Colombian anti-kidnapping police have released details of two recordings intercepted from alleged members of the FARC that suggest the subversive organization is responsible for the kidnapping of 10-year-old Nohora Valentina Muñoz.
In one of the tapes alias “Ricardo,” an alleged member of the FARC’s 54th Front, speaks with another person, whom police are investigating for collaborating in the kidnapping and transfer of Nohora to the site where she was held captive.
In the conversation, Ricardo reveals his concern over a backlash against the FARC and the ELN and appears to be distressed by the security operations being performed in the area with the goal of rescuing the child.
In the tapes, one of the speakers refers to the girl as “the load” and asks if the kidnapping was authorized by the 54th Front of the FARC.
In the second audio recording, alias “David,” of the 10th Front of the FARC, and alias “German” of the 54th Front comment on the imminent investigation and punishment of those responsible for the kidnapping.
The 10 year-old-girl, whose father Jorge Enrique Muñoz is the mayor of the municipality of Fortul, was kidnapped two weeks ago on her way to school. She was released last Monday in Arauca.
The girl reportedly was released to Red Cross delegates in the municipality of Arauquita, only yards away from the Venezuelan border and some 30 miles from her home.
While Colombian authorities blamed leftist guerrillas for the kidnapping, both the FARC and ELN denied involvement and condenmed the kidnapping of the girl. Both groups have used kidnapping for decades as political leverage and for extortion.
The Red Cross has not made statements regarding the identity of the kidnappers.