UPDATE July 19, 2008

The Basilan Healing House continues to treat victims of Terrorism in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. The volunteers and Dr. Eleanor Lisa Beyea Pomeroy, CEO, have delivered school supplies, toys, juice and cookies to three villages on the ARMM (Autonomous Region Of Muslim Mindanao).

The most recent delivery of gifts from the Healing House included school supplies for 6oo elementary children in BRGY Balobo. In addition, toys, juice and cookies were given. The adults received soft drinks. This area was affected by terrorism caused by the Abu Sayyaf, the local group of terrorists connected to Al Queda.

Eleven of the local Christian men were kidnapped with some of their wives and children. The men were beheade3d and several women were raped after the group of 40 (reported number) stormed homes for victims and burned down the school. The women and children were released, shocked and traumatized in a neighboring BRGY. This occurred in the early 2000's but the villages, and especially the victims, are still suffering. Several of the wives whose husbands were beheaded and one mother of two sons and one son-in-law who were killed have bravely testified in court against some of the Islamic terrorists. (In spite of reported death threats)
The Healing House has provided on-going group therapy to the family members including children, parents and wives. The group has been extremely emotional and the gratitude is amazing. They collectively feel that their story has never been told and that understanding and help has been very limited. The BRGY is anxious that there will be a repetition and the horror of the mutilation of the men's bodies cause nightmares and PTSD symptoms for many. We are trying to help and held a meeting of nearly 900. I spoke about the trauma of terrorism and how to help recovery. One of my body guards (Marines) spoke to the audience about how to be safe if such an attack occurs again. There were about 300 adults present and they seemed to respond favorably. The group of kidnap victims and relatives continues each day.

Thank you for your support of the HEALING HOUSE project.