CROC Cancún Still Without Permanent Leader Nearly a Year After Mario Machuca Murder

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Nearly a year after the murder of union leader Mario Machuca Sánchez, the Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Peasants (CROC) has yet to appoint a permanent replacement to lead its delegation in Benito Juárez.

The union continues to operate its Cancún structure under the supervision of national leadership, while internal work and member services are handled by the team that worked alongside the slain local leader.

Martín de la Cruz, the state leader of the CROC, confirmed that the municipal delegation is currently being coordinated by Isaías González Cuevas, a member of the national leadership. He explained that union activities continue with the same group of collaborators who worked with Machuca.

According to the organization, the lack of a new leader has not halted the delegation’s functions. The operational structure continues to represent workers, handle labor issues, and manage internal affairs.

De la Cruz said the team in place has the necessary experience to continue the work Machuca led, now with direct support from national leadership.

The Murder of Mario Machuca

Machuca was killed on August 4, 2025, after being attacked in the parking lot of a car dealership on Avenida Chichén Itzá in Cancún.

The State Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation that led to the arrest of several people allegedly linked to the homicide. Among those named is Luis Fernando “N,” known as “El Inge,” identified by authorities as the alleged intellectual author of the crime.

Investigators have considered several motives, including possible conflicts over leadership positions within the union and a dispute over a property in Costa Mujeres.

While the legal process continues, the CROC has not changed its structure in Benito Juárez and has not announced who will permanently assume the union’s representation in the municipality.

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By Laura Castillo

Laura Castillo covers tourism, business, and economic development across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the wider Riviera Maya for Riviera Maya News & Events. She tracks the region's most important business stories — from hotel investments and airline route expansions to real estate market trends and local economic policy — helping English-speaking readers stay informed about the economic pulse of Mexico's Caribbean coast.Laura has been reporting on Quintana Roo's tourism sector since 2020, closely monitoring developments in Cancun's hotel zone, Tulum's rapidly growing commercial corridor, and the evolving business landscape in Playa del Carmen. Her coverage includes corporate investments, employment trends, infrastructure projects, and the economic impact of events like sargassum seasons and hurricane preparation.Before joining Riviera Maya News & Events, Laura worked in business development and market analysis in the Riviera Maya region, giving her first-hand insight into how tourism, real estate, and local commerce intersect. She is fluent in English and Spanish.For story tips: laura@rivieramayanews.mx