Cancún, Quintana Roo — The relentless efforts of families and advocacy groups have begun yielding results in Quintana Roo, where authorities have identified and delivered the remains of 17 individuals previously reported as missing. Officials anticipate the number of identified cases could exceed 30 in the coming days, according to Romana Rivera Ramírez, president of the collective Verdad, Memoria y Justicia in Quintana Roo.
A Step Toward Closure
Rivera Ramírez described the progress as "encouraging," citing both the public response and improved coordination with the State Attorney General’s Office, which has expedited the identification of bodies stored in forensic facilities.
"It is encouraging to see society begin to respond. These were bodies piled up, their faces invisible. It is thanks to the tireless efforts of collectives that this is starting to change," Rivera Ramírez stated.
Digital Fingerprinting Accelerates Identifications
A key factor in the recent identifications has been the digitization of fingerprints, facilitated by scanners and support from Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE). This technology has streamlined the confirmation process, prompting dozens of families to come forward in hopes of locating missing relatives.
"In just three days, we saw a positive response. Some families have already identified remains and claimed them," Rivera Ramírez noted. However, she clarified that not all cases are resolved quickly. For bodies in advanced stages of decomposition, genetic testing is required, involving blood samples from relatives for DNA matching.
"We want to prevent anyone from leaving with doubts about their loved one’s identity. That’s why exhausting the scientific process is so crucial," she emphasized.
Families from Across Mexico Seek Answers
The impact of these efforts has extended beyond Quintana Roo, with families from Tabasco, Campeche, Veracruz, and Mexico City reaching out to the collective after recognizing forensic records shared by authorities.
"Some have sent messages via social media seeking guidance, while others have already arranged travel to the state to reclaim their loved ones," Rivera Ramírez said.
The collective has stressed the need for institutional support, particularly to cover funeral expenses in cases linked to high-impact crimes.
"The process no longer has to be complicated or retraumatizing. It involves verifying kinship, processing paperwork, and releasing the remains. Our goal is to close this chapter with dignity and truth," she affirmed.
Cases Span Multiple Municipalities
Among the bodies already returned to families are individuals from Tulum and Chetumal. Authorities expect more than 30 additional identifications in the near future, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of truth and justice for missing persons in Quintana Roo.
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