Liverpool footballer Luis Díaz, who hails from Colombia, has made an emotional plea for the release of his father, who was kidnapped by left-wing guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN) in their hometown of Barrancas. Although his mother has since been found, his father remains missing. Díaz, 26, scored a goal against Luton on Sunday, using the moment to lift his shirt and reveal the words in Spanish “freedom for papa.” In a statement following the game, he expressed desperation and urged the kidnappers to reconsider their actions and release his father immediately.
Expressing the growing anxiety and pain his family feels, Díaz acknowledged the immense support they have received from Colombians and the international community during this difficult time. The Colombian government has deployed hundreds of police and soldiers to work towards freeing Díaz’s father. CCTV footage recorded the moment of the kidnapping, showing armed men on motorbikes following Díaz’s parents’ car. The couple was targeted at a petrol station in Barrancas, where they were ambushed by gunmen. While Díaz’s mother was later abandoned as police closed in, his father was dragged away by the kidnappers.
Initially, authorities believed the kidnapping was carried out by a criminal gang. However, a government delegation involved in peace talks with the ELN later confirmed that a unit affiliated with the rebel group was responsible for the abduction. The ELN, Colombia’s main remaining active guerrilla group, has been engaged in conflict with the state since 1964 and is estimated to have around 2,500 members. Its stronghold lies in the border region near Venezuela, where Luis Manuel Díaz and his wife reside.
The Colombian government has offered a reward for information regarding Luis Manuel Díaz’s whereabouts. Negotiations between the government and the ELN are ongoing, with hopes that the group will release Díaz’s father in the coming days. In the meantime, Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson expressed solidarity with Díaz, stating that the team stands together with him and shares in his pain.
The kidnapping of Díaz’s father highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals and families in regions affected by armed conflict. While Díaz’s position as a professional footballer brings attention to his family’s plight, it is a daily reality for many Colombians living in areas where guerrilla groups operate. The emotional plea made by Díaz serves as a reminder of the human toll of such conflicts and the anguish endured by those awaiting the safe return of their loved ones.
The impact of Díaz’s ordeal stretches beyond his personal life and into the broader context of Colombia’s efforts to achieve peace and stability. While the country has made significant progress in recent years in reducing violence and improving security, incidents like this remind us that there are still challenges to overcome. The involvement of the ELN, a guerrilla group operating outside the boundaries of the law, underscores the complexities involved in attaining a lasting peace.
As the search for Díaz’s father continues, it is essential to recognize the efforts of law enforcement and authorities in tackling criminal organizations and bringing an end to the suffering endured by families in similar situations. The deployment of additional police and military personnel demonstrates the determination of the Colombian government to ensure the safe return of Luis Manuel Díaz.
