Escape of Dangerous Inmates Sparks Alarm in Ciego de Ávila

On August 24, two high-risk inmates managed to escape from the provincial prison in Ciego de Ávila, widely known as "Canaleta." These fugitives have histories of murder, extreme violence, and repeat offenses, prompting authorities to issue an official alert and seek public cooperation for their swift recapture.

A flyer circulating on social media displays photos and criminal backgrounds of the two escapees. This information, initially reported by the news portal La Tijera and then shared by various social media profiles, has heightened public concern and highlighted the systemic flaws within Cuba's prison infrastructure.

The escaped prisoners are identified as Ángel Luis Torres Santana, aged 54, serving a 28-year sentence, and Idalberto Pérez Olivera, known as "Basurita," aged 27, with a 16-year prison term.

Details on the Escaped Inmates

Ángel Luis Torres Santana
ID Card: 71020826722
Criminal Record: 37002469
Sentence: 28 years for Murder, Threat, Contempt, and Prison Escape
Date of Entry: December 5, 2005
Expected Release: February 14, 2037
Profile: Multiple repeat offender, no fixed address, linked to areas in Old Havana

With a history steeped in violence and escape, Torres Santana poses a direct threat to public safety.

Idalberto Pérez Olivera, alias “Basurita”
ID Card: 88101422189
Criminal Record: 26510004
Sentence: 16 years and 6 months for Murder, Robbery with Force, Assault, and Illegal Possession of Firearm
Date of Entry: January 27, 2017
Expected Release: July 19, 2035
Residence: Batey Grúa Nueva, Primero de Enero municipality

Known as “Basurita,” Pérez Olivera is also regarded as a significant threat due to his violent past.

First Sighting: Ángel Luis Torres Santana in Campechuela

Citizens have reported spotting Ángel Luis Torres Santana in Campechuela, Granma province, just hours after his escape. Witnesses claim he appeared in a local eatery, nervously requesting food and pretending to stutter.

The restaurant owner noted that the man was shirtless and unfamiliar to the area. Upon observing his suspicious behavior, the owner asked him to leave. Later, after reviewing security camera footage and comparing it with the photos shared on social media, the owner identified the man as the fugitive.

Despite promptly alerting the National Revolutionary Police (PNR), the response was negligent. Initially dismissing the alert, they only responded after persistent follow-up, stating they would "call the boss." To date, police have not visited the location to verify the footage.

Contact Information for Public Assistance

The public is advised not to confront the escapees. The following phone numbers have been set up for providing information regarding their whereabouts:

33-273111
33-273112
33-273113
33-273037

Rising Concerns Over Public Safety

This escape, involving inmates with violent criminal backgrounds, adds to the growing perception of insecurity in Ciego de Ávila and throughout Cuba. The nation is experiencing a notable decline in public order, with frequent reports of violence, robberies, and unpunished crimes.

This incident is not isolated but part of a deeper crisis within the Cuban penitentiary and judicial systems, which lack transparency, effective response protocols, and strict internal control. The police's lack of immediate action upon the sighting of one of the escapees reinforces the notion that institutions are not prioritizing public safety.

Beyond the local impact, this situation underscores a troubling reality: while the regime efficiently targets dissidents, it neglects real threats that directly endanger citizens. As of this report's closing, no additional official information has been provided on the case.