Gabriela Lives On for Freedom

By Santy Asanuma

In 1996 I saw the South Pacific “down under” as it commonly referred to for the first time. Being identified as a community activist by raising social consciousness in my “Whatanow” Column, I was privileged to be invited to attend a CEPAC CCJD conference in Melbourne, Australia to address regional issues on social injustice. As a conference for Catholic bishops of the Pacific and Asia, the main attendants were bishops. This was holier experience than I will ever come close to in this lifetime. While dinning with the bishops one night, we were served fried ice cream an unlikely combination and a first experience for most of us.

The keynote speaker was a survivor of the Santa Cruz Massacre or Dili Massacre of East Timorese by Indonesian troops in 1991. The Timorese were basically defenseless up in the hills with no food and medical supplies to take care of the numerous casualties from the deadly artillery bombing of the Indonesian Army. After eight months taking cover in the hills, she was left virtually with only her under garments because she had used her clothing to bandage the wounded. When the massacre was over, at least 250 Timorese were dead. Listening to her that day I could not help tears pour out of my eyes and I believe nobody in that room had dried eyes after her talk. I had never felt unrestrained detestation against such monstrosity in my entire life.

Many young Palauans today would not believe that 911 happened in Palau referred to as “Black September” in 1987 fourteen years before the bombing of Twin Towers. Today the story of Gabriela must be retold to younger generations by those of us who knew her stubborn stance for peace and independence for the Palauan people. In her mind, peace and independence were inseparable. There were no artillery bombing like those in East Timor but a bomb against this tiny physical frame matriarchal leader blasted near miss her residence in the total darkness of a block out which suspiciously happened before the bombing. While multitude did not die, a gunshot at about the same time that night killed an elderly man. Though there were no troops, mobs shot multiple rounds into the dark night. But Gabriela did not weaken nor stepped back from the intimidation and hostility directed at her, her women’s group Otil a Beluad, and her family.

Today no Palauan can say with an honest face that there was no fear and disorder in that moment of our history. As it was painful then, it is still as painful now to speak of this Palauan history because of the monstrosity was/is still unthinkable. Most Palauans would rather not talk about it. People are uncomfortable to speak of it today in fear of not being sure who would take offense from this piece of history.

So for the young generations X and Y do not think that peace and independence came to you without the price as it did for East Timor. As long as I live, I will make sure the story of a tiny frame woman with a soft voice and demeanor who persisted and fought the true fight for our independence and peace for all is retold regardless how painful it is. October 2009 marks her second anniversary. Long live Gabriela.