Noemí Victoria Blanco Acosta, the teenager who had been missing since September 12 in the province of Matanzas, has been found safe and sound, according to an update on social media by her father.
"Thanks to everyone's collaboration on social media, I am pleased to inform you that my daughter has been found. She is well. I reiterate my heartfelt thanks to all those who supported my family during these days, and I hope that everyone going through a similar situation will soon receive good news as we just did," wrote Ángel Salvador Escandell Zamora on Facebook.
As usual, the family source did not provide any details regarding where or under what circumstances the teenager was found.
In a more recent post, accompanied by a photo of him with his daughter, Escandell Zamora reiterated his gratitude to those who helped spread the word about the case.
"A thousand blessings to everyone who helped us during these tumultuous days. My daughter has been found and is now with us, but it was all thanks to the collective effort of everyone who took a moment of their valuable time. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, and thank you. May all families experiencing what we went through find the joy of having their loved ones by their side soon," reiterated the father.
The teenager lives in Cárdenas and had been missing since September 12, although she was last seen over the past weekend in Santa Marta, near Varadero.
Previously, the father had indicated that his daughter was carrying a backpack, and the family thought she might be heading towards the city of Matanzas or Havana. He also mentioned that the teenager seemed to be wearing "clothes that were not hers" because all her belongings were still at home.
In the last few hours, dozens of internet users—both acquaintances and strangers—have expressed joy over the teenager's reappearance, although some believe the family should provide a minimum amount of public information about the presumed reasons for the disappearance, despite it being a private matter.
"At least they should say what the reason was or something. They shout from the rooftops for help to share when she disappeared, but they say nothing about the cause when she is found. It seems a bit wrong to me; even though it's such a sensitive issue, they should also inform all those who prayed and took a moment to share the posts and make this case go viral in all the groups," reproached one commenter.
The Gender Observatory Tensas (OGAT) has already updated on Facebook that the teenager was found.
As of the close of this note, no further details about the case are available.
In recent years—coinciding with the increase in violence in Cuba—reports of missing persons have become frequent, causing concern among families who, lacking an official channel to make these cases visible, desperately turn to social media and independent media outlets for help in locating their loved ones.
FAQs About Missing Persons in Cuba
Given the increasing number of missing persons reports in Cuba, many people have questions regarding these cases. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why are reports of missing persons increasing in Cuba?
The increase in missing persons reports is linked to the overall rise in violence and insecurity in Cuba. Many families are turning to social media and independent media for help, due to the lack of an official channel for these cases.
How can the public help when someone goes missing?
The public can help by sharing information on social media, spreading awareness, and staying vigilant. This collective effort can significantly aid in locating missing persons.
What should families do if a loved one goes missing?
Families should report the disappearance to local authorities immediately and use social media platforms to spread the word. Engaging with independent media can also help in garnering public attention.