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The family of Alicia María Montes de Oca Pérez, a young woman with mental health issues, is desperate following her disappearance on August 21 in Guantánamo.
The case was reported on social media by her sister-in-law, Yailén Columbié, through the Miguel Noticias page on Facebook, where she requested public assistance to locate her.
According to the message, Alicia was last seen around 10:00 am on Thursday, and due to her condition, her behavior had become aggressive in recent days, which raises concern for her family.
"We are desperate; she has mental health issues and has been aggressive lately. We need you to help us. You can call this number 53399869; it is her brother," wrote Columbié.
The call for solidarity generated dozens of comments in which users expressed their concerns, as well as highlighting the crisis of psychiatric medications in Cuba, which exacerbates the situation for vulnerable individuals like Alicia.
"The shortage of medications is hitting this population hard; the crises are becoming more frequent, and tea infusions won't solve the problem," lamented an internet user.
Alicia's father, Carlos Montes de Oca Reyes, also called for help in finding her: "This girl is my daughter, please, anyone who sees her should notify us urgently. We are desperate; this girl has a real family that adores her," he expressed.
A pattern of disappearances in the province
Alicia's case is not the only one that concerns the Guantanamo community.
This week, relatives of Over Luis, a young man who went missing on Monday, August 18, at noon, also turned to social media for help.
According to his sister, the young man was wearing a "camouflage jumpsuit, a red pullover, and white shoes" when he left home, and he reportedly mentioned that he was thinking of traveling to Baracoa, although acquaintances in that area claimed they had not seen him.
The police were notified of the case, and the family shared contact numbers, including 54067416 and the U.S. number +1 (813) 244-5943, in hopes of receiving information.
A growing issue in Cuba
Both disappearances reflect a phenomenon that has become increasingly visible in the country: the absence of an official system for rapid alerts and searches.
In the absence of institutional support, families turn to community pages, Facebook groups, and WhatsApp chains to share photos and information about the missing, transforming social media into the primary tool for mobilizing solidarity and tracking leads.
In the case of individuals with mental illnesses, the lack of adequate medications and treatments places them in a particularly vulnerable situation, as warned by doctors and citizens.
Without pharmacological control, episodes of disorientation and crises become more frequent, increasing the risk of getting lost.
Activists and family members urgently demand that Cuban authorities implement transparent and effective search protocols, where every hour can be crucial.
Meanwhile, the families of Alicia María Montes de Oca and Over Luis remain in distress, clinging to the hope that civic solidarity will bring them back home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disappearances in Cuba
What is the case of the disappearance of Alicia María Montes de Oca Pérez in Guantánamo?
Alicia María Montes de Oca Pérez disappeared on August 21 in Guantánamo. The young woman suffers from mental health issues, which has increased her family's concern. She was last seen around 10:00 am, and due to her condition, her behavior had become aggressive in recent days. The family has requested public assistance to locate her and can be reached at the number 53399869.
What problems does Cuba face regarding disappearances?
Cuba lacks an official alert and rapid search system for missing persons. Families often have to turn to social media to spread information about their missing loved ones. The lack of psychiatric medications also worsens the situation for vulnerable individuals, increasing the risk of being lost for those with mental illnesses.
How are the Cuban authorities responding to the cases of disappearance?
The Cuban authorities have faced criticism for their inaction and lack of effective protocols regarding disappearances. The families of the missing persons often express frustration over the lack of a prompt and effective response, forcing them to rely on community solidarity and social media to search for their loved ones.
What other recent disappearances have occurred in Guantánamo?
Over Luis is another young person missing in Guantánamo, last seen on August 18. His case has also been shared on social media, and his family has provided contact numbers to receive information. The disappearances in the region reflect a troubling pattern, with several cases reported in recent weeks.
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