SULADS STORIES

KATALAWAN REPORT

By Jonar Nubong

March 17, 2000

After the murder of the datu and the NPA leaders, the villagers stayed in confusion for a short time until the army left, then fled to a higher mountain.  Jonar, the SULAD,  returned after the murder but they did not want to trust him.  He finally won their confidence.  He asked about the murder.  They maintain that Joscoro killed the datu, it was not a chance encounter nor did the NPA shoot the datu. 

Jonar chose to visit the people in their mountain hideaway.  It was very steep climbing.  One had to hold onto vines to pull oneself up.  He passed a high waterfall and a landslide along the way.  Many thorns were growing along the way.  One could easily get lost along the way.  Jonar walked three hours from Taucocon, all very steep up.  The forest was very thick and very cold.  The people had a house up on top.  It was well camouflaged with wood and growth.  This house cannot be seen from below. 

Jonar  talked to the villagers about what happened.  They were very confused.  He asked them to sing but they hesitated.  They said they could not sing in the forest.  Jonar asked to have worship with the villagers.  The datu consented.  They sang and worshiped together.  The SULAD told story of David and Psalms 23 and 91.  The people were well impressed. 

Jonar spent one night up on the mountain and then returned to Taucocon where there were some villagers. 

Villagers came back to Katalawan after about three weeks.  They are now back in their village.  They are worried about the future.  The NPA is after them because of the death of their officers.  The NPA believe the death of the officers was arranged.  They thought Joscoro was their friend.  The villagers feel comfortable with the military presence.  They will stay in the village only if the military will stay in the village and protect them from the NPA.  If the military will not come, they will move to a very remote area where our SULADS cannot go.  The villagers do want the SULADS to stay so that they can continue with their learning of words and of Jesus.  The slain datu had been one of the leaders in gathering the villagers for worship.  Now the chief datu says it is well for the children to worship but the warriors must stay on guard.  Some of the fathers and mothers are coming close to listen to the worship.  The worship becomes a school.  They might spend 2-3 hours in worship. 

Jonar believes that if they can arrange for the military to come stay in the village, they will stay.  While this might be well, it might be dangerous as the NPA will be looking for the SULADS.  If the army does not come, the SULADS might be safe but the villagers might be in danger of the NPA.  At the moment, the NPA supports the work of the SULADS but if the military comes, that could easily change. 

The Jonar has suggested that he will go with them to the forest if they move out.  The datu has decided to talk with Daryl before making that decision.  He fears for the safety of the SULADS. 

Pray for wisdom to decide to stay in the village, to leave the village, or to go with the villagers to the forest.