In the Philippines, the message to human rights defenders is clear: anyone who speaks out could be a target. Within just 10 days this past July, 21 people were killed - community leaders, farmers, church workers, and lawyers - in the province of Negros Oriental. The use of violence is a careful strategy meant to instill a culture of silence and fear. For months, the silence was deafening until a community of local people started to come together. JASS with local groups organized an ecumenical prayer and concert for peace that drew 150 individuals and 19 organizations: young women, mothers, academics, artists, and religious groups. Creating a much-needed space, the gathering built solidarity and common ground – a necessary strategy to confront the violence together. A JASS Southeast Asia tells us more.