Houston Veteran Goes Missing During Trip to Mexico City: Family Initiates Urgent Search
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a Houston Air Force veteran has gone missing during his trip to Mexico City. John Gamboa, a former serviceman, had planned to travel to the Mexican capital and was expected to return on Sunday. However, his worried mother reveals that she has not heard from him since before he left for the trip, sparking a frantic search for her beloved son.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged the reports of a missing U.S. citizen in Mexico City but has not provided any further information. Fermina Gamboa, John’s mother, expresses her deep concern for his safety, admitting, “Honestly, I am not sure if he’s alive.” She describes how John intended to retrieve his belongings from Mexico City, where he had been based for work last year. Since then, he has been residing in Houston with his family.
Fermina recounts the timeline of events leading up to her son’s disappearance. On Saturday morning, she received a notification from USAA Bank, informing her that someone had attempted to access John’s account. As Sunday evening approached, the expected time of John’s return, Fermina anxiously waited for him but he did not arrive. She speculates that he may have missed his flight or faced difficulties in securing one.
The following day, Fermina received a call from John’s employer, who revealed that he had failed to log in for work. It was at this point that a missing person’s flyer began circulating online, accompanied by a detailed account of John’s recent movements. Surprisingly, Fermina was unaware of this flyer and could not verify its accuracy or its source. Friends of John claim to be in contact with authorities regarding his disappearance but have not provided specific details to Fermina.
With the discovery of withdrawal attempts from John’s bank account, Fermina fears that someone may be holding him captive and seeking monetary gain. However, she emphasizes that her primary concern is her son’s safe return, stating, “I don’t care; I just need my son to be back. Money can be replaced, but the life of my son cannot.”
John Gamboa, who served in the Air Force, hails from the Philippines. Fermina’s frustration grows as she tries to reach out to the appropriate state and government agencies, feeling as though she is being given the runaround. She finds solace in the fact that ABC13 has contacted the FBI and the Mexican consulate, connecting her with direct contacts who may be able to assist in the search for John.
The situation is a distressing one, especially considering John’s service to his country. Having risked his life for five years in the Air Force, Fermina emphasizes the need for a swift resolution, stating, “It makes me more upset because he risked his life to serve this country for five years.”
As the search for John Gamboa continues, updates on this story can be found by following Alex Bozarjian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The family hopes for a breakthrough in the investigation and prays for John’s safe return.
