A group of roughly 50 Central Illinois travelers has been sheltering in place at a resort near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, following violence and chaos that erupted in the resort city as a result of a military raid that led to the killing of a major drug cartel leader.
The leader known as “El Mencho” was alleged to have built one of the most powerful organized crime organizations in the world.
The tour group is hosted by Bloomington radio station WBNQ. Host Susan Saunders wrote an update on Facebook that the “Winter Escape with WBNQ” group arrived to the RIU Palace Pacifico resort safely last Saturday.
She said the group is about 25 minutes north of the violent protests.
“Our group is incredibly lucky as our only job today is to shelter in place at a full stocked all-inclusive resort,” said Saunders. “The staff is stressed emotionally, and smaller sized than normal as they were not able to leave for their homes after work on Sunday.”
Public transportation and schools nearby are shut down completely but are expected to open soon, Saunders said the group was informed. Saunders said some travelers have ventured outside, but most of the hotel staff and patrons have remained and stayed mostly unaffected by outside blockades and attacks.
“But there is positivity trickling in that those expecting to leave on Sunday could be rescheduled by Thursday and Friday,” she said. “And today, our travel agent escort has been encouraging people to go ahead and schedule whatever excursions they desired for later in the week, as the current expectation is getting back to semi-normal activities quickly.”
“It is awkward to try enjoy this much needed and anticipated trip without guilt, as there is still a lot of tension and uncertainty around us, but we are refusing to let the bad people win at this time.”
Saunders said she is saddened by the damage caused to local businesses, and it is cruel to see the reputation of the tourist city as a safe destination ruined.
The group is expected to return home on Saturday as scheduled.
