Fena Massacre

The Fena Massacre, also known as the Fena Cave Massacre, was an event where more than 30 Chamorro people were killed by Japanese soldiers during World War II. The site is located at present-day Naval Base Guam’s Ordnance Annex in Sånta Rita-Sumai.

History
Residents from Agat and Sumay were rounded up by Japanese forces on July 19, 1944, two days before the island's liberation. About 50 young men and women were held under strict working conditions to perform forced labor. The Chamorros transferred ammunition from Apaka Point to the Talayfac areas south of Agat. Parents of the victims were sent to a concentration camp in Mannengon Valley.

When the American forces began bombardment and shelling, the Chamorros fled to area of present-day Fena Lake and were herded by the Japanese soldiers into the Atdutgan caves. These caves along the cliff of San Ramon Hill were constructed in anticipation of the American liberation.

Lured to the cave with promises of food, the victims were intoxicated by sake and beer. More than 30 Chamorro victims were killed by grenades, machine guns, bayonets, and sharpened bamboo lances in the caves. Dozens were also repeatedly raped in the caves.

Survivors hid under dead bodies.

List of victims
Guam's Wall of Strength: Names Never Forgotten is part of the War Survivors Memorial Exhibit in the lobby of the Guam Congress Building in Hagåtna.

This list was compiled by the Fena Memorial Committee.

List of survivors
This list was compiled by the Fena Memorial Committee. In 2018, according to the Agat Mayor's Office, there were 17 survivors still living.



Memorial
The Guam War Reparations Committee researched the Fena massacre. The caves have collapsed in some areas. Fallen boulders and vines obstruct access to the caves.

On March 7, 1990, Governor Joseph F. Ada signed Public Law No. 20-157 to authorize the erection of a memorial. The Fena Massacre site was added to the Guam Historic Register on July 22, 1993.

A memorial service was established in 1998. Participants walk to the foothills of Fena Cave, lay wreaths on a memorial at the Old Agat Cemetery, light candles, read the names of the deceased, and perform a CHamoru blessing. The U.S. Navy opens up the site on the memorial day for participants to attend.