“What’s in his head?” Mexican rescuer’s indignation against Chavismo during Venezuela earthquakes

Héctor Méndez, a veteran Mexican rescuer and founder of Los Topos Azteca, publicly denounced an attempt by Venezuelan state television to dictate his statements while he was engaged in earthquake rescue efforts. Méndez, widely known as "El topo mayor," recounted that a reporter approached him seeking a televised message of gratitude directed at Venezuelan officials, which he firmly rejected.

"Nobody is going to tell me what to say," Méndez reportedly stated, emphasizing that his role as a volunteer and civil society member is purely humanitarian and devoid of political affiliation. He explained that his work is not political and that he would not be used for propaganda purposes. The incident occurred amidst the urgent, time-sensitive rescue operations following the earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.

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Nobody is going to tell me what to say.

Méndez, who has four decades of experience in rescue operations both within Mexico and internationally, including previous interventions in Venezuela, expressed his indignation at the request. He later apologized to his superiors for the tone of his exchange with the reporter, but stood by his refusal to politicize the rescue mission.

The Mexican rescue contingent, including Los Topos and other specialists, arrived in Venezuela with essential search equipment, medical personnel, and supplies to aid in locating survivors. Méndez's extensive career includes participation in major rescue efforts since the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, as well as interventions during the 1997 Cariaco earthquake and the 1999 Vargas landslide in Venezuela.

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I told her to go to hell.