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A young Cuban identified as César Valentín Pérez García has been missing since Monday afternoon when he jumped into the water of the El Saltadero river in the Santiago municipality of Songo La Maya and did not resurface.
The people who were with him raised the alarm immediately, notifying the authorities in Santiago.
However - according to statements from witnesses cited by Yosmany Mayeta - the authorities did not arrive at the scene until this morning.
The Fire Department would have explained that their regulations prohibit them from conducting nighttime searches to protect the safety of their personnel.
Family, friends, and neighbors stayed by the river all night, continuing the search with their own resources.
"The authorities arrived late and with only two divers, who have yet to locate the body.", Mayeta updated this Tuesday.
Consternation over the loss of the young man
Expressions of grief and solidarity have quickly appeared on social media.
Ana Reina Stable Daudinot expressed, "I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him, a hardworking young man who was always looking for ways to help his family."
Other friends and acquaintances have also shared their memories and sorrow, describing César as a kind-hearted person with a strong spirit of solidarity.
The apparent lack of swift response from the authorities has generated criticism.
Several neighbors pointed out the limited presence of rescuers and the lack of resources to handle situations like this.
"Many local young people have joined the search due to the inability of the rescue team," witnesses said.
As the hours have passed, hopes of finding César Valentín alive have faded.
Some Cubans have suggested performing traditional rituals to locate the body, such as releasing a lit candle on a board, a popular belief that, they say, can help find missing persons in the river.
It has not been officially confirmed whether the body has been found. Testimonies from neighbors suggest that it may have been recovered, although the information has not been corroborated.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Frequently Asked Questions About Recent Disappearances in Cuba
What is known about the disappearance of César Valentín Pérez García in Santiago de Cuba?
César Valentín Pérez García disappeared after jumping into the El Saltadero river in the Santiago municipality of Songo La Maya. Although his companions immediately alerted the authorities, they did not arrive until the following morning, which has sparked criticism for the delayed and limited response from the rescuers.
Why didn't the authorities conduct the search for César Valentín Pérez García during the night?
The Fire Department explained that their regulations prevent them from conducting nighttime searches to protect the safety of their personnel. This policy has been criticized by the community, which believes that a quicker response could be crucial in emergency situations.
How has the community reacted to the disappearance of César Valentín Pérez García?
The community has shown concern and solidarity, staying by the river throughout the night and assisting in the search with their own resources. Criticism of the authorities for their slow response has been intense and the lack of resources to effectively handle these situations has been emphasized.
What other recent cases of disappearances have been reported in Cuba?
There have been multiple disappearances in Cuba in recent months, including missing fishermen, individuals who did not return after military service permits, and cases of Cuban migrants lost on journeys to other countries. These incidents reflect an increasing concern over safety and the authorities' ability to respond adequately.
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