Freed hostage reunited with son after three years

NEWLY freed Colombian hostage Clara Rojas had an emotional reunion with her son Emmanuel, three years after he was taken from her while she was held captive by leftist rebels.

Ms Rojas gave birth to Emmanuel in 2004, but the guerrillas separated her from the child when he was eight months old.

A peasant delivered him to Colombian social services, which, unaware of his true identity, placed him in a foster home in the capital Bogota, where he has been for the past two years.

Ms Rojas returned to Bogota nearly six years after she was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC. Neighbours flocked to greet her at the house where Emmanuel awaited, some shouting: “Freedom!”

The meeting between mother and son lasted about two hours and took place in private. But Ms Rojas said earlier Emmanuel had made her a gift.

Held captive in the jungle since she was abducted in February 2002, Ms Rojas was visibly emotional as she arrived and was greeted by the defence minister and chief peace negotiator.

“I am extremely moved to be back in my land... I feel like I’ve been reborn, I am back to life,” said Ms Rojas. But she added: “This is not a total happiness because many [hostages] remain and we are waiting for them.”

Authorities discovered Emmanuel living in the foster home and guessed his identity based on what little was known about him, including that he had a fractured arm. DNA tests later confirmed their suspicions.

Ms Rojas has worn a photo of her son around her neck since she was freed and child psychologists showed the boy pictures of her.

Authorities have said they hope Ms Rojas may take permanent custody of the boy in the coming days.

Ms Rojas has not revealed much about his father.