Overview:
Angaur State is calling for a formal apology after national officials and visiting Japanese representatives entered customary land and disturbed a World War II mass grave without prior approval. Governor Steven Salii says the action violated the Angaur State Constitution and bypassed rightful landowners.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026) — Current Governor of Angaur State Steven R. Salii is calling on Minister of State Gustav Aitaro to issue a formal apology after representatives of the national government and visiting Japanese officials reportedly entered customary land in Angaur and disturbed a World War II mass grave without prior approval from state leaders or landowners.
In a Feb. 16 press statement, Governor Salii expressed “deep concern” over the Jan. 23 entry and excavation at a site identified as a WWII mass grave on property belonging to the TMIU Clan under the authority of Chief DIB Anghel Salii. State officials said neither the governor, the traditional chief nor the rightful landowning clan were consulted before the work began.
Gov. Salii previously wrote to Minister Aitaro, urging him to halt excavation activities intended to retrieve the remains of Japanese soldiers who died during the war until proper permissions were secured.
The bone retrieval work was supported by former governor Natus Misech, who was recalled in December. Governor Salii seeks to halt the project, saying that the mass grave site is on private land and that proper approval from the landowners is required before any soil disturbance occurs.
Citing Article XII of the Angaur State Constitution, Salii says it prohibits the taking of taro patches or cemeteries within the state through eminent domain — including by the national government. The provision, he said, states that no cemetery on Angaur may be taken by either the national or state government through the exercise of eminent domain.
The press statement said the disturbed site carries “profound historical, cultural and spiritual significance” to the people of Angaur and described the lack of consultation as an affront to the state’s constitutional authority and community traditions.
Governor Salii said the traditional Chief Ucherbelau Lorenzo Edward joined him in emphasizing the need to uphold the Angaur State Constitution and local protocols. The state is requesting that the national government extend a formal apology to the people of Angaur and to the TMIU Clan to reaffirm unity and mutual respect between the state and national governments.
Under Article XII, Section 1, the Angaur State Government may exercise eminent domain only sparingly and as a last resort, after good-faith consultation and negotiations with affected clans or private landowners. The Constitution further requires just compensation or an equitable exchange when property is taken for public use.
State leaders said future engagements on Angaur must honor established protocols, uphold constitutional principles, and respect the dignity of both the living and the departed.