Contact: Kathline Anne Sigua Tolosa

Convener, Security Reform Initiative

National Secretariat, Bantay Bayanihan
sriphils@gmail.com, bantaybayanihan@gmail.com, kathline@gmail.com
www.bantaybayanihan.org

Bantay Bayanihan Statement on the Mamasapano Tragedy

31 January 2015

Bantay Bayanihan: A Call for Peace Over the Din of Violence

The Bantay Bayanihan civil society network grieves with a nation mourning the loss of lives from the
Philippine National Police, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the community in Mamasapano,
Maguindanao. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the acts of violence committed during the
fateful incident in Mamasapano last January 25. To rise from darkness, crucial truths and resolutions must
emerge and be enforced.
As a civil society network concerned with peace and security, Bantay Bayanihan calls for sobriety in the
pursuit of justice and in upholding the peace. Critical and constructive dialogue must shape the discourse
and determine actions to be taken. Here and now, in times of crisis, it is imperative that civil society act as
a catalyst for peace and meaningful change.
Our collective journey towards peace transcends politics and partisanship. Together as a nation, we have
covered substantial ground in helping bring just and lasting peace to Mindanao. Let us stand firm and
determined to secure such conditions for the next generations.
Violence has no place in a democracy. Structures like the Coordinating Committee on Cessation
Hostilities (CCCH) and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) have been created to prevent violent
confrontations from transpiring. Each is summoned to strictly adhere to these mechanisms, especially in
upholding the protocols of coordination and cooperation.
As a nationwide civil society oversight of the Armed Forces, members of the Bantay Bayanihan network
reaffirm their commitment to end violence and uphold the primacy of the peace process:
We expect accountability and transparency from all parties involved by closely following the

investigations that will transpire.

We call for a stronger participation of civil society organizations by creating and offering dialogue spaces
between security forces and other stakeholders of peace and security.
We demand justice for the victims of the violence, their families, and communities.
We insist that all parties and agents, both state and non-state, who would be found to have unduly
sabotaged the sacredness of the peace process in Mindanao be held accountable.
Further, for peace with justice, we call:
For a dispassionate, credible, fair, and thorough investigation by an independent third party, empowering
the International Monitoring Team or an independent fact-finding body to shed light on and determine
responsibility for the tragic events in Mamasapano;

For the Government of the Philippines to let concerned agencies implement policy reforms and relevant
counsel resulting from credible investigations, ensuring that justice will be served with these actions;

For the Philippine National Police, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and other concerned stakeholders to
empower independent investigative bodies by enshrining accountability and transparency in their
respective organizations;
For the media to share evidence-based materials, refrain from fanning the flames of violence through
sensationalism and let responsible journalism allow the truth to prevail;
For civil society to remain level-headed and forward-looking in addressing the repercussions of violent
encounters, disseminate accurate information while empowering individuals and communities to seek
redress without resorting to brute force, and offer a safe and secure place for differing opinions to blend
and integrate into progressive actions;
Peace without justice is not only false, futile and a sham. It will not lead to genuine healing. We call for
unity to dispel the discord and doubt that seriously threaten the conditions for peace.
There is no gain in calling for more bloodshed to avenge the fallen heroes and warriors, especially when
more lives may be endangered by perpetuating the cycle of violence. Amidst the grief, let this tragedy
stimulate a stronger commitment and renewed fervor in working for peace.
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF ALL VIOLENT CONFLICTS!
END VIOLENCE IN MINDANAO AND CONFLICT AREAS AROUND THE WORLD!

THE BANTAY BAYANIHAN NETWORK

Security Reform Initiative Bantay Bayanihan National Secretariat
Good Wednesday Group for Peace Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Cotabato & Maguindanao
Peace Advocates Zamboanga Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Zamboanga
Nagdilaab Foundation Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Basilan
Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Sulu
Pakigdait, Inc. Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Lanao del Norte
MSU Marawi Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao, Bantay Bayanihan Lanao del Sur
Ateneo De Davao University Center for Psychological Extension and Research Services Convenor,
Bantay Bayanihan Davao
Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Misamis Oriental
Samar Island Press Club Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Samar
EVNet Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Leyte
Negros Oriental Childrens Advocacy Network Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Negros Oriental
Pax Christi Negros Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Negros Occidental
Holy Angel University Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Pampanga
Media Advocates for Peace Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan Tarlac
Philippine Coalition for the International Criminal Court Convenor, Bantay Bayanihan NCR
Bantay Bayanihan is a network of more than 150 civil society organizations in 16 conflict-affected
provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Since its creation in November 29, 2011, Bantay Bayanihan
engages the security sector in critical and constructive collaboration towards peace and security sector
reform. The network serves as an independent oversight body in the implementation of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. It provides dialogue spaces for various
stakeholders to come together and work towards addressing peace and security issues at the local and
national levels.