Addressing human rights in the wake of human tragedy
Élida provides an account of the long walks she and others had to take from Arcatao to Chalatenango in order to obtain food supplies, and tells about the first religious procession community members participated in after resettling Arcatao.
Gregorio explains that he never chose to take refuge in a camp.
Cástulo describes the kind of organized labor the guerrilla carried out during guindas in order to support the civilian population.
Santiago describes his experience of multiple military operations, the “May Guinda,” and the disappearance of children.
Faustina narrates her experience during the 1986 invasion, during which people were intimidated, tortured, and killed by the military.
Evangelina describes the 1986 “Desembarco” invasion and massacre in Arcatao, and explains how the intervention of foreign journalists prevented killings of greater magnitude.
Jorge describes his capture during the “El Carreño” operation in 1986.
Celestino tells the history of military repression and the early phase of armed resistance in Chalatenango leading up to the “Final Offensive” of 1981.
Isabel recalls being on the run and crossing the Sumpul River during the 1982 “May Guinda,” during which the military killed hundreds of civilians.
Virginia remembers the “May Guinda” and how she and her children managed to survive.
Edith remembers experiencing the “May Guinda” as a young girl, including the difficulty of finding food and seeing wounded people all around her.
Virginia remembers the 1986 “Desembarco” invasion in Arcatao, in which seven men were killed by the military, and explains how events were changed by the reports of foreign journalists who were arrested during the operation.