Who was Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodríguez? Mexican who AMLO asked to be repatriated

Today, the Senate of Mexico approved that 80 members of the Mexican armed forces travel to Panama to collaborate in the search for the remains of the revolutionary general Erasmo Garza Rodríguez, a former general who has a relevant role in the history of Mexico.

Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), president of Mexico, requested permission from the Senate, in order to repatriate the remains of the revolutionary Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodríguezone of the first men to oppose Porfirio Díaz.

Although there was a lot of opposition in the Senate, since it was requested that it be better to intervene in the searches for the “thousands” of missing people in Mexico, in the end approval was obtained. But, Who was Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodríguez?

The General's Odyssey: From Mexico to Central America

In 1891, Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodríguez, also a journalist critical of the Porfiriato, organized an army to overthrow Porfirio Díaz, but his attempt from Texas was unsuccessful. After facing persecution, the rebel general went into exile, beginning his American journey.

Along the way, Garza crossed paths with José Martí and participated in his insurgent movement. The odyssey culminated in Bocas del Toro, part of Greater Colombia, where the Mexican general lost his life in a battle.

His remains have rested there since then. He President López Obrador has expressed his interest in repatriating the revolutionaryrecognizing him as an “exceptional revolutionary” who deserves to rest on Mexican soil.

Now, Mexican authorities have begun negotiations with the Government of Panama to allow a military mission to travel to Bocas del Toro and search for Garza's remains. 80 soldiers will participate in the expedition along with personnel from the National Search Commission of the Ministry of the Interior.

The 80 Mexican soldiers who will participate in the expedition will set sail from Veracruz on February 19, embarking on a journey with a historic purpose. His return to Mexico on April 16 will be marked by the possibility of closing a forgotten chapter in Mexico's revolutionary history, rescuing the memory of Catarino Erasmo Garza Rodríguez.