ASUNCION – The Paraguayan People’s Army (EPP) has set free Brazilian hostage Arlan Fick, 17, who was kidnapped last April, the Public Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.

State Public Prosecutor Javier Diaz expressed his satisfaction on Thursday with the new development regarding Arlan, who is already with his family, according to local press reports.

“It is big news. Without doubt it is an important step towards reconciliation in Paraguay. I spoke with Mr. Fick and he expressed his happiness and that of his family. It is a moment for which we have anxiously awaited and it occurred on a very special day for everyone,” said Veron in a statement, referring to the Christmas Day release.

The leftist guerrilla group still holds Paraguayan policeman Edelio Morinigo, who has been held hostage since July.

The Paraguayan government has accused the EPP of 38 killings, including civilians, military and police, since it came into being in 2008.

The teenager was abducted from his house in the countryside in Paso Tuya, in Concepcion department, which is inhabited by about 75 families, mostly farmers who immigrated from Brazil.

During the abduction, there was a clash between the security forces and the EPP, in which one soldier and two EPP members were killed, while the rest of the guerrilla group escaped with the teenager.

Enter your email address to subscribe to free headlines (and great cartoons so every email has a happy ending!) from the Latin American Herald Tribune: