Arrested in Honduras
Edwin describes his role in transporting weapons for the guerrilla to and from Honduras and his arrest.
Chapter 5: Guerrilla Experiences
Salvadorans who supported the guerrilla groups had a wide range of reasons for doing so, and varied experiences in the movement. Some were inspired by the victories of the Cuban and Nicaraguan revolutionary movements, and sought to establish a socialist or communist society. Others saw their activities–or simply their opinions–in favor of democracy and social justice labeled as “subversive” and subjected to repression by the government, and felt they had no alternative but to take up arms. Still others supported the movement in principle or because of family members’ involvement, but were not themselves involved. Members of the guerrilla organizations held a variety of roles, from commanders to combatants, cooks to radio operators. After the war, a United Nations Truth Commission found that the guerrilla organizations were responsible for approximately ten percent of human rights violations during the war, including executions of non-combatants, indiscriminate use of landmines, and the forcible recruitment of minors. In this chapter, members of the guerrilla organizations talk about their experiences and reasons for supporting the revolutionary movement.
Captured by the National Guard
Maximina recalls being ill in a guerrilla hospital when she was captured, then taken away in a helicopter, threatened, and transported to San Salvador to be interrogated.
Death of a Son
Trinidad tells how she was informed of son’s death in the guerrilla, and she describes a back injury that she suffered due to a mortar explosion.
Hand Accident
Rufino explains that he lost his hand during a training exercise with the guerrilla, but continued to serve as a combatant and bodyguard.
The “May Guinda”
Walter remembers being a guerrilla during the 1982 “May Guinda” and surviving alongside his comrades.
Recruitment of Minors
Marta remembers her recruitment by the guerrilla at age 14 and describes her work as a medical worker within the organization.
Sent to Honduras
Edwin describes being sent by his superiors to do logistical work for the guerrilla in Honduras.
Supporting the Civilian Population
Cástulo describes the kind of organized labor the guerrilla carried out during guindas in order to support the civilian population.
Work of a Healthcare Worker
Margarita describes her work as a nurse in the Rama Caida camp.
Commander Jesus Rojas
Maximina remembers guerrilla commander Jesús Rojas and the help he provided to Arcatao.
Decision to Desert
Marta describes the difficulty of life as a guerrilla and her process of leaving the organization.
Surviving Military Operations
Santiago describes his experience of multiple military operations, the “May Guinda,” and the disappearance of children.