With the help of fellow musicians and his family, Genesis 2000 musician Martin Villanueva – kidnapped and held for ransom by unknown assailants in Cd. Victoria, Tamps. – is back home in Brownsville.
Villanueva had been "privado de su libertad" along with one of his brothers and another relative going on a week by a group who was reportedly demanding $50,000 in return for their freedom.
No one knows whether the family paid the full amount, but musicians with the band Los Amos de La Noche said in their Facebook page that they were safely now on this side of the Rio Grande.
Several bands – including Xenal, Sortilegio, Amos de la Noche, Rivales Alterados, and Grupo Indomable – performed for free on behalf of their fellow musician at Los Dos Hermanos Rodeo Nightclub on 4685 Coffee Port Road.
No one was saying that Villanueva is being held captive by any specific group of authority, but the couched language of the border gave one a good clue that it is not law enforcement which is behind his captivity.
"Unfortunately," said Los Amos in an appeal for assistance, "such is life...and we invite you...to cooperate to this noble cause because our good friend from Grupo Genesis 2000 finds himself deprived of his freedom in Cd. Victoria, Tamps.
"Cooperate with $5, $10, $15 or $20 so that our brother Martin can overcome this problem. Martin is well liked by everyone and we cannot leave him unaided with this problem," they said.In their FB page, the group says that several bands – including Xenal, Sortilegio, Amos de la Noche, Rivales Alterados, and Grupo Indomable – will perform for free on behalf of their fellow musician.
No one is saying that Villanueva is being held captive by any specific group of authority, but the couched language of the border gives one a good clue that it is not law enforcement which is behind his captivity.
"Unfortunately," says his family, "such is life...and we invite you this Sunday to cooperate to this noble cause because our good friend from Grupo Genesis 2000 finds himself deprived of his freedom in Cd. Victoria, Tamps.
"Cooperate with $5, $10, $15 or $20 so that our brother Martin can overcome this problem. Martin is well liked by everyone and we cannot leave him unaided with this problem," they said.
Los Amos extended the family's gratitude to those who helped by attending the concert or by making anonymous donations to the family.
In January, the U.S. Dept. of State issued this travel advisory for Tamaulipas that is still in effect:
Tamaulipas: Matamoros, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, and Tampico are major cities/travel destinations in Tamaulipas - Defer non-essential travel to the state of Tamaulipas. All USG employees are prohibited from personal travel on Tamaulipas highways outside of Matamoros, Reynosa, and Nuevo Laredo due to the tenuous security situation.
In Matamoros, USG employees are subject to further movement restrictions between midnight and 6 a.m. USG employees may not frequent casinos and adult entertainment establishments. Matamoros, Reynosa, Nuevo Laredo, and Ciudad Victoria have experienced grenade attacks in the past year, as well as numerous reported gun battles.
Violent gun battles between rival TCO elements and/or the Mexican military can occur in all parts of the region, and at all times of the day.
The kidnapping rate for Tamaulipas, the highest for all states in Mexico, more than doubled in 2012 over 2011, and the number of U.S. citizens reported to the consulate as kidnapped in 2013 increased by 75% over 2012.
In February 2013, four masked and armed individuals attempted to kidnap a USG employee in Matamoros during daylight hours. All travelers should be aware of the risks posed by armed robbery and carjacking on state highways throughout Tamaulipas, particularly on highways and roads outside of urban areas along the northern border. Traveling outside of cities after dark is particularly dangerous.
While no highway routes through Tamaulipas are considered safe, the highways between Matamoros-Tampico, Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo, and Matamoros-Ciudad Victoria are particularly prone to criminal activity. In the past year there have been several instances of U.S. citizens being kidnapped from hotels while attending family or social events (e.g. weddings and funerals).
In at least one incident, a member of the traveling party was summoned to the front desk by hotel staff whereupon he was kidnapped. Travelers should consider selecting hotels with adequate security and reputability as well as exercising caution when responding to phone calls or knocks at the door while resident in a hotel. Travelers should stay low-key and refrain from flashing around cash or wearing expensive jewelry."
7 comments:
WHO GIVES A FUCK!
More than a dozen employers will be on hand to meet and interview prospective applicants today at the Brownsville Herald. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the newspaper, located at 1135 E. Van Buren St.
Today’s job fair is the second one hosted by the Brownsville Herald. The first, held last September, drew hundreds of people, Editor Ryan Henry said.
“The newspaper’s job is to help promote connections within the community,” Henry said. “The job fair affords us the opportunity to connect job seekers with good employers.”
I am glad to read Martin is back on the U.S. side. The outcome was positive: He saved his life. Many years ago he lived across the street from where I lived. I've never gone to any of the places where they play or even heard his music, but I know he was always a nice and educated person towards me and my family, that is the reason I still remember him after so many years. People should care about what happens to others less fortunate because when it happens to them, they will want to find someone that at least listens.
Lol ^ the comment @7:53am nothing to do with the post ahhh Raza there talking about somebodys life and there commenting on work LoL
6:22..... what do you mean with your comment. This is a human being..not to mention a person that has been a good part of th3 community. A lot of people got together to put in their two cents to safe a life. God is good. So please shut your punk face and go eat sh.... you a worthless SOB that I wish I could have access to to bitch slap you.. punk....
His family and friends that love them. God bless u.
His family and friends. .
God bless u.
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