Luis Diaz‘s father has now been RELEASED after a humanitarian team helped facilitate his safe return, following his kidnapping by a guerrilla group.
Diaz’s father, Luis Manuel Diaz, was kidnapped along with his wife, Cilenis Marulanda, on the evening of October 28 in the town of Barrancas, La Guajira.
Diaz’s mother was found shortly after the kidnapping, but his father had remained captive.
It was later announced by Colombian authorities that Diaz’s father and mother had been kidnapped by representatives of ELN, a guerrilla group recognised as terrorists.
Reports then emerged suggesting the kidnapping had been planned for five months, with the captors having studied their routine and used detailed information at a time around the local elections, when police would be focused elsewhere.
On Thursday, a helicopter with representatives from the United Nations and the Catholic Church made the trip for his rescue, after ELN asked for military operations to leave the area.
Widespread reports in Colombia, including Semana, have now confirmed Diaz Sr’s release.
Diaz missed two matches for Liverpool during a period of unimaginable stress for himself and his family, but returned with a goal at Luton that led to the unveiling of a message that read “LIBERTAD PARA PAPA” in Spanish, translating to “FREEDOM FOR DAD” in English.
He then pleaded for the “prompt release” of his father on social media, and nearly two weeks after the kidnapping, his father has now been safely rescued.
Words are not enough for the huge relief that comes with now knowing Diaz Sr. has been safely released and soon to be reunited with his family.
Bendito sea Dios! Qué Alegría que Luis Manuel Díaz, padre de Luis Díaz, está libre y regresa con su familia. Qué dolor tan grande y qué felicidad a la vez. Termina la pesadilla, termina el suplicio. Vuelven a estar juntos.
Lucho lo lograste!!! Tendrás a tu papá de nuevo. El…
— Vicky Dávila (@VickyDavilaH) November 9, 2023
It remains to be seen whether Diaz will return to Colombia before the upcoming international break, though he is expected to be called up to the national team.
Colombia will host Brazil in a World Cup qualifier on November 17, in the city of Barranquilla.
