The kidnappers responsible for kidnapping Luis Diaz’s father have promised to “keep their word” and release him.
In its first formal statement since telling the world nearly four days ago that it had begun the process of gaining Luis Manuel Diaz’s release, the left-wing ELN said it understood his family’s agony.
It went on to accuse the government of exacerbating matters by flooding places like the Perija Mountains near Barrancas in Luis’ home province of La Guajira with special police and military in response to the kidnapping nine days ago.
The organisation insisted on security guarantees’ before releasing the 58-year-old.
The message appeared to validate rumours that the hostages are worried about their personal safety if they hand over Mr. Diaz.
The ELN issued their fresh vow after the Liverpool star broke his silence on his father’s kidnapping with an emotive social media statement pleading with the group to release him immediately.
Speaking on the kidnapping of his father, the 26-year-old said, “This is not Luis Diaz the player speaking. Today it is the son of Luis Manuel Diaz speaking.
“Mane, my dad, is a hard-working family man, the pillar of our family, and he’s been kidnapped.
“I ask the ELN for the prompt release of my father, and I ask international organizations to work together for his freedom.
“Every second, every minute, our anguish grows. My mother, my brothers, and I are desperate, distressed, and without words to describe what we are feeling. This suffering will only end when we have him back home.
“I beg you to release him immediately, respecting his integrity and ending this painful wait as soon as possible.
“In the name of love and compassion, we ask you to reconsider your actions and allow us to have him back.
“I thank Colombians and the international community for the support received, thank you for so many demonstrations of affection and solidarity in this difficult time that many families in my country find themselves experiencing.”
The ELN, which claims a regional unit known as the Northern War Front kidnapped Luis Manuel from his native town of Barrancas last Saturday afternoon, issued a statement signed by the outfit’s head, Commander Jose Manuel Martinez Quiroz.
It said, “On November 2, we informed the country of the decision to release Mr. Luis Manuel Díaz, father of the player Luis Díaz. From that date, we began the process to accomplish this as soon as possible. We are making efforts to avoid incidents with government forces.
“The area is still militarised; they are carrying out flyovers, disembarking troops, broadcasting, and offering rewards as part of an intense search operation.
“This situation is not allowing for the execution of the release plan quickly and safely, where Mr. Luis Manuel Díaz is not at risk. If operations continue in the area, they will delay the release and increase the risks.
“We understand the anguish of the Díaz Marulanda family, to whom we say that we will keep our word to release him unilaterally, as soon as we have security guarantees for the development of the liberation operation.’
