MANILA, Philippines - Miss Universe-Philippines 2014 Mary Jean Lastimosa, a native of North Cotabato, shared her thoughts on Sunday’s bloodshed in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
Moro rebels, who have signed a peace agreement, attacked police Special Action Force members on Sunday, killing 44.
The incident was the biggest single-day loss for government forces and may derail the peace process toward the creation of the Bangsamoro region.
Speaking to Philstar.com and other entertainment reporters on Thursday, Mary Jean said: “Peace always starts within you. If these people who’re always taking lives are willing to start peace within themselves, if they’re only willing to accept it, then I think we can have peace.”
She added, “Kasi, we can only fight for peace. Pero if those people are not willing to accept it and practice peace, then this will never end. It’s not gonna be a peaceful place.”
Mary Jean was asked to comment on the incident by members of the press as a native of North Cotabato, a province located in Mindanao.
In previous interviews, the 27-year-old beauty queen has opened up about her childhood, saying she even saw people being killed in front of her in war-torn North Cotabato.
The beauty queen said she only heard about the incident this morning. “I’m really saddened. Sobrang my heart was really broken for the families that lost a family member. I know how hard it is.”
She urged Filipinos to pray for the fallen police personnel and their families.
“Sana, tigilan na natin ito. Kasi hindi nakakatulong e, yung patayan. Sobrang hindi nakakatulong, lalo an sa mga bata na nakakawitness nito,” Mary Jean said. “So, tama na, tama na.”
Mary Jean arrived in the country today after competing in the 63rd Miss Universe pageant last Sunday.
She landed in the competition’s top ten, but failed to make it in the finals.
Paulina Vega of Colombia was crowned the new Miss Universe, succeeding Venezuela’s Gabriella Isler.