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An elderly woman and her great-granddaughter have been missing since Friday, December 26, when they left Havana heading to Mayarí, Holguín, but never arrived.
The alert was released by the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT), which confirmed the disappearance of both with their family.
The missing individuals have been identified as Adela Pupo Rodríguez, 66 years old; and her great-granddaughter Evelin Sofía Castro Moreno, 6 years old.
They were last seen in the Jesús María neighborhood of Old Havana around 3:00 p.m., at which point they were beginning their journey to eastern Cuba. Since then, no family member has been able to establish contact with them.
Clothing, shared image, and final details
According to the report, Adela was wearing a long-sleeved purple blouse and gray leggings, while Evelin had on blue denim pants and a pink sweater. Both reside in Apodaca, between Suárez and Revillagigedo, in the historic center of the capital.
An image circulated on social media shows Evelin Sofía dressed in light clothing and carrying a children's backpack, alongside her great-grandmother, which has heightened collective concern due to the vulnerability of both.
The family was waiting for them in Holguín that same day, but after receiving no news and exhausting all personal efforts, they filed a report with the police, and so far there is no official information regarding their whereabouts.
The search is being coordinated by Elena Fernández Pupo, the daughter of Adela and the grandmother of the minor.
"Any information can be vital," they warn on social media.
The number available to report any leads is +53 5 955 3204, available at any time.
Although the type of transportation used has not been specified, several comments suggest that they may have traveled in a rented bus.
Many insist that the bus driver or individuals who shared the route should be located in order to try to reconstruct his journey.
"Find out which bus they took and the stops it made from Havana to here. They might have gotten off and ended up in another province, or boarded a similar bus going somewhere else," commented an internet user.
Another person recalled a recent case: “My sister went through something similar. Her bus broke down, and she was cut off for almost three days because her phone ran out of battery.”
There have also been hypotheses about possible confusion during a technical stop, for example, to eat or go to the bathroom: “Maybe they got off to go to the bathroom and the bus left them. Let's hope they turn up.”
Concern about age and vulnerability
The fact that a small girl and an elderly person have traveled alone raises greater concern. Several users questioned the decision: “Older individuals should not be allowed to travel without company.”
"Memory can betray you," someone warned, while another person commented, "Who would think of sending such a small girl with such an old woman?"
They also wonder if Mrs. Adela had communication means in case of an emergency: "Wasn't she carrying a phone? Didn't she have a family member's number memorized to ask for help if she got stranded?"
The case has gone viral quickly, not only due to the family connection of the missing individuals but also because it is part of a phenomenon that concerns many in Cuba: the noticeable increase in reports of disappearances.
"As soon as you open Facebook, there’s a missing person," commented one user. Another added, "Sometimes I refuse to believe it. It’s too much. What a distressing experience to open social media and encounter that. And it’s two or three a day. When it’s not an accident, it’s a femicide or murder."
Some expressed that they no longer feel safe even while traveling: “You can’t leave the house without fear anymore,” “This is unprecedented, there are more missing people than in the times of Machado, and that’s saying something considering there’s no transportation.”
A pattern or a silenced historical problem?
Although skeptical voices emerged questioning whether these types of publications were genuine or merely aimed at attracting attention, the community's response was swift and straightforward.
"Not everything can be about seeking likes. Just yesterday, a man who had been missing for 15 days appeared. He got lost while searching for a job and had no way to notify anyone," someone wrote. Another person clarified, "This post is true. They are neighbors of my brother in Mayarí."
In the midst of the debate, a reflection arises: "In this country, there have always been the disappeared. The difference is that before there was no Internet, and it was not known."
Among the many reactions, the most common plea is a collective cry for their return: "May God protect them," "May they appear safe and sound," "May they return home soon."
Prayers have also been shared: “Lord, cover them with your precious blood in the name of your beloved son Jesus,” “Protect them and guide them to the place they are going, do not let them go from your hand,” “Amen, amen, amen.”
If you have seen Adela Pupo Rodríguez or Evelin Sofía Castro Moreno, or if you have any information, please contact the family at: +53 5 955 3204
Sharing this information could be crucial for your return home.
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