Pedro Francisco Rodríguez Peralta, a retired colonel and a prominent figure within Cuba's Ministry of the Interior (MININT), passed away on Sunday at the age of 88. His career spanned more than fifty years, deeply intertwined with the military and repressive structures of the Cuban regime.
Born in San Germán, Holguín, Rodríguez Peralta was a key participant in the Clandestine Struggle and took part in the Bay of Pigs invasion. He carved out a formidable career within the Revolutionary Armed Forces and MININT, where he eventually held positions such as Chief of the General Directorate of Public Order, Border Guard Troops, and Forest Rangers, according to an official statement.
The colonel also took part in several internationalist missions in Angola. During one mission in 1969, he was wounded and captured, remaining a prisoner of war until 1974, when he returned to Cuba. Shortly afterward, he went back to Africa for further military operations.
Throughout his career, Rodríguez Peralta received numerous medals and titles reserved for the regime's most loyal figures, including "Combatant of the Clandestine Struggle," "First-Class Internationalist Combatant," and the "Eliseo Reyes Capitán San Luis."
According to MININT, Rodríguez Peralta's remains will be cremated as per the family's decision, and his funeral honors will be held on Monday at the Necrópolis de Colón. As is customary, the official note made no mention of any criticisms or self-reflection regarding his legacy.
His passing occurs amidst a trend of frequent deaths among senior MININT and Armed Forces officers, many of whom share similar paths: long careers, numerous decorations, and deep involvement in internal repression and control mechanisms.
In recent months, other notable figures have also passed away, including Brigadier General Marcos Antonio Hernández Alcaraz, former head of Penitentiary Establishments; Colonel Lázaro Delgado Chaple, deputy chief of the Directorate of Identification and Immigration, who died from complications related to the Oropouche virus; and General Romárico Vidal Sotomayor García, who was sanctioned by the United States for abuses during the July 11 protests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Military Officials
Who was Pedro Francisco Rodríguez Peralta?
Pedro Francisco Rodríguez Peralta was a prominent colonel in Cuba's Ministry of the Interior, known for his extensive career spanning over five decades, deeply involved in the country's military and repressive apparatus.
What roles did Rodríguez Peralta hold within MININT?
Rodríguez Peralta held several key positions, including Chief of the General Directorate of Public Order, Border Guard Troops, and Forest Rangers.
How did Rodríguez Peralta contribute during the Angola missions?
Rodríguez Peralta participated in various internationalist missions in Angola, where he was wounded and captured in 1969, remaining a prisoner of war until 1974.