Cuban artist Saúl Manuel has taken to social media to seek assistance in locating a man with mental health issues who has gone missing in Artemisa province. The plea for help was initially made by Lydia Pupo, a resident of San Antonio de los Baños, who reached out to Manuel online.
Pupo revealed that her brother, Rafael Pupo Torres, aged 50, has been missing for several days and has not been taking his medication. "Please, my phone number is 59692998. If anyone sees him, take him to the police so we can go fetch him. Often, by the time we get to the reported location, he has already left. He suffers from a nervous disorder. It's been over nine months since the necessary vaccines have been available," she stated in her message.
The missing individual has a tendency to wander off and forget to return home. "He left a month ago. The clothes he was wearing are the same as in the photograph. He is in Havana; someone informed us that he was seen in Playa Municipality," his sister added.
This urgent plea highlights the increasing concern over missing persons in Cuba, especially those with mental health conditions who rely on medication for stability. This case is part of a troubling trend in Cuba, where individuals with health problems have gone missing, prompting community efforts to find them.
Recently, José Ricardo Mendoza was found safe after being lost for four days in the Holguín province wilderness. Such instances underscore the importance of community cooperation, with social media playing a crucial role in locating missing persons in Cuba, particularly given the frequent inaction of the police in these distressing situations.
Key Questions About Missing Persons in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide important information about the issue of missing persons in Cuba, particularly those with mental health conditions.
What should you do if you see a missing person in Cuba?
If you see a missing person in Cuba, you should immediately contact the police and provide as much information as possible about their location and condition. Additionally, reaching out to the family or individuals, like in the case of Rafael Pupo Torres, can be crucial.
How can social media help in finding missing persons in Cuba?
Social media can be a powerful tool for spreading information quickly and widely. It allows concerned individuals to share details about the missing person, photos, and contact information, increasing the chances of someone recognizing and reporting their location.
Why is there a concern about police inaction in Cuba regarding missing persons?
There is a growing concern about police inaction in Cuba because many cases of missing persons, especially those with mental health issues, do not receive the urgent attention they require. This often forces families and communities to rely on their own efforts and social media to locate their loved ones.