BOGOTA, March 31 (UPI) -- Leftist Colombian rebels have released an army corporal captured by insurgents more than 12 years ago when they overran his base, officials said.
The release Tuesday of Pablo Emilio Moncayo, 31, followed the weekend release of Pvt. Josue Daniel Calvo, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. Moncayo was one of Colombia's longest-held hostages.
The release of both men raised hopes for a hostage-prisoner swap between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and the government of President Alvaro Uribe, who will leave office in August, the Times said. Talks about a swap have been stalled by the rebels' demand that they take control of two townships and Uribe's requirement that released insurgents swear not to return to FARC.
FARC leaders released Moncayo to a group that included officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross and leftist Colombian Sen. Piedad Cordoba, officials said.
Officials said at least 22 police officers, soldiers and politicians were believed to be held by the insurgents, as well as hundreds of people held for ransom.
The government reportedly holds at least 200 suspected rebels, the Times said.
