Women in ARMM are said to be respected and placed in high regard.  That is why women, together with journalists and lawyers, in their courage and trust in the democratic process, braved the way towards the filing of the CoC.  The massacred women, journalists and lawyers are heroes.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) strongly condemns the senseless killing and sexual violence inflicted on women, journalists and lawyers in the Maguindanao massacre.  Such violence does not have a place in our society.

"That this dastardly act, unparalled in recent history, occurred a few days before the start of the annual 18-day campaign to end violence against women on November 25-December 12, demonstrates with impunity, the perpetrators’ utmost disregard for the human rights of women and civilians, enshrined in many international human rights treaties that the Philippines has committed to," PCW Chair Myrna T Yao declared.

This brutal and barbaric massacre of defenseless women is incomprehensible, alarming, shocking and disturbing! It is clearly a violation of the newly enacted the Magna Carta of Women or  RA 9710.

Section 9 (b) of the law states that, "Women shall have the right to protection and security in situations of armed conflict and militarization. Towards this end, they shall be protected from all forms of gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual abuse, and all forms of violence in situations of armed conflict. The State shall observe international standards for the protection of civilian population in circumstances of emergency and armed conflict… "

Also under the Magna Carta of Women, Sec 29 on Peace and Development also states that the peace process should institute measures to ensure the protection of civilians in conflict-affected communities with special consideration for the specific needs of women and girls.

This brutal murder of women has defied all these.  The Commission on Human Rights can exercise its mandate as the Gender Ombud, sharpening the investigation with a perspective that upholds the dignity of women.

The PCW strongly calls for bringing the perpetrators to justice and be accountable for this heinous crime.

To realize the  theme of the 18-day Campaign to end VAW, the PCW calls everyone to  Commit: We are all Responsible. Act: We can make a Difference. Demand: We are all Accountable.  We can end Violence against Women.