Colombia’s ELN guerrilla group has brought an end to a 12-day ordeal by releasing Luis Manuel Diaz, the father of Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz, through a handover to a humanitarian mission. The release took place in the northeastern city of Valledupar, situated 90 kilometers from the town of Barrancas, where Diaz had been kidnapped on October 28. Negotiating the handover, the Bishops Conference of Colombia provided a photograph of Diaz in a wooded area, along with a woman who was monitoring his vital signs. President Gustavo Petro expressed his relief and support for the release, emphasizing “Long live Freedom and Peace” on social media, formerly known as Twitter. The release was broadcast live on television, marking a moment of celebration.
Luis Diaz, a 26-year-old winger for Liverpool, had both his parents, including his mother Cilenis Marulanda, abducted by armed men on motorcycles at a gas station in their hometown. Fortunately, Marulanda was rescued within hours of the abduction, but a massive search operation, involving over 250 soldiers, was launched to locate her husband. Under the conditions set by the ELN for Diaz’s safe release, the Army withdrew its troops on Monday. The ELN, which has been engaged in peace negotiations with President Petro’s government, characterized the kidnapping by one of its units as a “mistake.”
In a heartfelt plea on social media, Diaz had urged the ELN to release his father promptly and had requested international organizations to intervene on his behalf for his father’s freedom. Every passing second and minute deepened the family’s anguish, he stated. Liverpool Football Club expressed their joy at the news of Luis Diaz’s father’s safe return, expressing gratitude to all those who played a role in securing his release. The community celebrated the positive outcome, offering hope and solace to the Diaz family during this difficult period.
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