Users on the social media platform Facebook are calling for the digital community to unite in the search for Diosbel Cantillo Martínez, who disappeared recently during a trip to Guantánamo.
Official journalist Miguel Reyes shared a post by Geisa Martínez expressing concern and requesting help "from anyone who can collaborate" to find Cantillo, who left on Monday morning for the eastern region and was seen by several people.
"We have not been able to communicate with him. I need any information," reads the post, which shares contact methods for reporting sightings or information about him.
Increasingly, social media is becoming a vital tool for seeking support in cases of missing persons in Cuba, a phenomenon gaining visibility. For instance, the case of Juana María Curbelo Santana, a 64-year-old Cuban woman, who was missing since last Saturday after being seen in the Mantilla neighborhood in Havana, drew significant attention.
The woman, who "suffers from schizophrenia and was not taking her prescribed medication," was found by authorities this Monday in a hospital after being hit by a motorcycle that fled the scene.
Similarly, on June 20, the family of a teenager named Evelyn reported her missing after she left her home in La Lisa for school. It was later revealed that she had returned to her family.
On the same day, the whereabouts of Mailyn Fernández Caballero, a mother of two young children who had been missing for over 24 hours from her home in El Cristo near Santiago de Cuba, also made headlines.
In a context of rising insecurity due to increasing crime, digital platforms are becoming ever more necessary, as official channels on the island seem out of touch with this reality. Disappearances are an issue that can no longer be hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Persons in Cuba
With the growing number of missing person cases in Cuba, many people have urgent questions. Here are some important FAQs to help provide clarity on this troubling issue.
What should I do if I have information about a missing person?
If you have any information about a missing person, it is crucial to contact the authorities immediately. You can also reach out to the family through contact methods shared on social media posts.
How effective are social media platforms in finding missing persons in Cuba?
Social media platforms have proven to be very effective in raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to find missing persons in Cuba. They allow for rapid information sharing and community support.
Why are official channels in Cuba not sufficient in handling missing person cases?
Official channels in Cuba often appear disconnected from the reality of the increasing crime and disappearances, making digital platforms a necessary alternative for addressing these urgent issues.