Abductors Of Luis Díaz’s Father Issue Fresh Update 

The kidnappers want security guarantees from the Colombian government in order to facilitate the release of Luis Diaz’s father.

Luis Diaz’s father was captured by the left-wing ELN guerrilla group in Colombia nine days ago. The group vowed to release the Liverpool player’s father and has persisted in seeking peace talks with the Colombian government, but they have not yet fulfilled their commitment.

READ ALSO: Luis Diaz Issues Emotional Plea To Kidnappers To Release His Father

In a statement issued under the signature of Commander Jose Manuel Martinez Quiroz, one of the group’s unit leaders, the guerrilla group requested the suspension of security operations in order to prevent any further delays, but they also pledged to honour their word about the victim’s release.

“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,” read the statement.

“The area is still militarized, 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.”

Following his late equaliser for the Reds in their 1-1 Premier League tie against Luton Town, Diaz made a passionate plea for his father’s release. After scoring his goal, the Liverpool forward also lifted his shirt to reveal the phrase “Libertad para papa” (Freedom for dad).