omen Engaged in Action on 1325 WE Act 1325 ‘Women Say: Pursue the BBL Initiative to Its Conclusion! Last Sunday's bloody encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao was unfortunate considering the number of lives lost as well as the stage in which the Bangsamoro Basic Law process is at the moment. Members of the Women Engaged in Action on 1325 (WE ACT 1325) grieve with the mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts and other kin of the slain. We join others in their call for a thorough and transparent investigation of the case with the participation of members of civil society, and pray that justice will be served. We ask: Was there a deliberate defiance of the ceasefire mechanisms? Who ordered the mission? Under whose authority was it carried out? Although we grieve the loss of lives, we appeal to government officials, specifically our politicians and all peace-loving Filipinos not to hold hostage the GPH-MILF peace process. Let us all stay the course and see through the adoption of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Jogenna Jover from Kutawato Council for Justice and Peace said “we are tired of living in fear here in Maguindanao. Nananawagan ako sa ating mga mambabatas, sa gobyemo at MILF, ituloy natin ang usapang pagkapayapaan. Tama na ang karahasan” We have all invested a lot of time and resousces to get to where we are. The call to discontinue the peace process will only lead to more misery and loss of lives. Let us not allow uninformed and biased viewpoints to negate our gains. Stay the course. Pursue the BBL initiative to its conclusion! No to war! WE Act 1325 Secretariat: Center for Peace Education Miriam College, Quezon City weact1325.org