‘RESOLUTE FORCE’ | Government ready to use authority to stop secession moves, says NSA

February 5, 2024 , 01:20 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(February 5, 2024) – Amid the plan of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies to separate Mindanao from the Philippines, the National Security Council (NSC) on Sunday said the government will use its forces to stop any such attempt that will divide the country.

In a statement, national security adviser Eduardo Año said the proposal to turn Mindanao into a separate nation will “undermine our collective progress and prosperity.”

“The national government 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,” said Año, vowing to secure sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He doubled down on the need to build on the progress achieved for the peace and development of Mindanao. He also stressed that any secession would go against the 1987 Constitution.

“It is essential to approach discussion about its (Mindanao’s) development and autonomy within the framework of national unity, solidarity, and supremacy of the Constitution. The diversity of our nation is a source of strength and our differences should be celebrated within the context of our common identity as Filipino citizens,” said Año.

Duterte brought up the plan to establish a “Mindanao Republic” by breaking away from the Philippines. According to his allies, they will launch a signature campaign and an information drive to convince Mindanaoans to support the move.

Governors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) issued a statement reiterating their push for the “full-scale development” of the region through continued collaboration with the national government.

“We emphatically call upon everyone to maintain an unwavering focus and unity in safeguarding the hard-earned gains of peace, recognizing their indispensable role in driving economic development. Distractions are not an option, as the foundational elements for peace and prosperity are firmly established,” read the statement.

The leaders of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao del Sur also expressed their support for a “united Philippines” under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.

“Mindanao’s concerns should be resolved without pursuing secession,” said Sultan Kudarat Gov. Pax Ali Mangudadatu. “It would disrupt the interconnected productivity of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao that has long sustained our national economy and risk fracturing the foundation of our unity and national stability.”

Duterte, who’s always proud of hailing from Mindanao, issued his call for secession after expressing his opposition to the moves to amend the 1987 Constitution through a people’s initiative. Beyond the issue of charter change, he also issued personal attacks against Marcos, including calling the chief executive a “drug addict.”

Some legal experts like former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Domingo Cayosa already stressed that Duterte’s plan to secede is “practically impossible.”

(PM)

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