Los Identificados- No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: LOS IDENTIFICADOS
Issue: IV
Date: December 1993
Publisher: CEFAI/Ceilla de Correos 9 suc. 26 (CP 1426) Banos Aires ARGENTINA
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

This issue, Volume IV of 'Los Identificados', edited by Dr. Roberto Banchs, focuses on UFO occupant cases in Argentina. The cover features a grainy image of a humanoid figure and the subtitle '-casuística ovni con ocupantes en Argentina-'. The magazine aims to present a rational and scientific approach to ufology, differentiating itself from more dogmatic or sect-like groups.

Editorial

The editorial section highlights that this issue's content stems from reader contributions rather than solely the editor's voice. It addresses criticisms, such as Dr. Willy Smith's assertion that the publication focuses too much on debunking humanoid incidents, and Alejandro Agostinelli's perceived offense. Dr. Banchs clarifies that the aim is not to combat the extraterrestrial hypothesis (HET) but to disagree with the methods and reasoning used to support it, advocating for a rational ufology over one based on faith or pseudoscientific beliefs. The editorial includes several reader testimonials praising the magazine's investigative approach, its seriousness, and its commitment to scientific methodology, while also acknowledging that some cases, upon reinvestigation, do not always fare well.

Key Incidents and Testimonies

Pajas Blancas, Córdoba: Episodes of May 1, 1957, and June 5, 1964

This section details two significant alleged encounters near the Pajas Blancas aerodrome in Córdoba.

First Episode (May 1, 1957): A motorcyclist, initially keeping his experience secret, reported that while traveling towards Pajas Blancas, his motorcycle suddenly lost power. He then observed a large, round, hovering artifact about 15 meters above him. The object, described as a 'colossal interplanetary spaceship' about twenty meters in diameter and five to six meters high, descended to about 2.5 meters from the ground. An occupant, described as a human-like being with an athletic figure, emerged from a transparent, glass-like elevator. This being approached the witness, who was hiding, and communicated a message of peace. The being then returned to the craft, which ascended rapidly, leaving a white trail.

Second Episode (June 5, 1964): This account, attributed to a doctor and his wife, also occurred near Pajas Blancas. While driving towards Río Ceballos, they observed a powerful, violet light. Their car stopped, and a large, elongated object with windows descended. Three 'fantastic beings' emerged. The doctor, who was initially hesitant, was approached by one of the beings who identified himself as 'R.D.' and stated he was a terrestrial fulfilling a mission of peace. The being then returned to the craft, which ascended with a violet trail.

Analysis of the Pajas Blancas Cases

Dr. Banchs notes several coincidences between the two reports: both witnesses were traveling by vehicle, their vehicles malfunctioned near the landing site, they encountered a spaceship, and a human-like being conveyed a message of peace before departing. The author links these accounts to 'Agor', a pseudonym used by Antonio Oscar Pérez Alemán, president of the 'Asociación de Hermandad Cósmica de Córdoba'. Pérez Alemán was known for promoting contactee narratives and predicting the arrival of interplanetary ships. The magazine suggests that Pérez Alemán's activities and his association with individuals like Remo Dall'Armellina (author of 'Mi contacto con seres de otros mundos') may have influenced or even fabricated these cases, especially given the lack of verifiable evidence and the timing of Pérez Alemán's pronouncements.

Crespo, Entre Ríos: Testimony of a Doctor

This section recounts a case involving a doctor named Dr. Gazcúe (also referred to as Dr. Gazúa and Dr. Héctor Gazúa) from Paraná. Initial reports claimed he saw a 'flying saucer' and two or three tall beings with long blonde hair. However, a more detailed account from 'El Diario' suggests the doctor, who requested anonymity, reported seeing a conical object with windows and a door from which a tall man in a metallic grey suit emerged. This individual appeared to be inspecting the exterior of the craft. The doctor's car did not stall, and he continued driving, observing the being move slowly. The report notes that the doctor's vehicle was near the 'curva de la muerte' (curve of death) between the Las Delicias and Racedo stations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'Los Identificados' consistently promotes a critical and scientific approach to ufology. It aims to sift through witness testimonies, debunk sensationalism, and avoid the pitfalls of dogmatism and unverified claims. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and analysis, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and psychological or fabricated accounts. Dr. Banchs and his contributors strive to establish ufology as a serious field of study, free from occultism and commercial exploitation, encouraging readers to seek truth through evidence and rational deduction. The magazine also highlights the influence of certain organizations and individuals who, according to the publication, may have contributed to the proliferation of certain UFO narratives through their own agendas or beliefs, particularly in the context of contactee phenomena and 'fraternal encounters'.

Title: EL DIARIO
Issue: Jueves 19 Julio 1962, CINCO
Date: 1962-07-19
Publisher: EL DIARIO
Country: Argentina
Language: Spanish

Main Cover Story: A Rare Object Observed by a Professional and His Wife

The cover of this issue of EL DIARIO prominently features the headline "Un Raro Objeto Observaron un Profesional y su Esposa" (A Rare Object Observed by a Professional and His Wife). The article details an encounter with an unidentified flying object (UFO) by a doctor and his wife near Paraná, Argentina.

The Paraná Sighting

According to the report, on the day after the episode, it rained. However, Dr. N.N. returned to the location two days later and found an "extraño aplastamiento" (strange flattening). The article aims to correct original information, referencing an extensive article by special correspondent Alberto Ramallo Ratti for the newspaper Córdoba, which sought to present the witnesses' accounts as closely as possible to their own words. The report clarifies that any errors in time or names were due to the deficiency in the recording of the previous day's chronicle, transmitted by telephone from Paraná. The current report provides the exact details of this unusual event.

The testimony of the doctor, given on July 19, 1962, to the newspaper Córdoba, describes a silent, luminous scene. The object was extremely bright, and the encounter was observed in complete silence. The closest distance to the object was about 80 to 100 meters. The doctor and his wife were in their car, driving towards Paraná. The vehicle did not stop, but they observed the object clearly as they drove slowly. They noted that the light seemed to radiate from the object's interior. It had a circular shape and was about 3 to 4 meters high, hovering above the ground among the grasses. The doctor later visited the approximate location, describing it as a patch of alfalfa not very tall due to the drought.

The object presented a cylindrical shape, somewhat elongated, almost like a truncated cone. It had elongated openings or windows with curved angles. The luminosity emanating from them suggested thick walls. The interior light had a metallic sheen. Through a door, similar in thickness to those on airplanes, which was observed open at one point, a figure descended. This individual was of normal height, neither short nor excessively tall. The person wore attire comparable to a diver's suit, with a hood or helmet resembling a ski mask. This hood had a front window, like those used by welders. This window or visor was elongated. The figure's movements were slow, and they appeared concerned about something on the apparatus, walking beside it without straying far. Inside the cabin, another individual was seen moving their head, which was the only visible part of their body, suggesting they were seated. This second individual was also covered in identical attire. The witnesses continued their journey, and the object remained on the ground.

The doctor stated that he did not believe he had seen anything alien to human concerns, but after much reflection, he thought he might have witnessed a space vehicle still undergoing testing in silence.

Contradictions and Clarifications

The report highlights some contradictory details between the accounts given to the Paraná newspaper and the Córdoba newspaper. For the Paraná paper, the couple observed that a door opened and a "man of great stature" descended. In contrast, for Córdoba, the doctor stated that an individual of "normal stature, neither short nor excessively tall" descended. The article notes that these discrepancies, while present, might be relativized in light of the circumstances of the investigation.

Investigations and Testimonies

The Córdoba Investigation

The magazine details investigations initiated by the Medical Circle of Paraná, consulting Dr. Raspini regarding the alleged existence of a Dr. (Héctor) Gazda or Gazoűe. The search within the institution's records did not yield any medical practitioners registered under those names. Assuming the surname might be fictitious, local newspapers were consulted for information.

Following further attempts, leads pointed to the doctor and gynecologist Luis T. and his wife, obstetrician Margarita W., residents of Paraná, as the supposed witnesses. The doctor immediately acknowledged being the protagonist of the story but expressed a desire not to discuss it further, stating, "For me, that died 25 years ago." He refused to provide details, explaining that many people had approached him, some with recommendations from friends, but he had not wished to attend to them, as "many people have come, many things have been said, they have been distorted..."

The Crespo Case

Later, the location where the strange phenomenon was allegedly observed was visited. It is a field on Dr. Ra- 61 Aranguren's ranch, near a railway crossing known as "Curva de la Muerte" (Curve of Death). This circumstance led to an interview with the field's owner, Dr. Aranguren, who dismissed the episode as a "bolazo" (Argentine slang for a blunder or fabrication), emphasizing that Luis T. had initially made the declaration to the newspaper but later retracted it, telling Aranguren that it was all a "bolazo."

This explanation shed light on the doctor's lack of affability. The supposed witness, reluctant to discuss the event from twenty-four years prior, had commented that he was still puzzled by how the story had spread. He recalled asking a colleague, the son of the field's owner, if any machinery or generator capable of producing the observed effect had been purchased at the time.

The report concludes that the doctor's testimony had a significant journalistic impact, possibly originating from a prank that continued to be sustained or perhaps due to the presence of something that piqued his curiosity. The Crespo case is thus inscribed among the most known cases of the 1960s.

The San José Sighting

Another case detailed is from San José, Misiones, reported by El Territorio newspaper on September 2, 1965, titled "Yo he visto un OVNI" (I have seen a UFO). The report features Casimiro Zuk, a 27-year-old bachelor, who claimed to have seen a "flying saucer." Zuk recounted an experience on the night of August 23, around 1 a.m., while cycling on a road connecting Centinela to Apóstoles. Near a railway crossing, he saw a bright light above him, about 3,500 meters high, which pulsed with natural light, then disappeared and reappeared.

As he approached, the object descended to about 500 meters, described a semicircle, and then moved towards a nearby field. He described it as a vehicle of elongated form, about five meters in diameter, emitting dazzling flashes of light. Around the craft, there was a visor-like projection, similar to a car's sun visor, beneath which were continuous windows. The total height of the craft was estimated at 2.50 meters.

Zuk further stated that an opening slowly opened, and a person of normal height, dressed in a suit resembling an aviator's jumpsuit, emerged. The suit emitted luminous flashes. The individual walked a few steps, as if stretching their legs, and then returned to the craft, which closed its hatch and ascended spirally, emitting a humming sound.

When asked if any other noise was heard besides the humming, Zuk replied that only when the individual descended was a "soft, strange music or a radio playing" heard.

Investigation into the San José Case

An investigation into Zuk's sighting was conducted. The location was identified as near Apeadero Km 538.4 of the General Urquiza Railway. The sound emitted by the object was described as a "rroode-rrooče," similar to a water pump or a circular humming sound. Zuk's description of the object's movement, following the railway tracks, was also noted.

Comparisons were made with a diesel-powered train engine, nicknamed "Marciano" (Martian), which entered service in 1962. This vehicle, an Italian Fiat, consisted of two or three wagons and was used for short distances. Its unusual appearance and humming sound were considered potential sources of misidentification.

The investigation found that the object's position coincided with the Apeadero Km 538.4, but the estimated distance differed. The sound emitted by the object was found to be similar to that of the diesel train engine. The object's movements seemed to follow the railway tracks. The witness's description of a "visor" or "roof" was also compared to the headlight of the train engine.

Conclusion of the Investigation

The investigation concluded that while Zuk's testimony was detailed and consistent with his earlier account, the possibility of misidentification with the "Marciano" train engine could not be entirely dismissed. The report emphasizes the importance of critical analysis in UFO research, avoiding pseudoscientific claims and maintaining an open yet rigorous approach to the phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of witness testimony and journalistic investigation into UFO phenomena. It presents detailed accounts of sightings and the subsequent efforts to verify them, often highlighting discrepancies and potential explanations, including misidentification. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging critical analysis rather than sensationalism. The articles suggest a belief in the reality of the phenomenon while advocating for a scientific and methodical approach to understanding it. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs and the ongoing efforts to unravel them through careful documentation and investigation.

This issue of La Voz de Pehuajó, dated May 17, 1962, focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly a sighting near Pehuajó and a subsequent discussion of journalistic practices in reporting such events. The magazine also includes reports from other publications and time periods, offering a broader perspective on UFO encounters and investigations.

"PEHUAJO, BA: DE CACERÍA FRENTE A UN OVNI" (Pehuajó, BA: Hunting an UFO)

The lead article details a fantastic series of observations registered on May 13, 1962, which totaled over 45 reports, primarily in the Argentine northwest. La Voz de Pehuajó, in its May 17, 1962 edition, reproduces a particularly interesting account from a resident of the west zone of Pehuajó. The witness and a friend were out hunting when they observed a vehicle in the distance, initially thought to be a car due to strong solar reflections. They approached, assuming it was the landowners. However, upon closer inspection, the witness realized it was a vehicle of irregular shape and very low profile. He described seeing two people inside and a third outside observing the ground. The surprise caused him to call his delayed companion. This seemed to startle the visitors, as the person on the ground quickly ascended into the vehicle, which then took off instantaneously at a speed difficult to follow. The witnesses described the occupants as beings of similar conformation to humans but shorter. After the encounter, they examined the landing site and found the ground was hot, and the normally tall plants were completely flattened.

Post-Investigation

The article notes that this particular story, described by the newspaper as the "most interesting" from a significant number of sightings, was not reproduced by other media. La Voz de Pehuajó was in its second year of publication at the time. The author expresses surprise at the lack of detail in the report, such as the witnesses' names, the exact date and location of the event, and a more thorough description of the phenomenon. The lack of follow-up information in subsequent days is also highlighted as significant, leading to a "strange silence."

The magazine also references a second case reported by La Voz de Pehuajó two days later, with the headline "We Now Have Witnesses." This report involved a group of young people who observed a "brilliant object of extraordinary characteristics" in flight, but without perceived occupants. The article questions why the initial report of the encounter with occupants did not mention prior witnesses, suggesting it might have originated from a rumor or a less sensational case.

It is noted that while the initial report was spectacular, no one had yet been able to corroborate the version. The article mentions that the two witnesses in the second case were reportedly neighbors from a locality called 3.3. Paso, who had informed the local parish priest. However, this could not be verified.

The author reflects on journalistic practices, stating that such chronicles are often brief and superficial. They argue that initial reports on UFO cases should not present definitive conclusions, as immediate information on novel events carries the risk of imprecise handling. Furthermore, journalistic outlets often report initial claims but fail to follow up on the investigation until its final verdict, leaving both credible and potentially false incidents treated equally.

The article concludes this section by emphasizing the need for caution in disseminating recent events, warning against the risk of imprecise information handling and advocating for measured, objective reporting, which is often at odds with the speed of information dissemination.

"Otra Vez de Actualidad los Platos Voladores" (Flying Saucers Are Again Topical)

This section, dated May 17, 1962, revisits the topic of UFOs, noting their continued presence in Argentina and internationally. It references a previous report from La Voz de Pehuajó about an encounter in Pehuajó, Buenos Aires province. The article then presents a new account from a witness in the area of Bahía Blanca, who, along with another person, observed a UFO while hunting. The object was described as having an irregular shape and being very low. They saw two occupants inside and a third outside. The vehicle then ascended rapidly at high speed. The witnesses described the occupants as similar to humans but shorter. Upon investigating the landing site, they found the ground was hot and the surrounding plants were flattened.

The article also mentions a report from the newspaper 'El Litoral' about a sighting in the area of Bahia Blanca, where a witness reported seeing a UFO with occupants. The witness described the occupants as similar to humans but shorter. The vehicle then ascended rapidly.

"ITUZAINGO, Cts: DIÁLOGO CON 'EXTRATERRESTRES'" (Ituzaingó, Corrientes: Dialogue with 'Extraterrestrials')

This article, published on August 25, 1985, in 'El Litoral' of Corrientes, details an alleged encounter with extraterrestrials in Ituzaingó. A married couple, traveling by car, reported being stopped by a being who identified himself as an extraterrestrial from a world called MAIT. The being spoke fluent Spanish and reassured the couple, stating they meant no harm and were there to learn about Earth. The extraterrestrial was described as having human-like features, wearing dark clothing, and possessing a calm demeanor. The couple was given gifts, including perfume, a toothbrush, and crackers, along with a banknote. The extraterrestrial then departed in their craft.

The article notes that the couple, after failing to report the incident to local authorities, sought out the journalist Norma Mazza. The wife was reportedly in a state of nervous crisis. The extraterrestrial communicated that their world, MAIT, was different from Earth, but they shared celestial bodies like the sun and moon, as well as weather phenomena. The couple later reported experiencing frequent drowsiness after the encounter and underwent medical examinations in Buenos Aires with no significant findings.

The journalist attempted to find other witnesses, managing to get a brief report from a construction worker who claimed to have seen an object in the sky.

Considerations

The article raises questions about the couple's decision to approach a journalist rather than a medical facility, especially given the wife's distress. It also notes the journalist's self-promotion and the difficulty in verifying the anonymous witness's account. Investigations at the local police checkpoint in Ituzaingó did not record the couple's vehicle passing through, nor did they report any unusual phenomena.

It is considered peculiar that the witnesses initially approached a journalist and later refused to be interviewed by investigators who guaranteed anonymity.

"PILAR, BA: EL UNICO OVNI" (Pilar, BA: The Only UFO)

This section, dated September 23-29, 1968, from '7 Días Ilustrados,' reproduces a letter from a supposed resident of Pergamino, Buenos Aires province, named Juan Bautista Perazzo. Perazzo claims to have identified a UFO and its occupants, who confessed to being the only extraterrestrials to have frequented Earth in recent years. He states that all other reported sightings were staged by this single craft, which he calls "OVNI." The craft, he explains, has a technology that allows it to reproduce luminosity and appear in multiple locations simultaneously. The visit he describes occurred on September 10, 1968, near Pilar, Buenos Aires province, at night. The extraterrestrials were reportedly seeking radioactive materials.

Comments

Despite '7 Días Ilustrados' having a circulation of 155,000 copies at the time, this brief news item received no further coverage or resonance in other media. The magazine apparently lost the original letter, and efforts to locate Juan Bautista Perazzo in Pergamino were unsuccessful. The article notes that the publication of such letters is subject to conditions that allow the recipient to withhold the sender's identity. The author questions whether Juan Bautista Perazzo truly existed and if the story was genuine.

The article draws a parallel between Juan Bautista Perazzo and the biblical John the Baptist, who also bore witness to a significant figure.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and the challenges of journalistic investigation into such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious reporting, acknowledging the public interest in UFOs while also highlighting the need for rigorous verification, detailed reporting, and a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims. The magazine seems to present various accounts, from eyewitness testimonies to published letters, and then critically analyzes the information and the media's role in disseminating it. There's an underlying skepticism towards sensationalism and a call for objectivity and thoroughness in reporting unusual events.