The family of 15-year-old Tailor Manuel has issued an urgent call for help on Facebook after he vanished Monday afternoon in the province of Sancti Spíritus. The teenager left home and has not returned, prompting a widespread search effort.
According to a post shared by Jose E. González Marín, the search involves family, friends, and local police, but as of the alert, no one had yet discovered the young boy's whereabouts.
Those who might have any information about his location are urged to get in touch immediately via the numbers 56449735 and 59271617.
"Perhaps you don’t have the information, but someone who sees your post might," González noted, encouraging everyone to share the message to ensure it reaches "every corner of Sancti Spíritus and beyond."
"A family is anxiously waiting to reunite with their son. Every share can extend the reach of this search," González emphasized in his post.
Social Media: A Substitute for Official Alerts
This situation is part of a growing trend in Cuba: in the absence of an official alert system for missing persons—similar to the American Amber Alert—families are increasingly turning to social media as their primary search tool.
Sancti Spíritus has seen several missing persons cases in recent months. For instance, the mother of Doraiky Águila Vázquez, missing since March 2025, traveled to Cabaiguán in mid-October following a potential lead, only to return without finding her.
Rising Cases of Missing Minors Nationwide
Nationally, the number of missing minors in Cuba has surged throughout 2026. In a fortunate turn, 12-year-old Raimiel Salazar Cobas was found alive in Santiago de Cuba within 48 hours, thanks to the swift spread of information on social media back in April.
However, not every story ends well. In May, a missing 15-year-old boy from Amancio, Las Tunas, was discovered deceased. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Melodys Cabrera Ricardo has been missing in Artemisa since July, with her family also relying on social media to keep the search alive.
Frequently Asked Questions on Missing Persons in Cuba
How can the public assist in finding missing minors like Tailor Manuel?
The public can help by sharing alerts on social media to increase visibility and reach. Additionally, anyone with information should promptly contact the provided numbers to assist in the search.
Why is there no official alert system for missing persons in Cuba?
Cuba lacks a formal system like the Amber Alert due to governmental and infrastructural limitations, leading families to depend on social media to raise awareness and gather information in missing persons cases.
Are missing persons cases increasing in Cuba?
Yes, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of missing minors reported in Cuba in recent years, with social and economic factors contributing to this distressing trend.