Marcos Baquero, the first of five FARC hostages to be released this week, sees his family for the first time in 19 months in the town of Villavicencio, reports Caracol Radio.
The helicopter carrying Marcos Baquero, a former councilman from San Jose del Guaviare, touched down at 4:59PM.
Upon departing the helicopter, Baquero was immediately greeted by his wife and two children amid emotional scenes. He has not seen his family since being kidnapped on 28 June, 2009. Baquero appeared healthy and well.
Baquero’s family members had been waiting for his arrival at the airport since 11:15AM Wednesday.
The release operation began at 8:40AM Wednesday morning when mediator Piedad Cordoba, members of her group Colombians for Peace and the Red Cross set off from Villavicieno to an unknown release site that was reached at 10:00AM.
In an interview given via telephone earlier on Wednesday, Baquero stated his love for his family and the need for a continuation of efforts to release those who remain kidnapped by the FARC.
The operation to release five hostages continues on Friday when two further people are due to be released, with two more to regain their freedom on Sunday.
