Father of Colombian Footballer Luis Díaz Freed After 12 Days of Captivity: Support from UN, Armed Forces, and the Catholic Church

Luis Díaz’s Father Liberated After 12 Days of Captivity

Luis Manuel Díaz, the father of Colombian football player Luis Díaz, has been freed by the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) after being held captive for 12 consecutive days. The operation, supported by the United Nations, the Armed Forces, and the Catholic Church, successfully secured his release.

“We thank God for the liberation of Mr. Luis Diaz! With him are Monsignor Francisco Ceballos, Bishop of Riohacha, and Monsignor Héctor Henao, delegate for Church-State relations, who formed the humanitarian commission responsible for facilitating his release,” clarified the Episcopal Conference.

The release of Luis Diaz’s father has sparked a wave of positive comments on social media, with many internet users celebrating the good news. President Gustavo Petro also expressed his joy through a brief message on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Luis Diaz himself rushed to his father’s rescue just minutes before playing in the Europa League championship match in Toulouse. Liverpool’s coach, Jürgen Klopp, openly expressed his relief that this distressing situation had come to an end.

“Lucho is very happy, just like all of us. It’s a good feeling, a state of love. We asked him if he wanted to play today, and he said yes, so he will,” demonstrated the German trainer.

Among others, the English club posted on their Instagram account: “We are delighted with the news of Luis’s father’s health and safety. We thank everyone involved in ensuring his liberation.”

Why Did Luis Díaz’s Dad Become a Target?

The surveillance and subsequent kidnapping of Luis Díaz’s father were not spontaneous acts. Authorities believe that there was a planning period of at least five months. The captors fully identified their victim, studied his routine, and learned about his home life.

Cilenis Marulanda, the mother of the athlete, revealed to the authorities that the kidnappers intercepted their truck, drugged them, and took them away. However, it is important to note that they were forced to abandon the vehicle in the middle of the road to avoid detection, and then they escaped on motorcycles.

Otty Patiño, a member of the National Government delegation in discussions with the ELN, confirmed that the guerrilla group was responsible for the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz. “We are aware that the abduction was carried out by a rogue unit within the ELN,” he stated.