Three communal members released following land dispute in Oaxaca

Three communal members from San Pedro El Alto—Martín Antonio Santiago, Ismael Morales Zárate, and Antonio de Jesús Pérez Amaya—have been released after being held for 15 days in Santo Domingo Teojomulco. The detention occurred within the context of a territorial conflict between the two communities that has persisted for over 70 years.

The individuals, who are forest unit technicians, were reportedly accused of entering disputed territory to install camera traps. During the incident, a white pickup truck was also detained.

Oaxaca's Secretary of Government, Jesús Romero López, stated that the release was achieved through dialogue and mediation to prevent an escalation of violence. Following the signing of a formal agreement, state authorities, the Agrarian Conciliation Board, the Human Rights Coordination, and the federal Ministry of the Interior will continue to intervene to ensure compliance with the pacts and work toward a peaceful resolution.