Los Identificados- No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Los Identificados' (Volume II, May 1993) is authored by Dr. Roberto Banchs and published by CEFAI in Argentina. The cover prominently features the title and a subtitle indicating 'UFO casuistry with occupants in Argentina.' The issue delves into the psychological interpretation of UFO encounters and abductions, proposing a connection to deep regressive states and birth trauma.

Editorial: Ad Hoc

The editorial section, titled 'Ad hoc,' explains the origin of the article. Dr. Banchs recounts being consulted by a science popularization magazine regarding abductions. He laments that the magazine's editors modified his contribution to preserve 'fantasies,' prompting him to publish his original text to reclaim the right to speak. He posits that many UFO encounters and abduction narratives are not external phenomena but rather projections of the subject's intrapsychic world. These stories often carry symbolic weight, relating to the witness's life and past traumatic experiences that were not psychologically processed. The cases involve a strong emotional commitment from the witnesses, with Argentina having a rich history of such accounts (e.g., Ingeniero White, Venado Tuerto, El Deán, Godoy Cruz).

Banchs references his 1975 finding, considered the first psychological interpretation of abductions following the Ing. White case. He notes that Dr. Alvin Lawson, a professor at California State University, later found parallels between UFO abductions and the concept of 'natal trauma.' Banchs suggests that the core issue lies in the subject's deeply regressive states, leading back to their earliest infancy. He argues that an encounter with UFOs and their occupants, including abduction, constitutes a traumatic experience.

He elaborates on the concept of trauma, explaining that it is often a repressed memory, with its mnemonic value derived from its connection to repressed content. This can manifest as a compulsion to repeat the event in dreams or fantasies, an attempt to overcome the trauma. This repetition, akin to a child repeating unpleasant events in play, leads the subject down a regressive path. In traumatic neuroses, the ego defends against external danger by fleeing, leading to a conflict that reactualizes at the traumatic moment. Banchs links this to the prototype of danger being birth, suggesting that anxiety can be reproduced analogously to birth situations, leading to a state of helplessness.

He identifies common characteristics in abductee experiences: the inability to forget, fixity, bodily invasion of anxiety, and dreams or fantasies that repeat the event. These narratives, he argues, are not fundamentally different from other less fantastic, yet clinically interesting, traumatic episodes. He suggests that the difficulty in addressing these cases stems from societal familiarity with such denunciations and the limitations of current therapies. Banchs stresses that only qualified mental health professionals should work with UFO witnesses and abductees.

Despite these insights, Banchs cautions against reducing the phenomenon to a single explanation. He maintains that the human witness remains central, as the problem often lies in interpreting verbal accounts rather than physical consistency. He asserts the psychic reality of UFOs, suggesting they exist in the social consciousness on an eidetic plane, potentially offering a different avenue for explanation.

Case Study: Colón, Buenos Aires (July 29, 1967)

This section investigates a news report from 'La Voz de Colón' dated July 29, 1967, titled '¿Aterrizó en Colón un plato volador?' (Did a flying saucer land in Colón?). The article, published three days after the alleged event on a Wednesday evening, described a brilliant and violet mass that landed near the route. A small figure descended, then returned to the mass, which then took flight. The report noted that vehicles and people were immobilized during the event. The site reportedly showed signs of burnt grass, with samples collected for analysis. The article concluded with a question about whether it was reality or a dream, or perhaps a prank.

Dr. Banchs and his team contacted 'La Voz de Colón' in February 1990 for more information. The current director, Rodolfo Piraccini, provided a copy of the article and requested further details. However, the original journalists, Alicia M. and Héctor Cardosi, had passed away. Subsequent former directors and staff, including Jaime J. Orpella, Oscar L. Viola, and linotypist Oscar R. Sanches, had no recollection of the event. Sanches's wife, Emilia Rochi, was the only one who vaguely remembered the incident, attributing it to rural rumors that the newspaper had picked up.

Piraccini's further inquiries, including visiting the butcher shop named 'OVNI' (Plato Volador) that opened shortly after the reported landing, yielded little concrete information. The butcher, Pedro J. Marchione, stated the name was chosen because UFOs were a popular topic. Piraccini also interviewed the owner of the field where the alleged landing occurred, Eduardo Floridi, who had no memory of the event. Despite extensive investigation, Piraccini concluded that it was impossible to find any data to support the story, giving the impression the event never happened.

Case Study: Cerro de las Rosas, Córdoba (June 27, 1968)

This section details an incident reported to 'La Voz del Interior' newspaper in Córdoba on June 27, 1968. A reader named Rosales Soria reported that his grandson, Oscar 'Toni' Crespo, and two of his friends had witnessed a flying saucer and two beings.

The newspaper's journalists visited the family and spoke with Martha de Crespo, Toni's mother, who was initially reluctant to discuss the matter, fearing disbelief. She recounted that her son Oscar returned home agitated on June 27th and refused to eat. The next day, the father of another witness, Victor B. (whose identity was kept confidential but was reportedly the son of the manager of Banco de Córdoba), visited, very nervous about what had happened the previous day. Martha learned about the flying saucer and the two beings from this visit.

According to the newspaper report, Victor B.'s father stated his son was very disturbed and, upon waking, became paralyzed by fear. Victor revealed he had seen a flying saucer. This led him to visit the Crespo family. Rosales Soria, who admitted to being the one who called the newspaper, facilitated the propagation of the events. Oscar Crespo, aged 10, also appeared distressed and unwilling to speak with the journalists.

Oscar Crespo, along with Victor B. and Hugo César Messina (12 years old), eventually shared their account. They were riding their bicycles near the river when they noticed a bright light. Victor described seeing an egg-shaped object suspended above the trees, with a propeller-like base and rotating white and blue lights. He felt a tingling sensation, similar to electricity. Two beings, described as almost the same height and wearing white suits with boots, were seen floating near the object. One carried an object resembling a pistol that emitted red flashes, while the other held the hand of a female companion. The beings' skin was white, and their clothing was similar, though the woman's was orange. Their hair was long and white, and their gaze seemed distant. The beings slowly descended into the object, which then ascended with intense blue and red lights, disappearing into the distance.

Martha de Crespo also recounted that a friend visiting her at the time was wearing a coat similar in color to the 'space woman's' attire, which her son Toni identified.

Final Considerations

Dr. Banchs concludes that the lack of positive corroborating data for the Colón incident, despite the initial journalistic report, is sufficient for a rational investigation of the UFO phenomenon, pending further evidence. He suggests that for those who study the problem dispassionately, encountering strange or novel episodes is a contingency, and the pursuit is for truth, even if based on rumor. Stripped of fictional enchantment, the goal is to find a genuine answer.

He then offers four points of consideration regarding the case:

1. The notable receptivity and collaboration of the community in seeking to understand their own history through this event.
2. The meritorious attitude of local journalism in revisiting an old, relevant topic, contrary to the general tendency to ignore such developments.
3. Regarding the Colón case specifically, the inauguration of the 'OVNI' butcher shop is seen as a notable coincidence, with the 'UFO' being a topic of discussion for weeks.
4. The rapid dissemination of newsworthy events, driven by the desire for immediacy, can lead to a less strict handling of facts. The pursuit of vivid and attractive reporting, with limited base data, may result in an overabundance of information. Banchs suggests that the Colón UFO report may have originated from a superficial rumor or comment related to the butcher shop's imminent opening, or as the newspaper itself speculated, it might have been a prank.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the psychological interpretation of UFO encounters and abductions, the concept of birth trauma as a potential explanation for these experiences, and the importance of witness testimony. Dr. Banchs adopts a stance that acknowledges the psychic reality of UFO phenomena and emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation, particularly from a psychological perspective, while remaining open to various explanations and avoiding reductionism. The issue also highlights the role of local journalism in documenting these events and the challenges associated with verifying such accounts.

This issue of "El Popular" from July 20, 1968, focuses on a highly publicized alleged UFO incident in Olavarría, Argentina. The main cover story details a report of a flying saucer with three occupants landing at a local military garrison, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The Olavarría Incident: A UFO Under Fire

The article reconstructs the events of July 19, 1968, in Olavarría. It begins with the initial report from "El Popular" based on a tip from a trusted source within the military garrison. The report stated that a UFO had landed, and soldiers, including a Corporal Menéndez, opened fire on the occupants. The bullets reportedly had no effect on the beings, who then entered their craft and departed rapidly. The soldiers and their superior allegedly experienced irritated eyes afterward, a detail noted as consistent with other similar cases.

Despite the unofficial nature of the initial report, "El Popular" pursued the story. The newspaper attempted to get official confirmation from military authorities but was met with denials. Major Julio César Cattani, the second-in-command, issued a statement calling the report 'totally false' and without basis. However, "El Popular" continued to gather information, suggesting that the incident might have led to detentions within the garrison.

Further investigation by "La Razón" and other publications revealed discrepancies in the descriptions of the occupants, with some accounts describing them as tall and blond, while others depicted them as deformed with large torsos. The article also notes that the soldiers' weapons reportedly malfunctioned.

Official Denials and Media Speculation

The military authorities maintained a stance of secrecy and denial. The article includes a communication from the Head of the Olavarría Military Garrison, stating that the military had no knowledge of the journalistic inquiry and that investigations had found no evidence of a UFO or extraterrestrial beings. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining public tranquility and the seriousness of the Army.

However, the article points out that the military's claim of not being informed might be inaccurate, as journalists did attempt to contact key officials. The military's response is framed as a way to avoid public agitation and maintain control over the narrative.

A Childhood Memory and Societal Context

Beyond the Olavarría incident, the issue revisits a childhood memory from 1950 in V. Carlos Paz, Argentina. Oscar Crespo, one of the witnesses, later described the event as a prank by children. The article uses this to explore the social and psychological context of UFO phenomena in the era, noting the popularity of science fiction magazines like "Superman" and the widespread public fascination with flying saucers and extraterrestrials.

It highlights how children integrated these concepts into their own worlds, often using them as projections of their own interests and anxieties. The article also references the space race between the US and the Soviet Union, suggesting it fueled public imagination and interest in the cosmos.

The Nature of Rumor and Information

The article concludes by discussing the nature of rumors and how they develop, particularly in cases involving military secrecy. It cites the work of Allport and Postman, explaining that rumors thrive on importance and ambiguity. The Olavarría case, with its official denials and lack of clear information, created a fertile ground for rumor.

The piece suggests that while the core of a rumor might stem from a real event, it becomes distorted and embellished through transmission. The military's attempt to suppress information, while understandable from their perspective, inadvertently fueled speculation and ambiguity, making it difficult to ascertain the truth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged military cover-ups, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the psychological impact of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to uncover the truth behind sensational reports while acknowledging the complexities of rumor and official secrecy. The magazine aims to present different perspectives, including witness accounts, journalistic investigations, and official statements, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its page number '-21-', focuses on a reported UFO sighting and encounter in Mercedes, Argentina, with the cover headline "Un Plato Volador en Mercedes" (A Flying Saucer in Mercedes) and the lead article titled "MERCEDES: DESTELLOS..., FANTASMA" (Mercedes: Flashes..., Phantom).

The Mercedes Sighting: July 25, 1968

The main article details an event that occurred on July 25, 1968, near Mercedes, Buenos Aires Province. María Siri viuda de Badano, a resident of the 'chacras' (rural properties), reported witnessing an unusual phenomenon involving a strange apparatus and an anthropomorphic entity. The incident, initially reported in the local newspaper 'La Hora', gained attention due to its unusual nature.

According to the report, around 8 PM, while alone with her four dogs, María Siri heard an indefinable sound. Looking out her window towards a nearby path and a large eucalyptus grove, she saw a strange apparatus evidently resting on the ground, emitting a "brilliant phosphorescence." She described seeing smaller objects detaching from the main craft, appearing to land on the eucalyptus tops before returning to the main object. The witness was terrified.

Suddenly, another object detached from the main one and moved towards her house. She hid in bed, fearing the worst. After a period of silence, she heard the sound again, this time further away, towards the field of Juan Marin. Looking out another window, she observed a figure, described as "like a man, covered in elements that gave it much shine," descending from another apparatus about 200 meters away in Marin's field. The figure moved constantly. The event concluded with a flash of light, described as "reddish-blue," after which everything disappeared.

Physical Traces and Subsequent Investigation

The following day, María Siri investigated the area where she saw the phenomenon. She discovered two square indentations in the ground, approximately 10 cm per side and 2 cm deep. She later found two more similar indentations about 15 meters away.

The journalist from 'La Hora' expressed a favorable opinion of the witness and the event, concluding that "Evidently, something quite unusual was seen there, which the lady of the house describes perfectly."

Follow-up and Analysis

The article notes that the journalistic report was provided in October 1992 by ufologist Alberto M. Brunetti. At that time, Brunetti had not yet conducted his own investigation but identified the original journalist as Hernán Botte. He also mentioned that the witness, María Siri, had tragically passed away.

In December 1992, an investigation was conducted in Mercedes. The investigators located the site, which is described as an agricultural area on the right bank of the Luján River, known for its fruit trees. They found the witness's former property, named "Cambalache."

They spoke with the caretaker, Lino Juan Reyes, who had worked on the property since he was 12. Reyes confirmed that María Siri had lived there but the property had since been sold. He stated that María Siri had been a widow since approximately 1966 and lived alone, neglected by her only son. He mentioned that she suffered from Parkinson's disease and that she committed suicide sometime between 1971 and 1974 by shooting herself.

Reyes recalled that María Siri had immediately recounted the UFO episode and shown him the indentations, but he did not remember her mentioning a "man" descending from the object. He expressed skepticism about the event, suggesting the holes could have been from anything.

Another source, Héctor Siri, the witness's 78-year-old brother, was also interviewed. He was reticent, stating he didn't remember anything and that "the past should be forgotten." He confirmed his sister had Parkinson's disease in 1968 and lived alone, which led him to bring her to live with him. However, due to his work, she eventually returned to the field, and he noted that she later committed suicide due to her illness.

An attempt was made to interview Néstor Badano, the witness's son, but he was unavailable. His wife confirmed the cause of her death and stated that María Siri had been ill since her husband's death a few years prior to the UFO encounter.

Case Analysis

The investigation team considered the hypothesis of a motorcycle being involved, as suggested by a local informant, but found it inadequate. They noted that Lino Juan Reyes, who was 12 at the time of the event, provided key information. The analysis also considered the witness's potential psychological state, including her Parkinson's disease, as a factor in interpreting her testimony.

The article discusses Parkinson's disease in detail, noting its symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which affect physical and mental activity. It highlights the potential for psychological disorders, including confusion, delusions, hallucinations, and depression, associated with the disease. The impulsivity and potential for auto-aggressive or hetero-aggressive behavior, including suicide, are also mentioned.

Final Reflections

The article concludes by stating that the credibility of the sighting is diminished by the witness's tragic death shortly after the event and the lack of timely investigation. However, it suggests that the sighting might be explained by the witness's neurological and psychopathological condition, particularly her Parkinson's disease.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue focuses on a specific UFO sighting with elements of an anthropomorphic encounter and physical traces. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the unusual nature of the event while also exploring potential psychological explanations for the witness's testimony, particularly in light of her diagnosed illness and subsequent suicide. The article emphasizes the difficulty in reaching definitive conclusions due to the passage of time and the witness's death.

References

The article includes a bibliography with references to 'La Hora' newspaper, medical texts on therapeutics and psychiatry, and a medical encyclopedia.

UFO Reports List

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a chronological list of UFO reports in Argentina from 1949 to 1991, detailing dates, locations, and brief descriptions of sightings, often including the names of witnesses or observers. The Mercedes sighting from July 1968 is listed among these reports.