At least 2,800 people are currently being held hostage in Colombia, the País
Libre (Free Country) Foundation, an organization defending the well
being of hostages in the country, said Monday in a communique.
The foundation, founded by vice-President Santos and citing government figures, says the largest number of hostages are held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). They are thought to hold roughly 700 people hostage.
The smaller leftist guerrilla group ELN, right wing paramilitary groups and criminals are responsible for the remaining 2,100 hostages, the foundation says.
País Libre and numerous other Colombian organizations urge all Colombians to respond to former hostage Ingrid betancourt’s call to march coming Friday, demanding the liberation of those held captive by any of the illegal armed groups and to show their support for the hostages during Christmas.