Joining the Rural Workers Union
Pedro remembers when he joined the UTC (Rural Workers’ Union), which would have secret meetings so as to avoid repression.
Repression
Las Aradas Massacre
Cástulo describes a massacre at Las Aradas on the Sumpul River in 1980 and shares some general reflections on the destructiveness of war.
Leaving Home
Hermelinda remembers being pregnant the first time people in Arcatao left their homes, around 1980, when generalized repression began against the civilian population and everyone had to leave town.
Military Retaliation
Ramón describes how the capture of a member of the National Guard by the guerrilla unleashed more violence at the hands of the military; an example of this was the massacre of six women at El Rincón.
Organization and Repression
Élida describes the beginnings of social organization and protest, and relates an episode of violence that took place in her hamlet.
Organizing & Repression
Víctor remembers a few iconic moments of his political involvement prior to the armed conflict: the 1975 student massacre, his participation in the UTC, and his experience of detainment and torture by the National Guard in 1976.
Origins of Repression
Esperanza describes the repression that led many in Arcatao to leave their homes.
Our Only Crime
Edwin explains how state respression of movements for change led to the decision to take up armed struggle.
Persecution by the National Guard
Edwin relates how his family was persecuted by the National Guard, which led him and his younger brother to leave their school and home.
Repression
Isabel remembers the first days of repression in Arcatao during which the military killed his mother.
Repression
Isidora describes the repression that led her and her family to leave their home.
Repression and Organizing
Rosa explains her role in political organizing, she recounts the 1980 El Rincón massacre and the killings of her parents, and describes the role of clandestine militias.