But, the men told us today that the entire ordeal could have been avoided at the initial stage. They say that the Guatemalan soldiers tried to extort them for 25,000 quetzales, and if they paid, they would be released, no questions asked. Here's how that encounter went:
Mitchell Santiago Romero - Was Detained by GAF
"When I made contact with my brother, he had mentioned to me that the military was requesting 25,000 Queszales and they would have immediately released us and they would have taken us to the border in Santa Cruz. But apparently since the military found out that the OAS and the consulate had already been informed about this particular situation, they then informed them that they would not take this money anymore and just let the process continue from there."
Daniel Ortiz
"But 25,000 Quetzales, it sounds like almost extortion. That you are being extorted."
Mitchell Santiago Romero - Was Detained by GAF
"We did not know it was happening. It was our parents that was asked for this amount of money and I mean having the support of the Mayor Ms. Fern and other people, we decided not to concede to this charge. More than likely it was a bribe and this is something that I don't think the military should be doing."
Ray Martinez - Was Detained by GAF
"I am glad we didn't fall for it, because as you said, it was simply a bribe. It would have been something totally under the table for them. I don't think that the other military superiors were aware of it. We were detained I would say in ransom at a point."
This evening, the men released a statement saying, quote, "We are in great appreciation of the efforts made by Ambassador Mr. Said Guerra who went completely out of his means to facilitate our release." End Quote.
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