The Army Came to my House

Testimony by Robertina Nastacuas

Photos and accompanying  text - Daisuke Shibata

We came here on Janaury 24th. It was Friday. I remember the day and the week.

Nov. 2013 - Don Gregorio and doña Robertina.

The army came to my house, they camped near my house. Afterwards the guerrilla attacked the army and the army responded. It became very dangerous and we didn't want to stay there, so my husband and I came here to stay with our son. 

Nov. 2013 - Couple with their son's family where they were staying.

I told the soldiers not to touch our belongings. For now we are staying here. Don Gregorio sometimes goes back to the house to take care of our chickens, pigs and cattle.

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Husband and wife don Gregorio and doña Robertina live in the Arrayán area of Magüi reservation. On December 2, 2012, at 1am, an army plane bombarded guerrilla fighters who were camped a 10 minute walk away form their home. The bombing was intense and lasted three hours. The commander and more than 20 guerrillas were killed.

Feb. 2013 - Arrayán, area that was bombed in 2012

Don Gregorio and doña Robertina were at their daughter's home in the neighboring area. They heard the explosions and waited until dawn to go to their house, but they thought it was still dangerous to stay there so they returned to their daughter's.

Feb. 2013 - Doña Robertina with daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
This is near their son's home, where they have taken refuge.

After the bombardment the national army took over their house. A month later the couple returned with a mandate from the community government council (they hold posts in it), to talk with the army and investigate the situation.

Nov. 2013 - Corn for planting being smoked to protect it from insects.

The army finally left the house, but most of the animals had died during the fighting. Blankets and clothes missing, and seeds that were stored for later planting had burned. Doña Robertina and don Gregorio denounced this to the army but have gotten no response.

Nov. 2013 - They have bought new animals.