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Michael, the 11-year-old boy reported missing in Santiago de Cuba, was found alive this Friday at the Cayo dock, where he had spent two nights sleeping outdoors.
The discovery was made possible thanks to community collaboration and the swift dissemination of the case on social media.
A young man identified as Anyelito Con Talento recognized him after seeing the search post and stayed with him until he was safely handed over, reported independent writer Yasser Sosa Tamayo through his profile on Facebook.
"Some people still do not wait for someone else to act," wrote one of the close ones to the minor while expressing gratitude for the solidarity that made his rescue possible.
The boy, who had left his home, was returned to his mother and will be monitored by child welfare authorities, who will attempt to provide support and specialized care to address his emotional situation.
Close sources confirm that this is not the first time Michael has run away. "Not out of hunger, but out of apathy. Not out of rebellion, but out of wounds that are not visible. For those voids that no one fills and for those absences that weigh more than any blow. I won't say more, out of respect," Sosa remarked.
Her story, widely shared on social media, sparked a wave of empathy and messages of reflection on child vulnerability in Cuba.
The family and the volunteers who participated in the search thanked everyone who shared the information.
"This time -they said- the networks were not noise, but rescue."
The ineffectiveness of the public rapid alert system and the silence of official media have compelled families with missing loved ones to seek help in the digital sphere.
In recent years, desperation has migrated to social media, where vital photographs and information are shared to begin the search.
The lack of a state response has led citizens to take charge of their own search efforts, creating parallel channels such as Facebook groups and WhatsApp chains.
These spaces, although vital for sharing clues and testimonies, reflect the lack of effective official protocols and the precarious situation faced by families.
In early September, the 16-year-old teenager Betsy Scull Estévez was found safe and sound, after six days of anguish during which her family and activists desperately sought help to locate her.
A Cuban teenager identified as Deyriland Hernández Peralta, 17 years old, has been missing since August 11, 2025. Enrique Peralta, the young man's uncle, has appealed on social media for community help to locate him.
Frequently asked questions about the disappearance and discovery of Michael in Santiago de Cuba
How was Michael, the missing boy from Santiago de Cuba, found?
Michael was found alive at the Cayo dock, where he had spent two nights outdoors. The discovery was made possible thanks to citizen collaboration and the spread of the case on social media, allowing a young man to recognize him and stay with him until his rescue.
What role do social media play in the search for missing persons in Cuba?
In Cuba, social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have become vital tools for locating missing persons. The ineffectiveness of the public rapid alert system and the silence of official media have compelled families to use these platforms to share information and coordinate search efforts.
What challenges do Cuban families face in the wake of a loved one's disappearance?
Cuban families face the absence of an official alert system for missing persons, which forces them to resort to self-management through social media. This lack of institutional response creates constant anxiety and compels citizens to create their own search channels, highlighting the fragility of official protocols.
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