The family of Alexander Pantoja Bertot, an employee of the Santiago de Cuba Electric Company who vanished last Thursday between the municipalities of Palma Soriano and Contramaestre, fears that an unknown individual may be responsible for his disappearance. They suspect he might have been moved beyond the area where search efforts are concentrated.
Yaima Bertot, Alexander's sister, shared these concerns with Cuban activist Magdiel Jorge Castro. She explained that her brother had left with colleagues to work in a rural area of Santiago de Cuba on that day.
According to Yaima, the usual routine involved being dropped off by his coworkers to complete his tasks, with the option to be picked up later. She emphasized that this was a common practice for her brother.
"He often worked like this. They would drop him off, he’d do his job, and either make his own way back or get picked up by his coworkers. There was nothing unusual about that day," she stated.
Yaima noted that Alexander was familiar with the region, having worked for the Electric Company for years, initially in Contramaestre and later in Santiago de Cuba.
She also confirmed that Alexander was alone and his only valuable possession was his mobile phone.
A significant concern for the family is that the dogs involved in the search operation appear to lose his scent trail.
"The dogs lose the scent and can’t find him. We think maybe he finished his work or perhaps not, but someone might have taken him elsewhere," his sister suggested.
On Sunday, Yaima again expressed her distress on Facebook as days passed without any information about her brother's whereabouts.
"If anyone had an issue, a disagreement, or anything with him that day when he arrived at work, they should speak up so this problem can be resolved," she urged.
Yaima questioned how Alexander could have disappeared despite knowing the work area well.
"If my brother went to work and knew the area, why hasn't he been found? Who has him, where, and for what reason?" she wrote.
She made a direct plea for his release: "It's been long enough to let him go or place him somewhere he can be found."
"I want to stay positive to encourage my mother and family, but the reality might be different. I beg whoever has my brother to leave him somewhere visible, not another day without knowing about him," she added.
His wife, children, mother, and other relatives continue to await news, as Yaima emphasizes that anyone with information should come forward immediately.
Alexander disappeared while performing his duties, inspecting the electrical line supplying the Gota Blanca reservoir, situated between Palma Soriano and Contramaestre.
The search was intensified over the weekend with numerous electric company employees, canine units, police officers, rescuers, and local farmers joining the effort.
On Sunday, the search expanded to include drones for aerial reconnaissance, while the ground search persisted, with the family holding onto hope for his discovery.
Key Questions Regarding the Disappearance of Alexander Pantoja Bertot
What are the family's suspicions about Alexander Pantoja Bertot's disappearance?
The family suspects that a third party might be involved and that he could have been moved away from the search area.
What challenges are search teams facing in finding Alexander?
Search teams are facing difficulties as the dogs used in the operation lose his scent trail, complicating the efforts to locate him.
How has the search operation been expanded?
The search operation has been expanded to include drones for aerial searches, in addition to ground efforts by electric company employees, canine units, police officers, rescuers, and local farmers.