Authorities in Cartago are intensifying the search for María Camila Salazar and Paola Giraldo Castaño, who vanished on the night of February 3 while heading to a clinic on a motorcycle. Hours later, their vehicle was found abandoned and covered near a ditch, with no sign of the women. Police have activated the Urgent Search Mechanism amid rising concern in the region.
In Cartago, northern Valle del Cauca, the disappearance of two young women has sparked alarm among authorities and families. María Camila Salazar and Paola Giraldo Castaño were last seen on the night of February 3, leaving on a motorcycle to deliver medicine to a sick relative at a local clinic. Luisa María Cardona, María Camila's sister, said the last contact occurred during the trip, after which their cell phones went silent.
María Camila was wearing a green polo shirt and white pants, while Paola had on black jeans, a wine-colored blouse, and matching cap. Hours after reporting the disappearance, family members found the motorcycle abandoned roadside, near a pasture and ditch, just meters from the clinic. The vehicle was covered with black plastics and old tires, showing no signs of an accident.
Family, rescue organizations, and police units arrived at the scene, conducting thorough searches but finding no further clues. Authorities plan to resume efforts in the ditch area. Valle del Cauca Police confirmed activation of the Urgent Search Mechanism, against a backdrop of concern over prior youth disappearances in the region.
Both women work at well-known restaurant chains. Their families have publicly urged anyone with information on their whereabouts to come forward immediately.
