Today I am here to ask Governor Calvo to do the right thing and sign Bill 326.

My name is Roland Sondia. In June I came forward and described what Anthony Apuron
did to me when I was a young altar boy. Im grateful to my family and friends for their
support during these past three months. I am also overwhelmed by the support of the
people of Guam. Their warmth, to not only me, but also to Roy Quintanilla, Walter
Denton, Doris Conception, Leo Tudela, Ramon De Plata and others have given us the
strength to talk about the abuse and to begin healing. When I was deciding whether to
come forward, I never would have guessed that so many people in Guam, and in the
mainland, would provide so much support and love to us. I am truly thankful and feel
incredibly blessed.
I also thank the Guam Legislature for passing the bill, 13-0. The legislature held three
hearings and exhaustively covered all of the testimony. They should be commended for
their efforts.
Im here for myself and for the survivors who you have already met. I also stand here
supporting the survivors who have not been named publicly, but still suffer in silence and
who are alone. Tonight before bed, please say a prayer for them.
Governor Calvo, please sign Bill 326. The Archdiocese of Agana must take total
responsibility for the actions of Anthony Apuron and the other perpetrators. This is not
about money or destroying the church. This is about the church taking responsibility.
Actual responsibility. True and honest responsibility. No more talking. No more stalling
and hiding and scaring and confusing the public and the Catholic faithful. No more
excuses.
We need more of the survivors to come forward and more of the perpetrators to be
exposed. Only then will healing begin. It is time for the community to heal and unite. It is
time for the survivors to become whole again.
Governor Calvo, please sign Bill 326.
Thank you.