Official statement of Dr. Aurelio S. Agcaoili on the GUMIL Oahu resolution declaring him persona non grata of the Ilokano writing community

OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE GUMIL OAHU RESOLUTION DECLARING ME PERSONA NON GRATA OF THE ILOKANO WRITING COMMUNITY

November 26, 2009, Thanksgiving Day
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

This is my official statement pertaining to the Resolution of GUMIL Oahu signed by a certain Gladys Menor requesting GUMIL Filipinas to declare me persona non grata of the “Ilokano Writing Community”.

The said resolution, a copy of which was shown to me by a university colleague, Dr Lilia Santiago, to whom a copy was mailed “for her information” according to a cover letter, was also sent to the hierarchy of the University of Hawaii including the President, the Board of Regents, and the head of my department based on the cc-line of the cover letter I saw.

Let it be known as well that based on the date of the mail, they timed the sending of the resolution to Manang Lilia at the height of the 4th Nakem International Conference, with her receiving that packet of the resolution on November 12.

Let it be known that I welcome this resolution by GUMIL Oahu, which, according to their cover statement, is a “unanimous resolution of those present in the meeting”, not because I believe in the contents of that resolution, but because I believe in their right to express responsibly what they want to express, but not in their right to keep on with their campaign to destroy my person and reputation. No writer of integrity and honor and respect of other writers would continue to keep on with a campaign like this and continue to have their integrity and self-respect at the same time.

Let it be known as well that I continue to account GUMIL Filipinas and its leadership for its inaction pertaining to my five open letters I sent them in the summer. This continued inaction of the GUMIL Filipinas and the cozying up of Ely Raquel with the GUMIL Oahu leadership is one of the reasons why GUMIL Oahu continues to act like this one.

Let it be known that the GUMIL Oahu resolution “was unanimously approved” by those present in that meeting; that not every member of that organization was present in that meeting; and that presumably, not everyone read nor approved its content.

Let it be known as well that I had the chance to speak with Ely Raquel when she came to Hawaii, first at a social gathering and second by phone, and in both times, I reminded her of her ethical duty to do what is fair and just. I have yet to see that GUMIL Filipinas leadership will do what is fair and just.

Until now, GUMIL Filipinas has not served me justice vis-à-vis my right to my own person and reputation tarnished, among others, by a number of those signing this resolution from GUMIL Oahu.

Let it be on record that GUMIL Oahu’s action, in my judgment, extends the same logic of destruction a number of its members and leaders have been doing to my person for a long time already.

Let it be on record that I challenge the GUMIL Filipinas to look into this resolution and if it deems it right, declare me persona non grata of the “Ilokano Writing Community”, whatever is the meaning of this “community” GUMIL Oahu is talking about.

Let it be known that if in the judgment of GUMIL Filipinas I were not worthy to be included in their rank as a legitimate member of their own version of the “Ilokano Writing Community”, I would gladly accept that verdict with the warning that Ilokano Literary History will be the best judge.

Let it be known that this Ilokano Literary History will be written and that all these episodes of our Great Embarrassments will come to light. I pray that this will happen soon—and fast.

I trust that GUMIL Filipinas will finally come to its senses and do what is just and fair and right.

Let it be on record that this shall be my last statement on this matter and that I expect GUMIL Filipinas to finally stop sitting on its hands pertaining to these issues that have disastrously divided the self-respecting and honorable members of the real and honest and truthful Ilokano Writing Community, many of whom are watching in rage and anger but are also watching from the sidelines for the reason that they do not want to be caught up in these divide-et-tempera tactics of those who believe that they are the best Ilokano writers in town.

Aurelio Solver Agcaoili
Nakem Conferences