An Interview with Atty. Ann Kathleen Gatdula, Survivor of the 2019 Attack on JVP Volunteers
A regional trial court recently handed down a guilty verdict in all three criminal cases filed in connection with the 2019 stabbing attack on members of the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP) in Bukidnon. The verdict comes nearly six years after the horrific incident, which claimed the life of 24-year-old volunteer teacher Genifer Buckly and injured fellow volunteer Atty. Ann Kathleen Gatdula and a student named Janah.
Radio Veritas Asia reached out to Atty. Ann Kathleen Gatdula, who now lives in Canada with her family.
In this conversation with Madonna Virola, RVA Correspondent, Atty. Gatdula shares her reaction to the verdict, recounts the harrowing details of that fateful day, reflects on her association with JVP, and talks about life after the incident, her faith, and her heartfelt appeal for Jesuit volunteers to continue serving despite the risks and sacrifices.
Excerpts:
What is your reaction to the verdict?
When I found out the guilty verdict for our case, my first feeling was gratitude that our side had been heard, that they heard our voice, and that justice would be served. I was very grateful to Atty. Buboy and the JVP community for being there and fighting for and with us.
Then, quickly, another realization sank in that despite all of it, it still would not bring Gen back. No matter how severe the penalties imposed, it still would not bring her life back.
What does this verdict mean for you personally and for the other families involved?
It will help us and give us hope in our journey to seek justice and heal from the trauma. I know it is still not the end of our journey since our assailant is still appealing the case, but just hearing the verdict gives me hope that we are getting closer to achieving justice for me, Gen, and Jhana.
The journey of filing the complaint, going through the process, and recalling the events has been emotionally and mentally challenging. Reliving the details of what happened to me, and to us, is taxing and painful because it means feeling that fear, helplessness, and vulnerability all over again. I remember seeing my assailant during a hearing; the fear was overpowering, knowing he was just a few feet away. It is only with God’s grace and the strong support system I have that I am empowered to move forward.
I continue to pray that God will touch his heart so he may finally admit and accept what he did to us and seek forgiveness.
For our readers, especially those unfamiliar with the case, could you recount the events leading up to the attack and how it unfolded?
On August 23, 2019, Gen and I returned to our staff house a little after noon to prepare our things for the scheduled RNR of JVP volunteers in Bukidnon. As I was grabbing a quick bite, I heard the clanking of metal, and suddenly an unknown man entered through the back door.
Surprised, I asked, “Excuse me. Who are you?” Without a word or warning, the man stepped forward and stabbed me in my stomach. I was too shocked to comprehend what was happening. It couldn’t sink in that something like this could happen to me, especially in a quiet provincial town like Pangantucan. Things like this only happen in movies or teleseryes.
As I was pushed down, I felt no pain, only something wet and warm in my stomach. I was bleeding. Fear, pure fear, overwhelmed me. I was terrified that I had been stabbed near my internal organs. My father’s words from my childhood echoed in my mind: “Huwag ka nang umiyak, malayo pa ‘yan sa bituka” (“Don’t cry, that’s far from your vital organs”). But this time, I knew the wound was close to or even on my vital organs.
The man kept clawing and punching me. I couldn’t understand why he continued attacking when I was already wounded. I screamed for help. Suddenly, he stood up and ran behind me. That was my chance, I escaped and ran outside. Moments later, rescuers lifted me into a bao-bao (a tricycle) to bring me to the nearest health center.
During that tricycle ride, the reality of the situation hit me: I might die. I feared that the bright sunlight outside could be the “white light” people say they see before death. I began to regret that I hadn’t yet fulfilled my dreams. I didn’t want to die. There were still so many things I wanted to experience. I hadn’t even held hands with someone or been kissed. My mission wasn’t over. I thought of my parents, family, and friends, and realized I wasn’t ready to leave them.
As my surroundings began to darken, I prayed, repeating the Our Father and Hail Mary. I pleaded with God to let me live. In that moment, I felt how precious life is, and I asked His forgiveness for the times before JVP when I had wanted to give up on everything, even on life.
Describe your mission at Pangantucan Community High School as a Jesuit Volunteer.
My three months at Pangantucan Community High School (PCHS) as a Social Enterprise Officer were exactly what I had hoped for as a volunteer. I worked in three areas: the Finance Department, the school canteen, and the school farm. I also co-coached the lawn tennis team and taught classes. I learned about farming, school administration, and spent time with students, whether in the field for horticulture classes, on the tennis court, or substituting for absent teachers. I was touched by the stories students and teachers shared, especially their dreams for the future. On weekends, I would handwash my clothes and clean the house. Life there was simple yet liberating.
Though my role was far from legal work, I began to appreciate my legal background in new ways. My enthusiasm for life returned. I learned that regular dialogue with God gives the strength to carry on. Life there wasn’t always easy, but it had a clear purpose.
Could you share something about your friendship with Genifer Buckly?
My relationship with my mission and area partner, Gen, was a blessing. Despite different personalities and backgrounds, we worked in harmony. Gen, who grew up on a farm and lived independently since college, was lively and strong-willed, prone to bursts of energy. I, on the other hand, grew up in Saudi Arabia as an only child, more dependent on my parents, generally cheerful but passive and shy.
We complemented each other perfectly. In those three months, we never fought, and differences in opinion never became conflict. We shared long conversations that stretched breakfast to lunch, broke into song and silly dances when stressed, and supported each other through work and personal challenges. By then, we were no longer just JVP partners; we were close friends. In the area, she called me “Mommy,” and I called her “Genny Gen.”
How has your life changed since the incident?
After completing my JVP year and a short stint with Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan (SLB), the NGO I was assigned to, I decided to step back and rejoin the SEC. I am now married and focused on starting a family. Perhaps in the future, I can return to JVP or help with community work again.
If I may share, there were times, especially in the months immediately after the incident—when I questioned why it had to happen to us. Why us, when we were simply there to serve and be part of the community?
The remaining months of my JVP year, after I was reassigned to a new NGO and a new community, helped me greatly in healing and in learning to trust people and the community again.
I don’t think I will ever completely erase the trauma; instead, I’ve had to learn to cope and heal. JVP provided my batchmates and me with processing sessions, and I attended some counseling, but I don’t believe one can truly move on from such an experience, or from losing a friend, especially one who was so full of dreams and life.
Even years later, I still sometimes feel afraid, especially when I’m alone or walking by myself. There are moments when I fear that any stranger could suddenly stab or attack me. I still get panic attacks, though not often.
I am deeply grateful to have a loving, caring, and supportive husband, parents, friends, and community who encourage and inspire me. It is only through God’s grace and the strength of this support system that I have been able to move forward.
What message would you like to share with the JVP community and future volunteers?
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who has been there and supported us after the incident. I am especially grateful to our lawyer, Atty. Buboy Mendoza, and his wife for standing by us and fighting for us. To my parents, family, and friends, thank you for being my source of strength and hope.
I also want to express my wholehearted gratitude to everyone who prayed for and supported us, especially the JVP, Ateneo community, the Jesuits, and the PCHS family, who took care of us and walked with us all the way through.
Special mention to the Jesuits in Bukidnon and JVP, Fr. Bill, Fr. Jason, Fr. Bros, Fr. Pat, Fr. Rentax, and Fr. IJ. To the JVP community, our Ate Dickel, Batch 40, our formators Kuya Blas and Ate Wena, and especially JVP CDO who took us in and cared for us during my recovery: Ate Irene and family, Judge Azon, Ate Ces, Dean Tony and Ces, Tita Mellie, and the entire JVP alumni and family from all chapters, hank you very much. Padayon lang.
I continue to seek everyone’s prayers and support as we pursue justice. Please join us in praying that God will touch the heart of our assailant to finally admit and accept what he did to us, and to seek forgiveness.
To past and future JVP volunteers: I know that being a volunteer is challenging because stepping out of your comfort zone involves real risks and personal sacrifices. But in return, you will truly experience God’s grace and love in the encounters you have and the people and communities you serve. I have no regrets about joining because of the fulfillment, friendships, and communities I found along the way.
"Walang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang." It is joyful to live for and with others. So to all JVPs, padayon lang and amping.
