Los Identificados- No 07

Magazine Overview

Title: LOS IDENTIFICADOS

Subtitle: -casuística ovni con ocupantes en Argentina-

Issue Identifier: VII

Author: DR. ROBERTO BANCHS

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Language: Spanish

Country of Publication: Argentina

Date: August 31, 1968

The Mendoza Case: The Casino Employees' Incident

The central focus of this issue is the alleged encounter of two casino employees, Juan Carlos Peccinetti (26) and Fernando José Villegas (29), in Mendoza, Argentina, on August 31, 1968. The two men claimed that at approximately 3:42 AM, while driving home, they were approached by five anthropomorphic figures. These beings allegedly transmitted intelligible messages, performed punctures on their fingers, and left strange marks on their car door.

The news of the incident spread rapidly through local media, attracting a crowd of over five thousand people to the location. A police inquiry was initiated, and the witnesses' car was impounded.

Witness Testimony

According to their testimonies, given five days after the event and corroborated by the Provincial Police of Mendoza, Argentine Air Force, and Navy representatives, Villegas had taken his car to a service station the day before the incident. He returned home, ate, and went to sleep, scheduled to start his late shift at the casino at 10:30 PM. Peccinetti met him there, mentioning he had forgotten a coat at Peccinetti's place and that his car was not working.

Villegas left work early and met friends at a cafe. Around 3 AM, Peccinetti left, and Villegas agreed to drive him home, which was in the northern part of Mendoza. However, Villegas decided to first stop at his house to retrieve the coat.

They drove through the streets of Mendoza, eventually turning onto Olascoaga, then Laprida, and finally Neuquén. After driving about 50 meters north on Neuquén, their 1941 Chevrolet suddenly stopped, and the lights went out. The car had frequently had mechanical issues, so the friends were not immediately alarmed. They had stopped in a dark, vacant lot.

While attempting to diagnose the electrical problem, three strange individuals approached them. These beings were described as small, approximately 1.40-1.50 meters tall, with human-like forms but bald heads that were disproportionately large. Their skin appeared white, though the darkness made details unclear. They wore a uniform similar to mechanics', either gray or light blue.

The location was described as being in the northwest part of Mendoza, near the sports field of the Liceo Militar General Espejo.

The Encounter and Object Description

Peccinetti and Villegas reported that three of the beings surrounded them and began transmitting messages, while the other two remained near their craft. The messages were perceived as intelligent, as if transmitted directly into their minds via tiny loudspeakers. The core message repeated was "do not fear, do not fear." The voice, though clear, had a foreign accent, and was perceived as speaking Spanish.

The visitors stated they had made three circuits around the Sun, studying the customs and languages of the system's inhabitants, and that the Sun kindly nourishes the system. The message concluded with, "Mathematics is the universal language."

Simultaneously, one of the beings used an apparatus that emitted a dazzling light, similar to an electric welder, to etch nine signs onto the car's running board and left door. Six of these signs appeared to be in a vertical script.

Witnesses then observed a lenticular object, about 5 meters in diameter, suspended in the air about 1.70 meters above the ground. A powerful beam of light, inclined at about 45 degrees, emanated from an opening in its underside, directed at the ground. The object was described as opaque, with a strong white light. It was positioned about 30 meters away, though some journalistic accounts placed it closer to the ground.

The Message and Physical Interaction

One of the beings held up a screen, described as circular like a large television screen (0.70 m in diameter). On this screen, they saw images of a waterfall, then an atomic explosion, followed by the waterfall again, but without water.

At the end of the encounter, the beings took the witnesses' hands and performed three punctures on the index and middle fingers of each hand. Peccinetti described being lifted by a force and having rays emitted, causing the punctures. Villegas described it as similar to a blood extraction in a laboratory. He felt a human-like hand, neither hot nor cold, and experienced pain from the puncture.

Another thought that arose was "Dominion of gravity." The beings then returned to their craft, crossed a ditch, and ascended into the object via the light beam, which acted like a mechanical staircase. As the last being entered, the object ascended rapidly with a flash, disappearing into the sky.

Villegas and Peccinetti then ran to the Liceo Militar guard post to report the incident.

Police and Judicial Investigation

The police took statements from the witnesses at the Liceo Militar and then transported them to the Hospital Luis Lagomaggiore. Forensic doctor Arnaldo Ferrari examined them, noting an "acute psychomotor excitement" and three small punctures on their index and middle fingers. A blood alcohol test revealed no alcohol in their systems.

Technicians from the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) and scientific police examined the site and the car. They found no abnormal radioactivity. The car's windshield was found to be burned from the inside, with traces of sulfur, suggesting a possible staged explosion.

Investigators, including Judge Jorge Marzari Céspedes, began to suspect a hoax. The judge noted several inconsistencies: a one-hour difference between the reported event and its reconstruction, the superficial nature of Peccinetti's punctures compared to Villegas', the possibility that the car's electrical issues were deliberately induced, and Peccinetti's calm demeanor contrasting with Villegas's fear. The judge also pointed out that the car's marks were made with a tool that could create pyrographic designs, and the mercury found was consistent with that from a common thermometer.

The Hoax Hypothesis

The investigation leaned towards the theory that the incident was a prank, possibly conceived by Peccinetti. The judge suggested that the car's malfunction and the subsequent events were staged to frighten Villegas. The police statement, issued later, warned the public against sensationalism and stated that investigations into UFO sightings had not yielded any extraordinary evidence, attributing such reports to natural causes or individuals seeking publicity.

Legal Proceedings

Despite the strong suspicion of a hoax, Peccinetti and Villegas were not formally charged. The case was kept secret pending further investigation. The judge's conclusion was that it was a "bad taste joke with a motive behind it."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Los Identificados' presents a detailed account of a purported UFO encounter involving occupants, followed by a thorough police and judicial investigation that ultimately concluded the event was likely a hoax. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting the initial claims of the witnesses while critically examining them through the lens of the official investigation's findings. The magazine seems to be documenting cases of alleged UFO activity in Argentina, with a particular focus on the investigative process and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication of events. The recurring theme is the tension between extraordinary claims and rational, scientific explanations, often highlighting the role of human psychology and the desire for attention in such reports.

Key Persons Mentioned

• Juan Carlos Peccinetti: Casino employee and witness.
• Fernando José Villegas: Casino employee and witness.
• Dr. Roberto Banchs: Author of the article.
• Jorge Marzari Céspedes: Judge overseeing the investigation.
• Miguel Montoza: Commissioner who ordered alcohol tests.
• Arnaldo Ferrari: Forensic doctor who examined the witnesses.
• Francisco Muñiz: CNEA technician who checked for radioactivity.
• Roberto G. Hartkopf: Chief of Police who commented on the case.
• Luis Cunietti: Lieutenant tasked with investigating the incident.
• Ignacio Correa Ware: Lawyer defending Peccinetti and Villegas.

Organizations Mentioned

• Policía Provincial de Mendoza
• Fuerza Aérea Argentina
• Marina de Guerra
• Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA)
• Dirección de Investigaciones
• Instituto de Medicina Legal y Criminología
• Junta de Investigaciones Espaciales
• Policía Científica

Locations Mentioned

• Mendoza, Argentina
• Liceo Militar General Espejo, Argentina
• Buenos Aires, Argentina

Object Characteristics

• Shape: Lenticular
• Size Estimate: Approximately 5 meters in diameter
• Altitude Estimate: 1.70 meters from the ground
• Behavior: Hovering, emitting a light beam
• Physical Trace Evidence: Marks on car door, puncture wounds on fingers, mercury on car step.

Themes

• UAP Occupant Encounter
• Argentina
• Hoax Investigation
• Police Investigation
• Judicial Investigation

Tags

UFO, UAP, Occupants, Argentina, Mendoza, Casino Employees, Encounter, Telepathic Message, Physical Marks, Investigation, Hoax, Police, Judiciary, Dr. Roberto Banchs, 1968

Key Incidents

• Date: 1968-08-31
• Location: Mendoza, Argentina
• Description: Two casino employees reported an encounter with three anthropomorphic beings who transmitted messages, performed finger punctures, and left marks on their car.

Notable Quote

"Es una broma de mal gusto, con un móvil detrás. No es nada del otro mundo..."

Speaker: Dr. Jorge Marzari Céspedes

FAQ

• Question: What was the main incident described in 'Los Identificados VII'? Answer: The main incident involved two casino employees in Mendoza, Argentina, who reported an encounter with three anthropomorphic beings on August 31, 1968, claiming they received telepathic messages and suffered finger punctures.
• Question: What was the police and judicial conclusion regarding the Mendoza incident? Answer: The police and judicial investigation, led by Judge Jorge Marzari Céspedes, concluded that the event was likely a prank or hoax, possibly orchestrated by one of the witnesses, Juan Carlos Peccinetti.
• Question: What evidence was found during the investigation? Answer: Investigators found mercury on the car's step, noted inconsistencies in the witnesses' accounts, and conducted psychological evaluations. The initial physical evidence, like car marks, was reportedly destroyed.
• Question: What was the official police statement regarding UFO sightings in Mendoza? Answer: The Provincial Police of Mendoza issued a statement warning the public against panic and stating that investigations into alleged UFO sightings and strange beings had not yielded any extraordinary evidence, attributing such reports to natural causes or individuals seeking publicity.

This document is a scanned page from the Argentine newspaper 'EL ANDINO', dated Saturday, August 31, 1968. The main headline is 'OVNI EN MENDOZA' (UFO IN MENDOZA), indicating the primary focus of the issue is a reported UFO encounter.

The Mendoza UFO Incident (Peccinetti and Villegas)

The article details an event involving Juan Carlos Peccinetti and Fernando J. Villegas, who claimed to have encountered a UFO and its occupants. Peccinetti explained to the police the minor injuries on his fingers, allegedly inflicted by strange beings. The report suggests that the beings may have left symbolic markings on Peccinetti's car. These symbols are described as potentially representing an ancient, varied terrestrial origin, or a prophetic message. The article also touches upon the possibility of the event being a 'broma' (prank) with 'inconfesables fines' (unconfessable motives) or a form of spectacular proselytism.

The esoteric group 'Khronos', founded in 1963 and led by Mario L. Rodriguez Cobo (Silo), is mentioned as having members with 'grandes debilidades por la ciencia ficción y los mensajes esotéricos'. The timing of the alleged UFO sighting coincides with the anniversary of Silo's police detention in Jujuy and public appearances, with UFO sightings also reported in the region during these times. The internal magazine of some of Silo's followers is called 'OVNI'. Silo's philosophy is presented, emphasizing a 'new Social Gospel' that combines technology and programming language with a spiritual message.

The 'inscriptions' on the car are analyzed, with interpretations ranging from an astronomical map indicating the visitors' itinerary and origin to geometric drawings. The article questions the intelligence of such markings if the beings were truly advanced, suggesting they could be easily produced by humans. The author posits that these marks might be intended to mislead or create agitation.

Contextualizing the Mendoza Incident

The article places the Mendoza event within a broader context of 1968, mentioning student and worker disturbances in France, assassinations of peace leaders in the US, escalating military tensions in Europe, and the nuclear arms race. It also notes the presence of North American journalists in Mendoza investigating a 'North American Base in Mendoza' at El Plumerillo, which was linked to French nuclear tests in the Pacific. A drought in Chile and reduced river flow in Mendoza and San Juan are also mentioned, with some attempting to link these to atomic tests.

Psychological and Sociological Perspectives

Lic. Susana Morán de Gidice, a professor of Social Psychology, offers a perspective that mysterious objects and beings might represent projections of unfulfilled aspects of human communication and connection, a need to confront internal fears. The article acknowledges the significant attention the case received from official bodies and the ongoing controversy.

The Peccinetti Case and its Aftermath

Further investigation into Peccinetti's background reveals his involvement in a fraud case in 1969, where he was arrested in La Rioja for involvement with a group accused of defrauding olive producers. Later, in November 1970, Peccinetti was identified by Chilean police as one of the 'pistoleros' involved in a murder, allegedly for robbery. The article notes that Peccinetti's personality did not seem to change significantly after the alleged UFO encounter, unlike Villegas, who reportedly became interested in serious reading.

The Anibal Raül Petracini Sighting

A separate account details the experience of Anibal Raül Petracini, an Argentine Army sub-officer, on September 19, 1979. Petracini reported seeing a UFO and a humanoid figure from his home in Godoy Cruz, Mendoza. He described the object as circular, metallic gray, and hovering near the ground. A small, white-clad figure with a green visor appeared. Petracini felt a telepathic transmission of a message about gaining confidence in himself and that the beings were superior. He also experienced a period of emotional instability and a shift in his religious beliefs after the encounter.

Analysis of Petracini's Experience

The article explores Petracini's background, including his financial concerns, his wife's health issues, and his semi-constructed home, which contributed to his stress. His religious beliefs shifted from fervent Catholicism to a more self-reliant approach after the encounter. The psychologist Juan Carlos Torcivia conducted eleven sessions with Petracini, concluding that he had normal psychological characteristics and did not exhibit signs of being a fabricator or delusional.

References and Conclusion

The article concludes by listing extensive bibliographical references related to the cases and UFO research in Argentina. The authors express their belief that the Peccinetti and Villegas case might have been a hoax or a fabrication for proselytizing purposes, but leave the investigation open pending new data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, esoteric groups, and the psychological and social contexts surrounding such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, presenting different perspectives and evidence while leaning towards skepticism regarding the Peccinetti and Villegas case, suggesting it may have been a fabrication. The article aims to provide a global perspective and new analytical elements to the ongoing UFO debate in Argentina.

This issue of LA RAZON, dated Monday, October 13, 1969, features a prominent headline about a "STRANGE REPORT IN THE CHACO" and includes several articles related to UFO phenomena, witness testimonies, and their psychological interpretations.

STRANGE REPORT IN THE CHACO

The main article details a report from Laguna Blanca, Chaco, by an ex-police officer and farmer named Amaro Lockett. He claimed to have seen a rare machine, described as a disc-shaped apparatus, perched on a tree. The machine was reportedly crewed by three unusual creatures, described as short (about 80 centimeters tall), with long blonde hair like 'hippies', and possessing only a single eye. Lockett stated that the branches of the tree were scorched where the apparatus landed. He also reported feeling an abnormal coldness. The incident occurred around 5:30 PM. The report was initially disseminated by the Sapoti agency and published in various newspapers.

Further investigation into the Lockett case revealed conflicting information. His nephew, Gilberto Lockett, stated that Amaro had passed away in 1971, two years after the alleged encounter. Amaro's wife, Petti, was cautious, suggesting they didn't give it much importance and that such things happen. His daughter, Mita, recalled her father seeing a UFO leaving Laguna Blanca but doubted the details about the creatures and the machine landing on a tree. The article also mentions a Brazilian ufologist, Jader U. Pereira, who classified 'cyclopean' creatures, and notes that the description of the one-eyed beings might belong to the realm of fantasy.

A later investigation by ufologist Sigurdo von Wurmb in July 1993 suggested that the Laguna Blanca case was a hoax. Lockett reportedly explained to Wurmb that it was a joke concocted by friends, which was then passed to the press without proper investigation or consultation with Lockett himself.

Meditations on the Laguna Blanca Case

The article explores possible influences behind the fabricated narration. It notes the timing, coinciding with the Apollo 11 lunar mission in mid-July, which also involved three astronauts. The description of the 'little men' with a single eye is linked to mythological cyclops, figures associated with wildness and antithetical to Homeric culture. Their blonde, 'hippie' hair is contextualized within the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s, referencing the societal anxieties surrounding hippies and events like the Woodstock festival and the Sharon Tate murders.

MAR DEL PLATA, BA. SKY OF UFOS

This section recounts a UFO sighting that occurred on Friday, August 20, 1965, in Mar del Plata. The most widely known version was published in the newspaper 'La Razón', but the original information came from 'La Capital'. The report describes a luminous, rotating, oval object seen by a young couple, Eduardo Angel Yacobi and Teresa Ernestina Acuña de Yacobi, accompanied by their young daughter. They reported hearing a loud buzzing sound and seeing the object, nearly touching the treetops, land about 200 meters away. They observed figures near the object, which was illuminated by reddish-violet lights. Yacobi wanted to approach, but his wife dissuaded him. They immediately went to the newspaper office to report the incident.

Journalists from 'La Capital' visited the location but found no trace of the UFO. The article notes that 'La Razón' reported that the object was less than 40 meters high and that figures appeared to be solving a mechanical problem before ascending into the ovni and disappearing. The weather that night was cold with a light breeze.

Attempts to locate the Yacobi couple years later were unsuccessful, with the hotel where they stayed no longer in operation. Investigations in the suburban area and inquiries with neighbors yielded no further information or recognition of the witnesses.

ANALYSIS OF THE CASE (Aníbal Petracini)

This section delves into the case of Aníbal Petracini, a witness whose experience is analyzed from a psychological perspective. The analysis suggests that the phenomenon might be perceptual or psychic. Key points of doubt include:

1. The absence of other witnesses despite the populated area.
2. The lack of physical traces at the landing site, suggesting the immaterial nature of the phenomenon.
3. Certain testimonial items that do not align with a perceptual event.

Specific inconsistencies noted include:

• The witness describing the night as completely dark, yet the distant public lighting was unaffected.
• The witness distinguishing a faint green light of a specific size and distance, which he couldn't explain.
• A curtain that was found folded in the morning, despite being found unfolded when he looked out the night before.
• The witness not remembering returning to bed or turning off the light.
• The finding of a cigarette butt that he claimed to have discarded, but which was found days later.

The study leans towards a psychological explanation, considering the witness's normal psychic characteristics as analyzed by psychologist J.C. Torcivia. The interpretation focuses on subconscious impulses, desires, and unresolved conflicts that might manifest as visions or hypnopompic hallucinations (occurring between waking and sleeping).

INTERPRETIVE ESSAY

This essay suggests that Petracini's experience might have occurred in a preconscious state, where subconscious desires and latent thoughts merge. The UFO in his dream is interpreted as a symbol of his personal aspirations and a representation of a superior being offering guidance. The humanoid figure is seen as a symbol of the 'self', appearing during crucial life crises to offer a path to inner knowledge and a more positive life. The UFO's form, resembling his own car, is seen as a symbolic representation of his personal experience and aspirations.

FE DE ERRATAS (Corrections)

This section lists several corrections to previously published information, including names, dates, and locations related to various UFO cases mentioned in the magazine.

References Bibliográficas

A list of bibliographic references is provided, citing various newspapers, books, and publications related to UFO phenomena, including works by Antonio Ribera, Coral and Jim Lorenzen, and others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the psychological interpretation of these experiences. The magazine presents witness testimonies, often from individuals with backgrounds in law enforcement or military service, alongside analyses that explore potential psychological underpinnings. There's a clear effort to present both the reported phenomena and attempts to rationalize or explain them, sometimes suggesting hoaxes or psychological manifestations rather than literal extraterrestrial visits. The editorial stance appears to be one of objective reporting and analytical inquiry, acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs while also critically examining the evidence and testimonies presented.