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A mother of three children has been missing in Havana since the day before, when she left her home in Marianao to take care of a procedure, but never arrived at the location and also did not return home, reported independent Cuban platforms.
Melissa Castillo Fernández, 26 years old, was last seen on January 13 at 9:00 a.m., when she left her home to meet with a lawyer for housing procedures. However, the young mother never arrived at the agreed location nor returned home.
The platforms Yo Sí Te Creo in Cuba and Alas Tensas launched a search alert on social media this Tuesday.
The statement warned that Castillo's family went to report his disappearance to the Police, but they do not accept it until 72 hours have passed.
Castillo had his cell phone and sent a final message at 4:06 p.m., announcing that he was on his way back home, but "after that, his phone died."
The young woman is short and stout, with black skin and hair, and has black eyes; and she has a tattoo on one of her shoulders with the names of her three children, the notice described. She was wearing a red dress and a blue coat.
Anyone with information that could help locate the woman can contact Reglita at number 56085140.
People close to Castillo have also posted on social media requests for help in locating him.
“She is my neighbor, please share. The family is frantically searching; she is not someone to leave and not return home, her children already notice her absence and are very worried; call the numbers in the post or call the police,” a neighbor identified as Yoan Gil requested on Facebook, who shared a message from another close person.
The notice emphasizes that “the mother and family are desperate” and pleads that if anyone has seen the young woman, they should call the numbers 53231254, 53254975, and 56085149. “Please, any information is important,” the message urges.
Reports of disappearances have increased significantly in Cuba over the past year. The lack of a state channel to manage these cases and the growing insecurity have led families to turn to social media for assistance.
The disappearance of women in Cuba appears to be an escalating issue, with at least 10 unresolved cases, many of which have been ongoing for over a decade.
The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) published a list of cases that still lack effective solutions, while the families of missing women and girls demand answers.
Case update
In a statement published this afternoon, the platform Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba announced that Melissa Castillo Fernández has been found, and the missing persons alert has been closed.
The independent organization specified that the young woman was “subjected to enforced disappearance and is already initiating the relevant legal processes,” while emphasizing “the importance of early warning to safeguard life.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Disappearances in Cuba and Police Actions
Why does the Cuban police wait 72 hours to act in cases of disappearance?
In Cuba, the police usually wait 72 hours before accepting reports of disappearances, as seen in the case of Melissa Castillo Fernández. This practice has drawn criticism, as it is believed that time is crucial in locating missing persons. The delay in police action is viewed as a deficiency in the emergency response system.
What organizations in Cuba support the search for missing persons?
Independent platforms like "Yo Sí Te Creo en Cuba" and "Alas Tensas" play a crucial role in raising awareness and supporting the search for missing persons in Cuba. These organizations issue alerts and promote campaigns on social media to increase the visibility of the cases.
What information is typically shared on social media to search for missing persons in Cuba?
When a disappearance is reported on social media, information is typically shared such as the physical description of the person, the last time and place they were seen, and a contact number to provide any relevant information. This helps engage the community in the search and increases the chances of locating the missing person.
What is the current situation regarding disappearances in Cuba?
In Cuba, reports of disappearances have increased significantly in the past year. The absence of a state channel to handle these cases and the growing insecurity have led families to turn to social media for assistance. Cases like that of Karildi Marín, missing since December 2023, highlight the urgency of improving institutional responses to these situations.
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