MANILA. In response to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s threats to separate certain southern islands from the Philippines, a security official stated on Sunday that the Philippine government is prepared to employ “authority and forces” to thwart any attempts to divide the nation.
Duterte’s call for the independence of Mindanao, his hometown, from the Philippines comes as his alliance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr unraveled this week due to disagreements over constitutional amendments. While Marcos argued that amending the 1987 constitution aimed to facilitate foreign investments, Duterte accused him of using constitutional changes to prolong his stay in power.
National security adviser Eduardo Ano issued a statement asserting that any secession attempt, particularly the “recent calls to separate Mindanao,” would face decisive government action. While not explicitly naming Duterte, Ano emphasized that the national government would not hesitate to use its authority and forces to prevent any efforts to dismember the Republic.
Ano highlighted that secessionist movements could jeopardize the gains made through the government’s peace deal with former separatist groups. Mindanao has long been plagued by violence and conflict as the government grappled with insurgents and extremists, hindering investments and leaving many communities in poverty.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the region’s largest rebel group, signed a peace agreement with the Philippine government in 2014, relinquishing their quest for independence in exchange for increased autonomy in the Bangsamoro, a Muslim region.
Bangsamoro chief minister Ahod Ebrahim affirmed his commitment to the peace agreement, while government peace process adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. urged Filipinos to reject any calls to destabilize the country.
Philippine armed forces chief Romeo Brawner, addressing soldiers on Saturday, emphasized the need to “remain united and loyal to the constitution and the chain of command.”
(With inputs from agencies)
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
