Two former cabinet secretaries who served under former president Rodrigo Duterte strongly opposed his calls to separate Mindanao from the rest of the country, warning the government will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to stop any attempt to dismember the Republic.
In a statement, Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez urged the Filipino people to turn down any call or movement aiming to destabilize the Philippines, especially calls to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines.
Secretary Galvez, who was Duterte’s Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff, said the call for Mindanao secession not only denounces the Constitution but also goes against the principles of a united Philippines, as well as the efforts to put an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.
“As Filipinos, let us therefore continue supporting the Marcos administration’s peace, reconciliation and unity agenda. The dividends of peace are upon us and are now being felt by everyone,” Secretary Galvez said.
“The members of these former revolutionary groups are now playing an active part in nation-building. They are helping the national government promote genuine peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro through inclusive, people-centered moral governance,” he added.
Secretary Galvez emphasized the Philippines cannot afford to go back to the old notion about Mindanao as it is has now become a symbol of hope, mutual understanding and solidarity, and “a shining example that good things come to those who choose the path of peace.”
“We cannot go back to square one. We must learn our lessons from the past and apply these to all aspects of our life as peace-loving citizens. Let us always choose peace and remain united, as it is the only way to move forward as one people and one nation,” he said.
National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo Año, who served Duterte’s Interior secretary, also turned down calls to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines as he warned against actions to sow division among Filipino people.
In a separate statement, Secretary Año said the call for division “only serves to undermine” the collective efforts of the Filipino people towards progress and prosperity.
“In light of recent calls to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines, we underscore the importance of national unity, security and stability,” Secretary Año said.
“We emphasized that calls for division of our country only serve to undermine our collective progress and prosperity. The strength of our country lies in our unity and any attempt to sow division must be rejected by all sectors unequivocally,” he added.
Secretary Año urged the Filipino to uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution, which spouses the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines as he emphasized that any calls for division “threatens to undo the hard-won gains of peace and development, particularly in Mindanao.”
The National Security Adviser also emphasized that the National Security Council (NSC) reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the security, stability and territorial integrity as he called on Filipinos to remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord and division.
He also urged everyone to work together towards a future of peace and prosperity for all.
Secretary Año also emphasized the comprehensive peace process must be vigorously safeguarded and built upon as it brought an end to decades of armed conflict in Mindanao.
He stood firm that “the dividends of peace are now clearly evident in the transformation of the entire Mindanao from a region of volatility and violence to one of progress, stability, hope.”
Amid the call to separate Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines, Secretary Año stressed that the Philippine government will exhaust all legal remedies and will not hesitate to use its “authority and forces to quell and stop any and all attempts to dismember the Republic.”
“Any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory,” Secretary Año said.
“While recognizing the richness of Mindanao’s natural resources and culture, it is essential to approach discussions about its development and autonomy within the framework of national unity, solidarity, and supremacy of the Constitution,” he added.
Secretary Año noted that the diversity of the Philippines is a source of strength, and that differences should be celebrated within the context of common identity as Filipino citizens. PND
