COTABATO CITY (December 17) — Bangsamoro Attorney General Atty. Bantuas Lucman stressed that addressing violence against women goes beyond compliance with the law and must be reflected in everyday conduct, especially among public servants.
“The campaign is not just a 18-day observance—it is an everyday stand,” Lucman said, citing the Bangsamoro Government’s Moral Governance Framework alongside national laws such as Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act) and Republic Act 11313 (Safe Spaces Act or “Bawal Bastos Law”).
“As public servants, we have a special duty. If we want a just Bangsamoro, we must uphold justice within our homes. If we want peace, we must end violence in all its forms,” he added.
Lucman also emphasized that the success of the campaign should be measured through real impact rather than symbolism.
“The true measure of our success is a woman saved, a child protected, justice implemented, and a culture changed,” he said.
Faith, culture, and action
The culmination program featured messages of support from key regional officials, discussions on the Islamic perspective on ending violence against women, and recognition of Bangsamoro ministries, offices, and agencies (BMOAs) that actively implemented VAW-related initiatives during the 18-day observance.
Winners of the Frames of Change Short Film Contest were also recognized, highlighting the role of creative advocacy in shifting mindsets and challenging harmful norms.
A year-round commitment
The 18-Day Campaign to End VAW is mandated under Proclamation No. 1172, s. 2006 and is observed annually from November 25 to December 12, led by the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW).
It aims to raise public awareness and mobilize government agencies, communities, and institutions to take coordinated action against gender-based violence.
The Bangsamoro government said its participation reflects its continued alignment with national efforts to protect the human rights of women and girls and its commitment to addressing all forms of violence across the region.
As the campaign ends, officials stressed that the work continues—inside government offices, communities, and homes—toward building a Bangsamoro where women and girls can live free from fear.
