggesting that military technology and secrecy play a significant role. The overall stance appears to be one of skepticism towards simplistic extraterrestrial explanations and a call for rigorous, interdisciplinary investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine, albeit complex, mysteries.

This issue of UFO Magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, military secrecy, and paranormal research, with a particular focus on incidents in Spain and Mexico. The content suggests a pattern of misdirection and cover-ups, where military activities are masked by UFO narratives, and the public's perception is influenced by psychological operations.

Martians in Galicia

The lead article, "Martians in Galicia," examines several incidents in Spain. In 1994, hundreds of Galicians witnessed an object flying over Porriño, Vigo, and Bueu that impacted the island of Ons. Portuguese civil aviation reports later clarified this as a missile launched from Portugal that penetrated Spanish airspace. The article posits that this explanation was less politically damaging than admitting a Portuguese missile had flown over Spanish towns, hence the "Martians" narrative. This incident is presented as a screen behind which the Defense Ministry concealed military experiments. The same year, a luminous object collided with Mt. Cando in La Coruña, creating a large crater. Eyewitnesses reported the presence of policemen and soldiers, and astrophysicists suggested it was a secret military artifact. The article also mentions other instances of strange aeronautical devices falling to earth, such as one in Seville that caused a UFO psychosis and crashed near El Coronil, with U.S. soldiers from Rota reportedly collecting remains.

Psychological Warfare

This section explores how governments, particularly secret services, allegedly use the extraterrestrial myth as a tool for psychological warfare. It references a 1979 incident where a Socialist parliamentarian questioned the government about an unidentified flying object seen in Manises, Valencia. The article suggests that governments, even modest ones, keep secrets regarding psychic research, paranormal study, and ufology. Spain's CESID is implicated in a psychosocial experiment involving alien contact, the UMMO affair, which convinced many of an alien infiltration. Similar experiments are said to have been conducted in the U.S. and France since the 1960s, using the UFO phenomenon to camouflage aeronautical experiments and study public reactions. The COMETA Report is mentioned, which accused the U.S. of concealing UFO information to disguise military technology developments.

Ex Libris: A Random Sampling of Hispanic Ufology in Print

This section reviews Francisco J. Máñez's book, "Historias Aeronáuticas que Nos Hicieron Creer en OVNIS" (Aeronautical Stories which Led Us To Believe in UFOs). The book suggests that early UFO sightings were actually Nazi prototypes tested by Allied powers during the postwar years, and that financial, military, and political interests fostered the belief in flying saucers as a smoke-screen for their projects. The review highlights the book's photographs of advanced German aircraft, including a Junkers Ju-390 bomber designed to attack New York City. It also discusses photos of manmade saucers and concludes that a significant portion of CE-I (Close Encounter of the First Kind) sightings can be explained as manmade vehicles.

Dr. Rafael A. Lara's Mexico Watch

This is an interview with Dr. Rafael Lara, Director of Research for Mexico's Center for the Study of Paranormal Phenomena (CEFP). Dr. Lara discusses the divisions of opinion among experts in Mexico regarding UFOs and paranormal phenomena, noting that many former researchers have become skeptics. He also touches on the public's perception of the Chupacabras, which is seen by some as a government distraction from economic issues. Dr. Lara recounts his research into animal deaths attributed to the Chupacabras and the challenges of fieldwork in Mexico, including public suspicion of researchers as government agents. He mentions research into cryptozoological oddities like the Bearman, the Onza, and the Tecolutla "monster," and the difficulties faced due to scientific establishment carelessness, citing the mishandling of evidence pertaining to the Onza. The interview also covers ancient Mexican legends of giants and the CEFP's research into the Zone of Silence in the Sonora Desert, where they found giant skeletons of a simian nature, possibly corresponding to Gigantopithecus. Dr. Lara shares his personal experience of becoming interested in the paranormal at age 7 after a friend's death. He expresses reservations about young people becoming involved in paranormal research without a strong foundation and emphasizes the importance of intuition and sensitivity in research, citing Charles Fort and others as influences. He discusses the challenges of paranormal research in Mexico, including sensationalism and the influence of the New Age movement, and predicts a future fusion of basic sciences to explain paranormal phenomena. He also recounts personal experiences with unexplained phenomena, including a poltergeist incident in 1974 and research into a poltergeist in Perote in the early 1990s. He stresses the need for honesty among researchers and a focus on human phenomena and nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for military cover-ups using UFO narratives, the concept of psychological warfare through the manipulation of public belief in extraterrestrials, and the challenges and methodologies of paranormal and cryptozoological research. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards official explanations, suggesting that many reported UFO incidents have mundane or covert military origins, and that the public is often misled by disinformation campaigns. There is a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and the pursuit of alternative explanations for unexplained phenomena.