Colombia's FARC saga continued this week – but now the rebel force might be taking aim at the Panamanian government.

Front 57 of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which operates in the frontier province of Choco, gave the Panamanian government until March 1 to release six rebel fighters arrested by the local police last weekend. However, Panama's justice minister questioned the authenticity of the communiqué that bears the FARC's letterhead and the signature of Comandante Bercerro.

The letter, distributed Wednesday to Panamanian media, threatens the government “to release the kidnapped comrades in perfect health.”

The message continues, “If this is not done, we have instructions to take the necessary hostages, (including) members of the National Police, local officials or politicians to force an exchange.” It noted that the FARC chief is authorized to use force if necessary.

Justice Minister Daniel Delgado yesterday said the alleged communiqué “is of doubtful origin,” adding that his office is investigating the matter.

The supposed FARC statement came just as rebels in southern Colombia were freeing four lawmakers abducted more than six years ago, according to the Bogota office of the Red Cross.

Bárbara Hintermann, Gloria Polanco de Lozada, Orlando Beltrán, Luis Eladio and Jorge Eduardo Gechem were turned over to Venezuelan Interior Minister Ramón Rodríguez, Colombian Sen. Piedad Cordoba and Red Cross personnel.

-EFE