TINGOG MAMASAPANO (VOICES FROM MAMASAPANO):

Listening to the Voices of Civilians Caught in the Crossfire

A Womens Solidarity Mission by Mindanao CSOs with the support of Oxfam
February 2015

Mindanao women CSO leaders listen to Bidarya Adam, one of the many women from Mamasapano who spent most of her life
witnessing the atrocities of armed conflicts, during the Tingog Mamasapano Solidarity Mission. 11 February 2015.

Background
Aside from the 44 police officers from the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF),
there were also 18 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 5 civilians who were
killed during the 11-hour firefight between the PNP-SAF with members of the MILF and the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tukanalipao in the town of Mamasapano,
Maguindanao on 25 January 2015.
As of the last report of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on 29 January,
there were 6,620 individuals/1,324 families displaced because of the clash in Mamasapano who
were staying in 6 host communities.

Mamasapano is a 5th class municipality in the province of Maguindanao, Southern Philippines. The town is a mix of plain
lands and swamps. It lies beside the Kabunlan River, and is close to the Liguasan Marsh, making the town prone to
flooding. It has a total land area of 85.31 square kilometers, and a population of 22,354 as of May 2010. It has 14
barangays, including Barangay Tukanalipao, where the clash happened. The town was carved out from the municipality of
Shariff Aguak during a plebiscite in 1998.

Since 1997, a ceasefire mechanism under the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of
Hostilities (CCCH), has been effectively been in place, with the ceasefire holding for the last three
years, from 2012-2014, with not a single skirmish occurring between the government military and
MILF forces.
As a result of the Mamasapano clash, the deliberations on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, the
result of the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and MILF, which
will establish the Bangsamoro as the new political entity, has been further postponed with a number
of legislators withdrawing their sponsorship of the bill.
The more troubling result is the call for an all-out war in the Bangsamoro areas, again. These calls
have been largely influenced by the national media and opinion makers like the former President.
The deep-seated biases of the Filipino public in general against the Muslims are coming out again.

Tingog Mamasapano
Tingog Mamasapano was organised as a womens solidarity and listening mission to surface the
unheard voices of civilians, especially women and children, caught in the crossfire.
This was our first small step towards sifting through the Mamasapano encounter that claimed the
lives of so many people, including a 5-year old girl; and listening to the various narratives and
surfacing key insights that would hopefully prevent a similar event from ever happening again.
On 11 February, women CSO leaders visited the village of Tukanalipao in Mamasapano to talk to the
women evacuees and listen to different story tellers. There were focus group discussions and/or
one-on-one sessions between the women CSO leaders and the women civilians to generate stories
of the communitys experiences before, during and after the clash.
There were also stress debriefing and other
peace activities done with the children of
Mamasapano. The children also produced
letters addressed to President Benigno
Simeon Aquino calling for peace in their
land. (See
http://www.oxfamblogs.org/philippines/kids-speakout-grade-school-children-from-brgy-tukanalipaomamasapano-have-these-messages-to-theworld.htm)

The mission was not meant to find fault or

determine who was responsible for the
The children of Mamasapano show their letters for President
clash, but, it was meant to surface the
Aquino. 11 February 2015
impact of the clash on the civilians,
particularly women and children, and to
amplify the calls of the communities that war is not an option and to continue the peace process.
We needed to quickly distill and learn from the lessons of Mamasapano to counter the repercussions
and ensure that we are not deterred from the path of peace.

The mission was also a venue to generate stories that can be used for the media, advocacy and
communications products (e.g., feature stories, op-ed pieces, etc.) to counter the calls for an all out
war, and to continue the peace process that is now in peril.
A number of stories of the civilians, especially women and children, caught in the crossfire have
been produced, and disseminated through mainstream and social media, and are now part of the
public discourse. As a result, there has been a shift in the coverage from one that is purely focused
on the police/military aspect, to the effects of the conflict on civilians, particularly women and
children.
Tingog Mamasapano was also done to help rebuild the eroding public support to the to the peace
process that has affected the Congressional deliberations on the BBL, and consequently stalling the
implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Prior to the actual mission, the participants in the Solidarity Mission underwent a briefing session
with the Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) of Ateneo de Davao
University on 10 February 2015. This session prepared the women CSO leaders to be effective
listeners. They were also given tips on how to handle respondents emotions. This was followed by
a security briefing.
After the Listening Mission, the participants were convened for debriefing and reporting. Everyone
was given the opportunity to share his/her reflections to the entire group. The body also identified
the next steps, particularly the urgent issues that need action. These include the following:

Relief goods to be coordinated with ARMM HEART, Regional DSWD

Emergency Food Security and Livelihood
Psychosocial Support c/o Balay Rehabilitation Center
Documentation of Human Rights Violations c/o Task Force Detainees of the Philippines
Clearing of Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) to be coordinated with Foundation Suisse de Deminage
France (FSD)/Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL)
All Out Peace campaign/Compilation of stories and reflections of Mission participants to be
consolidated by Peace Builders Community, Inc.

The participants to the Listening Mission also issued a statement calling for all out peace, echoing
the voices of the Mamasapano folks. (See attached Mission Statement).

Participating Organisations
There were several participating organisations that joined the actual mission, while some were
involved during the planning and preparatory period.

Balay Mindanao Foundation, Inc. (BMFI)

Balay Rehabilitation Center
Center of Psychological Extension and Research Services (COPERS) of Ateneo de Davao
Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS)
Forum ZfD
Friends of the Bangsamoro
I-Emergence
Inter-Cultural Organisations Network for Solidarity and Peace (ICON-SP)

Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI)

Lanao Peace Partners Network
Maranao People Development Center, Inc. (MARADECA)
Mindanao Action for Peace and Development (MAPAD)
Mindanao Coalition of Development NGO Networks (MINCODE)
Mindanao CSO Solidarity Platform for Peace (MCSOPP)
Mindanao Peace Weavers (MPW)
Mindanao Peoples Caucus
Nisa Ul Haqq Fi Bangsamoro
Non-Violent Peace Force
Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP)
Peace Builders Community, Inc. (PBCI)
Peoples Coalition for ARMM Reform and Transformation (Peoples CART)
Rural Development Institute of Sultan Kudarat
Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN)
SIAD in Mindanao Convergence for Asset Reform and Regional Development (SIMCARRD)
Special Union of Pre-Amateur Radio Modulators Association Base, Inc. (Supra BASE)
Sustainable Cooperation for Equitable Enterprise Development, Inc. (SUCCEED, Inc.)
Sustainable Education and Enterprise Development Foundation in Mindanao, Inc. (SEED)
Women Engaged in Action for 1325 (WE Act 1325)
United Youth of the Philippines Women (UnYPhil-Women)
Akbayan Youth

Community preparations for Tingog Mamasapano were done in partnership with UnYPhil Women,
while WE Act 1325 and Mindanao Peace Weavers helped with the programme. OPAPP assisted in
the coordination for the security arrangements with the Joint Coordinating Committee on the
Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF). The activity was also closely coordinated with the local government officials
of Mamasapano, through Mayor Tahirodin Benzar Ampatuan; and the Office of the ARMM Regional
Governor, through Governor Mujiv Hataman and Executive Secretary Laisa Alamia, and the staff of
ARMM HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Action Response Team). Kadtuntaya Foundation, Inc. (KFI)
generously offered the use of their conference room for the debriefing and press conference.
Tingog Mamasapano was also adopted as part of the activities for the All Out Peace campaign, a
platform where citizens take a stand for peace and reject war or any form of armed violence.

Media Hits
Tingog Mamasapano generated extensive media coverage (mainstream TV and newspapers, online media
outlets and radio) from 11-20 February 2015.
VIDEOS
11 February 2015

TV Patrol (early evening news of ABS CBN)

may be accessed through iWantTV or http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tvpatrol

Bandila (late evening news of ABS CBN)

11 February 2015
may be accessed through iWantTV or http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/bandila

TV Patrol Central Mindanao

11 February 2015
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQja-bV_w-Q

12 February 2015

24 Oras (early evening news of GMA Network)

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/video/260778/24oras/mga-naulila-ng-milf-members-atsibilyang-nasawi-sa-mamasapano-naglabas-ng-hinanakit

Bangsamoro Ngayon: Tinig ng Kapayapaan (Bangsamoro Today: Voices for Peace)

Radio Program of Kutawato Multimedia Network (KuMuNet) DXMS 882
www.ustream.tv/channel/dxms882

PRINT and ON LINE

12 February 2015

Mamasapano women, children caught in crossfire still suffering

ABS CBN News
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/12/15/mamasapano-women-children-caughtcrossfire-still-suffering

Residents of Tukanalipao fear ammos left behind

ABS CBN News
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/02/12/15/residents-tukanalipao-fear-ammos-leftbehind

Caught in the crossfire, Mamasapano folk call for peace

GMA News
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/433930/news/nation/caught-in-the-crossfiremamasapano-folk-call-for-peace

Women also victims of Mamasapano massacre

Manila Times
http://www.manilatimes.net/women-also-victims-of-mamasapano-massacre/162640/

Affected Mamasapano civilians also have their stories to tell Mindanao women leaders call on
media, government
http://www.oxfamblogs.org/philippines/affected-mamasapano-civilians-also-have-their-stories-totell-mindanao-women-leaders-call-on-media-government.htm

13 February 2015

Widows of slain Moro rebels, civilians air grief, anger in listening session
Mindanews
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/02/13/widows-of-slain-moro-rebels-civilians-air-griefanger-in-listening-session/

The Front Lines of Mamasapano

Rappler

http://www.rappler.com/nation/83811-front-lines-mamasapano

The Widow of Mamasapano

Rappler
http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/83716-mamasapano-widow-bangsamoro

'We want Peace' says the mother of Mamasapano

Sunstar
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2015/02/13/valle-we-want-peace-says-mothermamasapano-392084

Widows of slain rebels, civilians in Mamasapano carnage speak up

Notre Dame Broadcasting Corporation
http://www.ndbcnews.com.ph/news/widows-of-slain-rebels-civilians-in-mamasapano-carnage-speakup

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters challenge Aquino, lawmakers in war if BBL not passed
Asian Journal
http://asianjournal.com/news/bangsamoro-islamic-freedom-fighters-challenge-aquino-lawmakers-inwar-if-bbl-not-passed/

14 February 2015

Usman wounded, still hiding in Maguindanao

Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com:8080/headlines/2015/02/14/1423536/usman-wounded-still-hidingmaguindanao

Mamasapano Clash: Civilian Victims Cry for Help, Peace

Mindanao Cross
http://balitapinoy.net/clients/balitapinoy/14FEB14.pdf

15 February 2015

Blood-soaked town cries for peace

Philippine Daily Inquirer (also appeared on page A18 of PDI)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/672971/blood-soaked-town-cries-for-peace

A billion times to celebrate heart's day

Sunstar Davao
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2015/02/15/valle-billion-times-celebrate-hearts-day392275

16 February 2015

Between friends: Tingog Mamasapano and the peace process

Zamboanga Times
http://www.zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/opinions/14120--between-friends-tingogmamasapano-and-the-peace-process.html

Kids speak out: Grade-school children from Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano have these messages
to the world
http://www.oxfamblogs.org/philippines/kids-speak-out-grade-school-children-from-brgytukanalipao-mamasapano-have-these-messages-to-the-world.htm

18 February 2015

The Mourners of Mamasapano

Rappler
http://www.rappler.com/nation/mourners-mamasapano-milf-saf

20 February 2015
After Mamasapano, children of Tukanalipao wish to end war, continue schooling
InterAksyon
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/105491/after-mamasapano-children-of-tukanalipao-wish-toend-war-continue-schooling
Caught Within the Crossfire
https://www.tumblr.com/search/raffy%20tima

Mission Statement
Tingog Mamasapano
A CALL FOR ALL-OUT PEACE
Echoing the Voices from the Affected Communities
We, participants of the solidarity and listening mission Tingog Mamasapano, went to Barangay Tukanalipao of
Mamasapano, Maguindanao on February 11 to surface the unheard voices of civilians caught in the crossfire of
the Jan. 25 clash between Moro rebels and troops belonging to the Philippine National Polices Special Action
Force (PNP-SAF).
We especially listened to women and children who are particularly vulnerable to situations of violence and
conflict.
Per report of our mission partner, United Youth of the Philippines-Women (Unyphil-Women), more than a
thousand families have been displaced by the recent outbreak of hostilities between government forces and
Moro rebels.
Such number is just a trickle compared to previous experiences of massive displacements. But this recent bout
with evacuation due to armed hostilities has shaken the communitys confidence on the promise of a peaceful
and prosperous future ahead of them; a promise underpinned by the peace process between government and
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
This is saddening given that Barangay Tukanalipao and its neighboring villages have come a long way in rising
from the ashes of a yearlong war that began August 2008 because of the aborted Moro homeland deal, and
other previous wars fought to advance the idea of Moro self-determination.
Today, three weeks after the tragic incident, there is still pervading unease and uncertainty among the
Mamasapano folks. This feeling of unease and uncertainly is reinforced by the dominance in the public
discourse of voices wanting more blood, which has fed into the national agenda-setting exercise a war-slanted
frame.
Unease and uncertainty are further aggravated by the macho declarations of national legislators whom the
Mamasapano folks said they expected to help clarify to them the unfortunate incident rather than inflame the
situation with their demagoguery.
We therefore understood why many families still refused to permanently relocate back to their homes,
especially those living in the interior parts of Tukanalipao village. Adding to their worries is the sighting of
materials believed to be unexploded ordnance in their farms and backyards.
In our intent conversations with community folks, we gathered various tales of human rights violations
allegedly committed at the height of the skirmishes. One is the account about at least ten families who were
held at gunpoint by the police commandos for some 10 hours. Accordingly, they were not allowed to even
cook food throughout the entire ordeal.
Another tragic tale is that of Sarah Lawani, 20, who lost his husband, 23-year old Badrudin Langalan due to the
hostilities. According to Sarah, Badrudin set out to graze their carabao early morning of Jan. 25, planning to

also drop by the village market to charge his phone. He was not seen until the next day. When found, Badrudin
lay dead in the fields, hogtied, and his body bore marks of torture. The backpack that Badrudin carried with
him was also lost.
We therefore ask the PNP leadership, the Commission on Human Rights, and other agencieswhether
government or nongovernmentmandated to promote and protect human rights, to look into these
disturbing tales. Those responsible must be held to account.
We are at a crucial crossroad in our countrys history. In times like this, we need more circumspect and sober
thinking, not a visceral response that unduly panders on the grief of the families of the victims.
We have come afar in our shared journey to peace in Mindanao, and have learned enough lessons in our quest
to exorcise the ghost of a bloody past. Today, we are emboldened to affirm the essence of our work as peace
advocates.
Echoing the voices of the Mamasapano folks, we say that at no other times is the call for out-out peace as
needed and timely. Let us persevere in beating the drums of peace and tirelessly trumpet hope for Mindanao
and the rest of the country.

SOME SELECTED STORIES FROM THE PARTICIPANTS OF TINGOG MAMASAPANO

From Peace Builders Community, Inc.

From PBCI

They, too, call out for peace. #tingogMamasapano #alloutpeace #PeaceTayo

A story of a widow, a mother and a civilian caught in the crossfire.
The day before the incident happened, it was just a normal day for Babu Pokan a widow and a mother to five.
Babu was weaving ikam (mats) since she stopped working at the farm three years ago. Her body could not do
it anymore. She sells the single mat for 30 pesos in their market. No hint or feeling that something is going to
happen as what she had told us.
At the early dawn of January 25, 2015, she was sleeping when she suddenly heard firing. She wasnt certain
what time it was, but she said that it was early in the morning and people were still sleeping. Fear immediately
clouded in her and she instinctively packed her belongings. With all the adrenalin rushing in her, she was able
to lift heavy things. She couldnt imagine capable of doing that on a normal setting. Together with her 2
children, they rushed outside their house. With nowhere to go, they just stayed and fell asleep along the
highway. Babu Pokan said they werent able to eat up until noon. They didnt know what to do because they
didnt have any clue what just happened. They were all afraid, hungry and disoriented. This was the worst
thing that ever happened in Tukanalipao according to her. :
They were able to go home at around night time. Since the incident, it has been a sleepless and fearful night
for them. Many times, with just small sounds or a sound of a vehicle coming they would wake up easily and
feel afraid.
It has been 17 days and their lives have not been back to normal. When she tries to weave again for her to sell
and to support her family, she couldnt do it. Her hands are still shaking from what happened. She showed us
her old and wrinkled hands. During the interview, she kept on glancing around and looked so anxious. She told
us if she hears some blasting whether shes just imagining or not, it makes her stomach churn.
Babu Pokan said nobody wanted that to happen. Herself, her family and everybody in the community
especially the children, want peace. The incident cost so much of their livelihood and brought so much pain
and fear.

10

Dala taw a dili malilini sa kalilintad na enged. Nya ta bon kapangilay na kalilintad no dalpa (Everybody
wants peace. We want to seek peace here in our community) - Babu Pokan Panga, 48.

From Peace Builders Community, Inc.

From PBCI

They, too, need healing. This is a story of a 20 year-old widow.#TingogMamasapano #AllOutPeace #PeaceTayo
Sara Lawani-Langalen and her husband Badrudin Langalen were getting ready for harvest season. They were
living peacefully in Mamasapano with farming as their main livelihood.
On the early hours of January 25, after the morning prayers, Badrudin decided to go the market to charge his
cell phone. For the harvesting season, they temporarily stayed in a hut near the cornfields. They have no
electricity there. So after tending their carabao, with his bag containing his cell phone and flashlight, he took
off towards the market where power is available. He was on his bicycle.
When she first heard the gunshots, Sarah thought of only one thing- the safety of her daughters. She cleared
the hut with both her one year old and three year old daughter and hastily ran to the docking site of the river
boats. Her grandmother was thankfully already there and together, they walked along the river to reach a
safer place. Some soldiers riding a boat saw them and asked them why they are still there and tried to stop
them from leaving. They did not listen and escaped anyway. They wouldn't dare think what would have
happened if they stayed. They left early in the morning, but were only able to reach the safe houses by noon.
Around that time, Sara believed that her husband also got to a safe place since he was already on his way to
the market. He would have gotten to the evacuation areas faster riding his bike. But evening came and her
husbands absence is still apparent. Her doubts were turning into anxiety as she contacted his parents and the
people who may have known his whereabouts. Still, her husband was nowhere to be found.
It was in the morning of January 26 when Saras mother broke the news. Her husband was dead. His corpse
was retrieved among the bodies of the SAF soldiers. He was found mutilated, his arms bound behind him with

11

plastic cords. His face was unrecognizable. They confirmed his identity because of the blue long-sleeved blouse
and the black shorts he was wearing when he was last seen. Only his bicycle was retrieved among all of his
belongings. His own cousins buried him. Sara was not there for the burial rites. She only saw the marker where
her husbands body was buried. Seeing his grave, it struck her- she was left a widow at the age of 20.
The pain she felt was unbearable. Badrudin was innocent. He just a civilian. He had nothing to do with the
encounter. But why did they still kill him? She could not understand why he was slain like an animal. She could
not imagine herself raising her two daughters alone. She could not even begin to process how they are going
to survive in the future with her husband gone. In her whole life living in Mamasapano, she had never
experienced something as worse as that ordeal. Their peaceful life has been disturbed.
Saras parents are now supporting and helping her raise her daughters. There was government aid amounting
to Php 50,000 , but for Sarah it felt like it was some kind of compensation for her husbands life. No amount of
money could take him back. But it could help them start up their livelihood and pay his husbands debts.
According to their culture, the soul could not rest when debts are left unpaid. She made sure her husband
could rest peacefully.
Her 3 year old daughter, Sadia, is now aware of the absence of her father. The SAF soldiers killed him. Hearing
the term soldier from grown-ups would cause her to fuss or to pinch the person who uttered the word.
Seeing her fathers bicycle without his presence would send her in a bout of tears, her cries calling out for him.
At the raw of age 3, as she is learning her first ABCs and 123s, she is also learning of war, death and pain.
When we asked Sara about her hope for the future, she expressed how she felt helpless, not knowing what to
do or think. Her mind was blank. Only the memory of pain dominated her being. She was still in deep
mourning. For her it may be unbearable, but prayer had been her solace- her source of strength. Prayer has
kept her on her feet. What she prays for is for the experience to never happen again, for healing, and
especially for truth and peace to prevail.

From Memen Lauzon of WE Act 1325

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE
Totoy bilisan mo, bilisan mo ang takbo
Ilagan ang mga balang nakatutok sa ulo mo
Totoy tumalon ka, dumapa kung kailangan
At baka tamaan ka ng mga balang ligaw
Totoy makinig ka, wag kang magpa-gabi
Baka mapagkamalan ka't humandusay diyan sa
tabi
Totoy alam mo ba kung ano ang puno't dulo
Ng di matapos-tapos na kaguluhang ito
-

Tatsulok by Buklod
Fatima Allian of Nisa Ul Haqq Fi Bangsamoro and Memen Lauzon of
WE Act 1325 during Tingog Mamasapano. 11 Feb 2015

The preceding quote from lyrics (of a popular OPM) might as well provide an unheard-of but telling account of
what also transpired in Mamasapano. The real situation that befell the civilians came to be vivid in my mind
with the stories told by the women in Mamasapano during a Solidarity and Listening Mission on February 11,
2015.

12

Consider this scenario...

It was early in the morning while the sky was still dark, Badrudin told his wife Sara that he was heading to the
market to have his mobile phone charged and attend to their cow. Shortly thereafter she heard the shooting
and intense fire fight which led her to scamper to safety taking her two small children with her. The day came
to end without him ever returning home. It was later learned that he was one of those killed along with the
SAF commandos at the dreaded cornfield. Stories went around that on his way out he must have seen the
armed SAF, was accosted and brought along to the cornfield either to serve as a guide or to be prevented from
alerting others in the community about the presence of the SAF. Community members who have buried him
reported that his hands were tied at the back with a plastic cable tie.
It was obvious that Badrudin was a victim of the armed conflict. What the man suffered was not a mere case of
one getting caught in the crossfire. A clear violation of human rights was committed against him. That her
husband was a civilian was what Sara insisted. When he left home that early dawn of January 25, he was
unarmed carrying only a backpack with a flashlight. With what happened there was no way that his human
rights as a civilian was protected and upheld.
And then this...
A grandmother taking care of her eight grandchildren woke up early morning finding their community
surrounded by armed men, who turned out to be police forces conducting operations to arrest terrorists
hiding in nearby area. They were held at gunpoint, prevented from leaving the place. No amount of pleading
worked for them to be allowed to evacuate. The children were hungry but were not allowed to eat while the
SAF forces took all their 18 chickens and roasted them for their own meals that day. They were held until an
order came from higher officials past five in the afternoon for them to run for safety to a nearby barangay
center. The grandmothers right foot is swollen for two weeks as she tripped while running for ones life along
with her children and grandchildren with the youngest a three-year-old. One grandchild who endured
abdominal pains and diarrhea is yet to fully recover. Her family remains displaced to this day along with nine
other households who left for the evacuation area on January 25. Her husband returned to their house the
following day of the incident to find out it was in shambles with missing kitchen utensils he wishes that could
still be retrieved. She said their neighbors managed to go home to their place during the day and be back
before night time at the evacuation area. But in her case, they cannot go back as there are no longer vegetable
farm and animals to tend; her husband tries to eke out a living with a motorbike whenever theres chance
(Nag-e-extra sa motor).
Consider this too...
After hours of intense exchange of fire, it was finally quiet and a mother thought the fighting had stopped. In
the morning, she asked his 15-year-old son to check on their cow out in the field. The son was shot and
wounded and was brought to the hospital with a bullet taken from his side. Tinamaan ng ligaw na bala, so
people said. As his son waits to recover, his mother struggles from the pain of seeing her son having difficulty
moving about and aching from the wound. She wants all the violence in their community to stop. All she is
appealing for is peace - in their minds, in their hearts and in their community.
Under the International Humanitarian Law or the Law of Armed Conflict, rights of civilian population must be
protected at all times. The Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to
the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts (Protocol II), 8 June 1977, states in Part II
Humane Treatment, Article 4 Fundamental Guarantees:

13

1.

All persons who do not take a direct part or who have ceased to take part in hostilities, whether or
not their liberty has been restricted, are entitled to respect for their person, honour and convictions
and religious practices. They shall in all circumstances be treated humanely, without any adverse
distinction. It is prohibited to order that there shall be no survivors.

2.

Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the following acts against the persons referred
to in paragraph 1 are and shall remain prohibited at any time and in any place whatsoever:

(a) violence to the life, health and physical or mental well-being of persons, in particular murder as
well as cruel treatment such as torture, mutilation or any form of corporal punishment;
(b) collective punishments;
(c) taking of hostages;
(d) acts of terrorism;
(e) outrages upon personal dignity, in particular humiliating and degrading treatment, rape, enforced
prostitution and any form or indecent assault;
(f) slavery and the slave trade in all their forms;
(g) pillage;
(h) threats to commit any or the foregoing acts.
Further, Part IV Civilian Population, Article 13 on Protection of the civilian population:
1.

2.

3.

The civilian population and individual civilians shall enjoy general protection against the dangers
arising from military operations. To give effect to this protection, the following rules shall be
observed in all circumstances.
The civilian population as such, as well as individual civilians, shall not be the object of attack. Acts
or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian
population are prohibited.
Civilians shall enjoy the protection afforded by this part, unless and for such time as they take a direct
part in hostilities.

Republic Act 9851 which is the Philippines domestic International Humanitarian Law, states in Chapter III
Crimes against IHL, genocide and other crimes against humanity, Section 4 (b) In case of a non-international
armed conflict, serious violations of common Article 3 to the four (4) Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949,
namely, any of the following acts committed against persons taking no active part in the hostilities, including
member of the armed forces who have laid down their arms and those placed hors de combat by sickness,
wounds, detention or any other cause;
(1) Violence to life and person, in particular, wilful killings, mutilation, cruel treatment and torture;
(2) Committing outrages upon personal dignity, in particular, humiliating and degrading treatment;
(3) Taking of hostages; and
(4) The passing of sentences and the carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by a
regularly constituted court, affording all judicial guarantees which are generally recognized as indispensable.
No matter how the rules of war are observed, war is and will always be violent. War will always lead to
collateral damage. War will always affect the lives of civilians. War will always have civilians for casualties. War
is not the solution.

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The stories above are not scenes in a war movie. The stories are real and culled from first-account narratives of
those who live in and are confronted with the difficulties of armed conflict for so many generations.
What right have we to judge and label them with our own prejudices and biases displacing rational thinking?
What right have we to promote hatred and animosity against a population who have lived and coped with the
violence of the gun and the armed conflict it entails?
What right have we to condemn them and prejudge them to be guilty of harbouring criminals or terrorists?
On this I wish to directly quote one of the women in Mamasapano:
Lahat kami ay nabulabog nang makita namin ang maraming armadong pulis noong umagang yon. Hindi
namin alam na mag-aaresto pala ng mga terorista, hindi namin alam na nandoon si Marwan at Usman,
nakilala lang namin sila sa TV. Wala kaming kinalaman sa kanila. Kung alam namin na nandun sila hindi kami
papayag.

From Manuel Domes of Forum ZfD

Why not hold a Senate Hearing in #Mamasapano? Have them listen to the story of the twenty year old widow
and mother of two who doesn't know how her family will make it after her husband, a farmer, was killed on
January 25. Or to the family with a kid of three years who were held at gunpoint without food for ten hours. Or
to those who can't return to their livelihoods because their livestock was killed and their lands and waters are
tainted by corpses. Or to the woman who doesn't want to be interviewed anymore because she feels that no
one outside writes about the civilian casualties. Or to those who still hope for peace and feel they would be
doubly injured if the deaths in Mamasapano would also spell the death of the peace process. #venting

From Noraisa Abdulatip of CBCS

Si Sarah ay ipinanganak noong 1995 sa
Mamasapano, siya ay 20 years old at asawa ni
Badrudin Langalan (ang hinostage at walang awang
pinatay ng SAF)ang pangunahing pangkabuhayan
nilang mag asawa ay farming may dalawa silang
anak na babae , si Sadia ay 3 taong gulang at si
Samira ay 1 taong gulang.
January 25 ng madaling umaga ayon sa
pagkakwento ni Sarah, nag paalam ang kanyang
asawa pagkatapos niyang mag pray ng Subuh
(around 5a.m prayer) pupunta daw siya muna sa
market site para mag charge ng kanyang celpon at
Photo of Sara Lawani by CBCS
the same time ililipat nya ang kanilang kalabaw sa
pagkakatali. sinabihan ni Sarah ang kanyang asawa
ng sandali ka lng umalis ang kanyang asawa sakay ng kanyang bisikleta at dala dala ang bagpack na may
lamang, celpon, flashlight . Dipa nakakaalis ang kanyang asawa nakakarinig na sila ng putukan.
Nang makaalis ang kanyang asawa mayat maya lang nakarinig na siya ng sunod sunod na putukan. Habang
pinapakain ang kanyang bunsong anak nagsimula na siya mangamba dahilan sa walang tigil na putukan na
naririnig. Pilit niyang sinasabi sa kaniyang sarili na sa mga oras na iyon ay ang kanyang asawa ay nasa palengke
na at nakakapag charge na, ni hindi sumagi sa isip niya na may nangyari sa kaniyang asawa.

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kasagsagan ng putukan umalis ang mag ina sapagkat nagsisipagtakbohan na ang mga kapitbahay nila. mataas
na ang araw nagtago ang mag ina sa may liguan ng karabaw hanggang sa umabot sila sa may tabing ilog
kasama na niya ang lola nya..
Sa tabing ilog na iyon nandoon daw ang mga SAF habang pinapainum ng tubig ang bunsong anak ng may
dumating na ampibyan ng sundalo at sinabihan sila bakit hindi pa daw sila lumalabas sa lugar na iyon, ayon
kay sarah sinubukan siyang pigilan ng dalawang sundalo na wag umalis mabilis pa rin sila umalis kasama ang
kaniyang lola. nang makahanap sila ng masisilongan at nakapag palipas ng isang gabi at hindi pa rin
dumarating ang kanyang asawa,nag alala na siya,ni hindi pa daw makontak ang kanyang asawa sa phone.
Jan 26, 2015
Tumawag si sarah sa kaniyang ina at tinanong kung nandoon ba ang kaniyang asawa dahil hindi pa nga daw
nakakauwi,at nalaman na lang niya na sabi ng kanyang ina na ang kanyang asawa ay patay na daw,nang
marinig niya iyon sa kaniyang ina,agad agad silang pumunta sa nanay at hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala na
patay na nga ang kaniyang asawa,sinundo sila sa malapit sa maganoy at pag dating nila bali balita na, ang
kanyang asawa ay patay na,base sa kwento sa kaniya ay nakadapa daw ang asawa at nakatali ang dalawang
kamay sa likod.
Iyak siya ng iyak sa sinapit ng kanyang asawa dahil hindi na nya inaasahan ang sinapit ng kanyang
maybahay,tanong niya bakit ang asawa nya pa?Ayon kay sarah paano niya bubuhayin ang kanilang dalawang
anak,na malilit pa,at masakit sa kaniya hindi man lang niya nakita ang asawa niya maliban sa kanyang puntod
lamang. Ayon sa mga kwento ng mga saksi at ang maging mga kamag anak nila natagpuan ang kanyang asawa
na patay na at kasama siya natagpuan sa mga bangkay ng mga SAF na namatay,nakilala lang daw at naniwala
na siya na kasama ang kanyang asawa doon sa mga namatay dahil sa bisikletang natagpuan,damit na
longsleeve kulay blue at short na itim na naibalik sa kaniya,maliban sa bagpack na hindi na nakita, kinompirma
ni sarah na kasama ang asawa niya.
After 3 days of the incident bago siya pinabalik sa kanilang bahay,ngunit hindi na rin sila doon nagtagal dahil
kinupkop sya ng kanyang magulang,ayon sa salaysay ni sarah,nagka trauma ang panganay nilang anak,ayaw
daw niya bumalik doon dahil baka daw patayin sila ng sundalo.
Alam ng panganay na ang kaniyang tatay ay patay na at sundalo ang pumatay,si sadia 3 years old
masayahin,madaldal.ngunit nagbago ang makulay na buhay ni sadia ng mawala ang kanyang ama,nagiging
tahimik,madaling magalit at nagagalit kapag naririnig niya na piatay ang kaniyang ama ng mga sundaloayon
sa kaniyang ina nangungurot na daw ito at mailap na sa mga tao, na para bang may sariling mundo.
Kamakailan lang may nagpaabot ng pera kay sarah,halagang 25,000 tinanong niya ito kung para saan ang
pera?hindi naman kasi matutumbasan ng pera ang pagkamatay ng kaniyang asawa, ang sabi nang mamang
nagbigay sa kaniya ng pera bigay ni mayor yan para sa pangkabuhayan na sana makatulong sa pang araw araw
na gastusin,meron din daw nag rerelief ng bigas,at nakatanggap daw siya uli ng 25k at ang
Sabi sa kaniya galling daw kay Gov. Hataman..
50k ang perang natanggap niya tinanong ko siya kung ano ginawa niya sa 50k ang sabi ni sarah ibinayad nya sa
utang nila sapagkat may mga kaugalian sa muslim na hindi maganda kapag namatay ka maraming utang,kaya
ibinayad nya sa mga utang nila para hindi na pasanin ng kaniyang asawa.may natirang kaunti sa pera at
pinambili sa mga kelangan ng mga anak nila.
Sa salaysay ni Sarah,nakakapagod na rin ang paulit ulit na pag iinterview sa kanila,wala naman daw lumalabas
sa media,hindi nila naririnig sa radio o nakikita sa t.v ang mga isinalaysay nilang paghihinagpis at hinihinging
hustisya para sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na namatay.ayon kay sarah tanging ang nagpapalakas sa kanya
ay ang kanyang dalawang anak at pag pray.
Masakit pa rin ang kanyang nararamdaman,naghahalo ang lungkot at pag aalala sa sinapit nila,paano niya
bubuhayin ang kanilang dalawang anak na babae gayon pati ang kanilang pangunahing hanapbuhay ay
apektado na rin,kasalukuyan silang nakatira sa kanyang magulang ang inaasahan nila sa pang araw araw ay

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relief goods na ngayon ngunit nahinto na rin ang pagsusuplay, at kaunting pera na natira doon sa binigay ng
mayor at ni Gov. hataman.
Ang pangunahing hinihingi nila ay hustisya. Sana hindi na maulit ang pangyayaring ito sapagkat masakit para sa
knila ang mawalan ng mahal sa buhay. pati ang kanilang pangunahing pangkabuhayan ay apektado, na tanging
pagfafarm lng pinagkukunan nila.

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