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.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Traumatized Children
Additional Note
(See pictures of "Little Cebu" Traumatized Children)
This last week on Basilan Island what I am terming, "The Children of Terrorism". In a Christian community called "Little Cebu" the Abu Sayyaf (ASG connected with A.K.) terrorized the homes/people on their way up the mountain after bombing a local college in a town of Basilan.
For a time period of more than thirty minutes these Islamic Terrorists (after setting off the bomb) strafed the homes and small church of "Little Cebu". The families laid on the floor crying and praying as machine gun fire and grenades were lobbied at these innocent men, women and children. Houses were damaged but no people were killed (only animals). One woman, on the floor terrified, phoned the Mayor on her cell phone. The Mayor verified this story. He could hear machine gun fire blazing as the mother asked for help. The Philippine Military came later after the Abu Sayyaf had left. The issue is that there were a large number of well armed terrorists at the time and a battle with them would have easily caused the death of many civilians. Better to go after them in the mountains away from the civilians. This was explained to me.
The Healing House handed out toys, juice and cookies to over a hundred children. We gave soft drinks to the adults. I discussed their feelings with them and my Philippine Marine Body Guard gave them suggestions about how to keep safe if and when another attack occurs. About 200 traumatized folks attended the meeting.
Next week the Healing House will hand out toys, juice and cookies to a Muslim community with about 50 children. Again we will discuss how they are feeling. About six Philippine Marines and one body guard will go with me on these outings and we hope to visit one Muslim or Christian Village each week. These outings are expensive and we would love to assist as many people as possible. If you can financially afford it please mail a check to the Dallas, Texas address:
The International Healing House, Inc.
A Non-Profit U.S. Corporation
6333 E. Mockingbird Lane
Suite 147 Box 651
Dallas, Texas 75214-2692
Thank you for your help, support and prayers.
"Dr. Lisa"
P.S. You may share this letter with anyone who might care about what is happening on Mindanao, Philippines
(See pictures of "Little Cebu" Traumatized Children)
This last week on Basilan Island what I am terming, "The Children of Terrorism". In a Christian community called "Little Cebu" the Abu Sayyaf (ASG connected with A.K.) terrorized the homes/people on their way up the mountain after bombing a local college in a town of Basilan.
For a time period of more than thirty minutes these Islamic Terrorists (after setting off the bomb) strafed the homes and small church of "Little Cebu". The families laid on the floor crying and praying as machine gun fire and grenades were lobbied at these innocent men, women and children. Houses were damaged but no people were killed (only animals). One woman, on the floor terrified, phoned the Mayor on her cell phone. The Mayor verified this story. He could hear machine gun fire blazing as the mother asked for help. The Philippine Military came later after the Abu Sayyaf had left. The issue is that there were a large number of well armed terrorists at the time and a battle with them would have easily caused the death of many civilians. Better to go after them in the mountains away from the civilians. This was explained to me.
The Healing House handed out toys, juice and cookies to over a hundred children. We gave soft drinks to the adults. I discussed their feelings with them and my Philippine Marine Body Guard gave them suggestions about how to keep safe if and when another attack occurs. About 200 traumatized folks attended the meeting.
Next week the Healing House will hand out toys, juice and cookies to a Muslim community with about 50 children. Again we will discuss how they are feeling. About six Philippine Marines and one body guard will go with me on these outings and we hope to visit one Muslim or Christian Village each week. These outings are expensive and we would love to assist as many people as possible. If you can financially afford it please mail a check to the Dallas, Texas address:
The International Healing House, Inc.
A Non-Profit U.S. Corporation
6333 E. Mockingbird Lane
Suite 147 Box 651
Dallas, Texas 75214-2692
Thank you for your help, support and prayers.
"Dr. Lisa"
P.S. You may share this letter with anyone who might care about what is happening on Mindanao, Philippines
The Healing Houses located in the Philippines
Dear Supporter,
Thank you so much for your support and belief in the International Healing House, Inc., a Non-Profit Corporation (#260613027) in the United States.
The Healing House Philippines, Inc., is a NGO offering psychoanalytic psychotherapy for trauma victims. The first Healing House in Gingoog, Northern Mindanao Island, is a lovely home that offers an outpatient Autism Clinic for Children, as well as treatment for battered woman and abused victims.
Our second program is the Basilan Healing House which is operational in a War Zone. Philippine Troops are fighting the Muslim Terrorists, the Abu Sayyaf (ASG), MILF and JI, nearby. Basilan is part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Basilan Healing House Outpatient Trauma Clinic is located in the St. Michael's Hospital, the site of Lamitan Seige. I am, reportedly, the first American civilian to return to this island since the American Missionaries were kidnapped min 2001. The Americans, the Burnhams, were held in a bus outside the hospital as the Abu Sayyaf attempted to kidnap the Philippine MD and Nursing Staff; the purpose was to care for the American (he was later killed) who had hurt his foot marching through the jungle with the terrorists. My hospital office looks out on a sign noting the escape route of these Abu Sayyaf after the Lamitan Seige. We have RN and Social Work volunteers to help the Healing House Clinic on Basilan. Many patients have come for treatment due to PTSD.
The Philippine Government has on-going Peace Talks with the MILF, but the Talks recently broke down. There was a bombing in Zamboanga yesterday by an Islamic Group. The bomb exploded at the Air Force Base; it killed three civilians and wounded seventeen. There was also a kidnapping here a few days ago. This week I am in Zamboanga. Usually I am on Basilan Island.
Obviously, there are Muslim and Christian children as well as young and old victims who are traumatized, displaced and need of help. There is War against Terror here but the American Military are invited guests in the Philippines. Therefore, U.S. Forces are advisors only and also offer humanitarian aid. No Americans are fighting.
The third Healing House is in the Philippine Military Hospital in Camp Navarro, West Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) in Zamboanga City. This is a Trauma Clinic inside the Military Hospital for the wounded soldiers. I am Co-Directing it with Colonel "Joy" P. Turla. She is an MD and Commanding Officer, the AFP General Hospital, Western Mindanao Command. We are setting up a group therapy and clinical office in the hospital. I will furnish it and make it very comfortable. (in case you are wondering... all is with U.S. recognition). We have local MA Psychologists who are helping as well as marvelous Nursing Staff.
Our fourth Healing House Program maybe located in Jolo, on the Island of Sulu, an ARMM area. I have visited General Sabban and hope to shortly return to stay on the Philippine Marine Base in Jolo. Perhaps we will set up a Healing House Trauma Center in a Jolo Muslim Hospital. This is only a possibility but treatment for PTSD should be provided inside the Base for Marines and civilians. The fighting in Jolo has been intense.
So, we currently have three Healing House Clinics/Programs in Mindanao. They are in Gingoog, Basilan and Zamboanga. Pretty good for a tiny, barely funded U.S. Non-Profit Corporation that became a NGO in the Philippines! Thank you so much for your loving support. And all future help would be so appreciated. Psychoanalytic thinking about terrorism/war and trauma can make a difference in Third World Countries being terrorized by Islamic Extremists who are killing civilians, the innocent victims of the psychological warfare. And, this is a Psychological War with very few physical victims but massive numbers of psychologically traumatized and intimidated men, women and children. ( I have many stories!)
The Healing House Psychoanalytic Program is a frontier in Third World Countries which lack a sophisticated way to reflect on Terror or treat PTSD. There is an absence of psychological thinking resulting in an opportunity for psychoanalytic help to both individuals and the leadership in Third World Countries. There are many Third World Countries with victims needing assistance! God Bless You for helping! God Bless the Philippines and God Bless America!
Dr. Eleanor Lisa Beyea Pomeroy, PHD, MPH, CHS
Psychoanalyst
Member, International Psychoanalytical Association
President and CEO, the International Healing House, Inc.
An International Psychoanalytic Treatment Program for Trauma Victims
Thank you so much for your support and belief in the International Healing House, Inc., a Non-Profit Corporation (#260613027) in the United States.
The Healing House Philippines, Inc., is a NGO offering psychoanalytic psychotherapy for trauma victims. The first Healing House in Gingoog, Northern Mindanao Island, is a lovely home that offers an outpatient Autism Clinic for Children, as well as treatment for battered woman and abused victims.
Our second program is the Basilan Healing House which is operational in a War Zone. Philippine Troops are fighting the Muslim Terrorists, the Abu Sayyaf (ASG), MILF and JI, nearby. Basilan is part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Basilan Healing House Outpatient Trauma Clinic is located in the St. Michael's Hospital, the site of Lamitan Seige. I am, reportedly, the first American civilian to return to this island since the American Missionaries were kidnapped min 2001. The Americans, the Burnhams, were held in a bus outside the hospital as the Abu Sayyaf attempted to kidnap the Philippine MD and Nursing Staff; the purpose was to care for the American (he was later killed) who had hurt his foot marching through the jungle with the terrorists. My hospital office looks out on a sign noting the escape route of these Abu Sayyaf after the Lamitan Seige. We have RN and Social Work volunteers to help the Healing House Clinic on Basilan. Many patients have come for treatment due to PTSD.
The Philippine Government has on-going Peace Talks with the MILF, but the Talks recently broke down. There was a bombing in Zamboanga yesterday by an Islamic Group. The bomb exploded at the Air Force Base; it killed three civilians and wounded seventeen. There was also a kidnapping here a few days ago. This week I am in Zamboanga. Usually I am on Basilan Island.
Obviously, there are Muslim and Christian children as well as young and old victims who are traumatized, displaced and need of help. There is War against Terror here but the American Military are invited guests in the Philippines. Therefore, U.S. Forces are advisors only and also offer humanitarian aid. No Americans are fighting.
The third Healing House is in the Philippine Military Hospital in Camp Navarro, West Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) in Zamboanga City. This is a Trauma Clinic inside the Military Hospital for the wounded soldiers. I am Co-Directing it with Colonel "Joy" P. Turla. She is an MD and Commanding Officer, the AFP General Hospital, Western Mindanao Command. We are setting up a group therapy and clinical office in the hospital. I will furnish it and make it very comfortable. (in case you are wondering... all is with U.S. recognition). We have local MA Psychologists who are helping as well as marvelous Nursing Staff.
Our fourth Healing House Program maybe located in Jolo, on the Island of Sulu, an ARMM area. I have visited General Sabban and hope to shortly return to stay on the Philippine Marine Base in Jolo. Perhaps we will set up a Healing House Trauma Center in a Jolo Muslim Hospital. This is only a possibility but treatment for PTSD should be provided inside the Base for Marines and civilians. The fighting in Jolo has been intense.
So, we currently have three Healing House Clinics/Programs in Mindanao. They are in Gingoog, Basilan and Zamboanga. Pretty good for a tiny, barely funded U.S. Non-Profit Corporation that became a NGO in the Philippines! Thank you so much for your loving support. And all future help would be so appreciated. Psychoanalytic thinking about terrorism/war and trauma can make a difference in Third World Countries being terrorized by Islamic Extremists who are killing civilians, the innocent victims of the psychological warfare. And, this is a Psychological War with very few physical victims but massive numbers of psychologically traumatized and intimidated men, women and children. ( I have many stories!)
The Healing House Psychoanalytic Program is a frontier in Third World Countries which lack a sophisticated way to reflect on Terror or treat PTSD. There is an absence of psychological thinking resulting in an opportunity for psychoanalytic help to both individuals and the leadership in Third World Countries. There are many Third World Countries with victims needing assistance! God Bless You for helping! God Bless the Philippines and God Bless America!
Dr. Eleanor Lisa Beyea Pomeroy, PHD, MPH, CHS
Psychoanalyst
Member, International Psychoanalytical Association
President and CEO, the International Healing House, Inc.
An International Psychoanalytic Treatment Program for Trauma Victims
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