The Guatemalan Civil War spanned the years from 1960 to 1996 (Source). During this time San Pedro La Laguna remained relatively unaffected and unharmed by the surrounding violence. However, from the years of 1980 to 1982 there were a series of kidnappings and murders that took place and shook the community. At first the community was completely fear stricken as they didn't know who was behind these disappearances. As town gossip began to spread and tongues began to loosen it became known that the local military commissioners were, in fact, behind these actions. The local military spent their days in uniform posing as protectors of the community and their nights blacklisting and carrying out murders and kidnappings of local Pedranos. However, instead of blacklisting villagers for disloyalty to the army or for suspicion of collaborating with guerrillas (as was common), most often locals were blacklisted out of vengeance and greed. The military commissioners tried to fool the community by spreading guerrilla type leaflets around the village at night and placed guerrilla graffiti throughout the town. This continued for nearly two years and while it was known who was behind it, little could be done. However, in August 1982 the higher military suddenly came into the village and removed all of the military from the village. Not surprisingly to the locals, calm was quickly restored after their removal. (Harvest of
