Liverpool footballer Luis Diaz has referred to as for the discharge of his father, urging kidnappers to “free him now”.
The star’s mother and father had been at a petroleum station within the town of Barrancas, close to Colombia’s border with Venezuela, on Saturday after they had been abducted by armed men on bikes.
The winger’s mom, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued inside hours by police after roadblocks had been arrange – however the search continues for his father Luis Manuel Diaz.
The footballer issued the enchantment through an Instagram Story submit on Tuesday night time – as his mom and different members of the family took half in a vigil calling for the discharge of their relative.
The 26-year-old posted a picture promoting the occasion, which mentioned: “March for the discharge of ‘Mane’ Diaz”.
The submit additionally featured particulars of the time and site of the vigil, and added: “Convey your candle to gentle the sunshine of hope – FREE HIM NOW!”
Police air and land patrols have been searching a forest in northern Colombia amid rising fears Diaz’s father might have been smuggled throughout the border into Venezuela.
The Liverpool star’s grandfather Alfonso Diaz additionally attended. Pic: AP
Colombian particular forces have additionally been concerned within the search of the area, which features a mountain vary that straddles each international locations.
Police have supplied a $48,000 (£39,000) reward for data which results in the rescue of Mr Diaz.
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Officers imagine they’ve recognized two suspects concerned, The Guardian reported.
Criminals in Colombia have lengthy kidnapped civilians for ransom with a view to finance their operations, however {cases} have elevated in recent times.
Diaz’s Instagram submit promoting the vigil
The escalation comes regardless of efforts by the federal government to dealer ceasefires with insurgent teams.
Diaz is broadly thought to be certainly one of Colombia’s most gifted gamers and joined Liverpool from Porto final 12 months in a deal mentioned to be price round £50m.
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Colombian police search forest for Diaz’s kidnapped father
Up to now, no teams have taken duty for the kidnapping.
1000’s of followers, soccer authorities and Liverpool supervisor Jurgen Klopp are amongst those that have despatched messages of help to the participant.