Colombia intensifies hunt for kidnappers as Liverpool star's father remains missing

Diaz's mother, Cilenis Marulanda, was rescued hours after the kidnapping in Barrancas, but his father, Luis Manuel Diaz, remains missing. A government official said the crime was "committed by a unit of the ELN," and called for the ELN to immediately release the missing man (Diaz's father). The ELN and the Colombian government are in peace talks, and a six-month ceasefire came into effect in August.

Diaz still waiting for information about his father

Diaz's parents were kidnapped on October 29 by armed men on motorbikes at a gas station in a town in the La Guajira region.

Marulanda was rescued hours later and a massive search was launched to find her husband. The Colombian government said no ransom had been demanded. Colombian police have offered a reward of about $48,000 for information leading to the capture of Diaz and his kidnappers.

The ELN, or National Liberation Army, has not claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. A statement from the Colombian government said: "We demand the immediate release of Luis Manuel Diaz by the ELN" and that the ELN has "a responsibility to ensure the life and integrity of Mr. Luis Manuel Diaz".

Colombian Police reward flyer for information about Diaz's father

Colombian Justice Minister Francisco Barbosa said Diaz’s father may be detained in Venezuela but gave no further details. Luis Manuel Diaz is an amateur coach at the only soccer academy in Barrancas, a town near the Venezuelan border, where his son showed talent from a young age.

According to AFP, Diaz has so far remained open about the kidnapping. The Colombian star has played 43 times for the national team and joined Liverpool last year from Porto (Portugal). He has played 11 games for Liverpool this season and scored 3 goals.

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