For truth, justice, and peace
for the departed. I prayed to our Creator to not let blood ever flow again in the area.
My Mamasapano visit was no mere coincidence.
Last week, actor-producer-singer Cesar Montano called me and asked if I would like to join him in a concert titled, “Truth, Justice, Peace,” happening on Friday night in Cotabato City. He explained to me how Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao ( ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman himself arranged the concert to boost the morale of Muslims in the area whom he said were suffering from constant bashing following the bloody incident.
I was hesitant at first, worried about the peace and order situation in the area. But Cesar’s words on the other line resonated with me. He told me, “Giselle, our attendance can promote peace. It will bring a message to all the Filipinos that war is not the answer. We cannot right a wrong with another wrong. Ipakita natin na hindi tayo papayag sa laban na ngipin sa ngipin.”
So, with the blessing of my husband and children, I flew to Cotabato.
The concert turned out to be a success. Personally, I was surprised to see that the place is peaceful. More, it was beautiful. The people were quite friendly, too, particularly the children who flocked to us when we went to Mamasapano.
I overheard some of them talking to Governor Mujiv, saying, “All 13 of our schools closed and we are all being asked to evacuate Mamasapano. When can we start studying again? When can we start playing outside our homes again without fear of being shot?”
Being there and doing what little I could was my way of paying homage to the Fallen 44.