Calls for truth about Noriega bloody events

THE NEWS of the death of former Panamanian strongman Manuel Antonio Noriega, has opened up many old scars  among those affected  by his regime, but the overwhelming thread among those who have commented is the belief that the truth has never been told  about some of the blood stained events that occurred while he was in power.

Among those seeking answers is Josué Giroldi, son of the late Captain Moisés Giroldi, who led a failed coup attempt against Noriega on Oct. 3, 1989

Giroldi and 10 other officers were brutally beaten and executed in what became known as the Albrook Massacre.

“There is still a lot of the story to tell…I think this would would be good  for everyone…to tell the story, no matter how difficult it is to listen to it,” Giroldi told La Prensa.

He  exhorted others close to Noriega to come forward because “there are many people who know what happened and have remained silent.”

 Giroldi said that he forgave Noriega, and let him know that at a hearing in January. “I was really surprised because I understood that he was not going to attend”, and  he told him that “I forgive him with all my heart, my family and I,” he said. “The truth was I told him in the hope that he understood, so that he also had the courage tospeak…and he did not respond.”

Carlos Abadía, who was part of the Civiic Crusade ­ the social movement opposed to  the military dictatorship ­ said that Noriega takes to the grave “many of the things that Panamanians wanted to know.” Among these, “where is the head of  Dr Hugo Spadafora” or what happened in the barracks on October 3, 1989, during the coup led by Moses Giroldi.

“But the most important thing is that [Noriega] never asked for forgiveness,” he said. Abaadia called on those close to Noriega to ask for forgiveness or admit their mistakes.

“They have to apologize and not remain hidden,” he said.

Manuel Cambra, who was also part of the Civic Crusade, said that the death leaves a huge gap in the Panamanian justice system.

“There are mysteries that have not yet been revealed,” he said. “Where is Héctor Gallego? Where is the head of Hugo Spadafora? Where are the others who disappeared.”

He said it was  clear that Noriega was not alone in of all this. He counted on those who backed him, whether civilians or members of the military.

“There is a pending issue here of justice, for people who have been harmed,” he added.

Alida Spadafora, sister of Hugo Spadafora, whose decapitated body was found on Sept. 13, 1985 in the border area with Costa Rica, said that Noriega will now face divine justice.