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The head of Colombia's Revolutionary Alternative Force for the Commons (FARC), Rodrigo Londoño, is "stable" after suffering a heart attack and being taken to hospital with chest pains just a day after vowing to continue his presidential campaign.
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Londoño, 59 and also known as 'Timochenko,' developed the pains after his daily exercise on Wednesday, the FARC confirmed in a statement. After being taken to San Rafael de Fusagasuga hospital, Londoño underwent several tests.
By Thursday evening, doctors were describing his condition as stable: "The diagnosis for the patient was heart attack; his condition is stable and he is fully conscious," said Andrey Rojas, head of the medical center where Londoño was initially treated.
"After performing his daily exercises, he suffered a chest pain, which is why he was taken to the hospital for a medical check-up," the FARC said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
Colombians swiftly posted messages of support for Londoño on social media, using the hashtag #FuerzaTimo ('StrengthTimo'), such as "We're with you" and "The new Colombia needs you."
Londoño had said Wednesday that he would not be quitting the presidential race to support leftist candidate Gustavo Petro, despite rumors to the contrary.
Petro is currently leading opinion polls ahead of the May 22 elections, while Londoño is trailing in last place, Reuters reports.
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