On Sunday, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz extended his congratulations to the agents of the Ministry of the Interior's Personal Security Directorate via a post on X. He referred to them as "a loyal family," echoing the sentiment historically expressed by Raúl Castro towards his protectors.
The message, tagged with #100YearsWithFidel and #RaúlIsRaúl, aligned with the 65th anniversary of the institution's founding on September 6, 1961.
"Our recognition, admiration, and gratitude go to the Personal Security combatants, whom the Army General has called a loyal family. The Revolutionary leadership has always relied on their steadfastness and unwavering support," Marrero wrote.
The Prime Minister's language mirrors a historic address by Fidel Castro, which was shared by Cuba's official Presidential account over the weekend. In that speech, Fidel emotionally described his Personal Security agents: "What is the escort? It's family, it's a brother, an uncle, a father, a son, it's everything. And although they've kept me under watch for more than half of my life, I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart."
Marrero’s words closely follow this Fidelist model, portraying the bodyguards as a familial and unwavering extension of the regime's leadership.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla also joined in the commendations, taking the opportunity to honor the bodyguards who perished "during the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife" by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, in Caracas.
The Role of Personal Security in Cuban Regime
The Personal Security Directorate operates under a veil of intentional anonymity: the identities, faces, and backgrounds of its agents remain undisclosed to the public. This secrecy is a deliberate part of its institutional framework.
The anniversary ceremony for the Personal Security Directorate was led by Raúl Castro and Miguel Díaz-Canel. Army General Castro received an accolade from the Directorate's head, Brigadier General Emir Mesa Corona.
Raúl was constantly accompanied by his grandson and personal bodyguard, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo." His case is unique, as he maintains a high profile both nationally and internationally.
"El Cangrejo" is tasked with safeguarding his grandfather. Unlike his colleagues, whose identities remain hidden, Raúl Guillermo has an exceptional public profile: frequent appearances at official events, media statements, and extensive international coverage.
During the ceremony, "El Cangrejo" was visibly moved and even shed a few tears while listening to a décima by repentista Marcos David Fernández Brunet dedicated to Raúl Castro—a moment that went viral on social media.
Sandro Castro's Public Support
Sandro Castro, Fidel Castro's grandson, seized the moment. In his Instagram stories, he congratulated his cousin with a blend of familial affection and casual slang: "And congrats to papi cangri on Personal Security Day."
In the same posts, Sandro mocked those who believed the rumors about Raúl Castro's health after his public appearance with Díaz-Canel at the anniversary event.
"Did you see how my general looked? I told you, he walks a kilometer every day; the general is in great shape," Sandro remarked.
Understanding Cuba's Personal Security Landscape
What is the role of the Personal Security Directorate in Cuba?
The Personal Security Directorate in Cuba plays a crucial role in protecting key figures of the regime. It operates with a high level of secrecy, keeping the identities and details of its agents confidential.
Why is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro known as "El Cangrejo"?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," is prominent due to his role as the personal bodyguard of his grandfather, Raúl Castro. Unlike most agents, he has a significant public presence.