National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año issued a stern warning to those advocating for the secession of Mindanao from the Philippines, stating that the government will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to quell any attempts to dismember the Republic. This comes in response to recent calls for the separation of Mindanao from the rest of the country.
Año emphasized the importance of national unity, security, and stability in his statement. He reminded Filipinos that dividing the country would undermine the collective progress and prosperity that has been achieved. He stressed that the strength of the nation lies in its unity and that any attempt to sow division must be unequivocally rejected by all sectors.
The NSA highlighted that suggestions of secession not only go against the Constitution but also pose a threat to the hard-won gains of peace and development, particularly in Mindanao. He emphasized the significance of safeguarding the comprehensive peace process, which brought an end to decades-old armed conflict in the region.
Año made it clear that the government would respond with resolute force to any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines. The sovereignty and integrity of the national territory are of utmost importance and will be protected at all costs.
While acknowledging the richness of Mindanao’s natural resources and culture, Año emphasized the need to approach discussions about its development and autonomy within the framework of national unity, solidarity, and the supremacy of the Constitution. The diversity of the nation is a source of strength, and differences should be celebrated within the context of the common identity as Filipino citizens.
Recently, former president Rodrigo Duterte suggested the idea of separating Mindanao from the rest of the country, a proposal supported by Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez. However, this idea has been met with rejection from many lawmakers and leaders in Mindanao.
Maguindanao del Sur Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu expressed that secession is not the solution to the region’s problems. She emphasized that unity leads to peace, development, and prosperity, while division results in instability, underdevelopment, and disorder. She affirmed that secession denies the people their rights as embodied by the Constitution and compromises efforts to build a stronger nation.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu also rejected calls for secession and reiterated his commitment to democracy, inclusivity, and justice in Mindanao. He emphasized that the region’s concerns should be addressed without pursuing secession, as it would infringe upon the fundamental doctrines of the Constitution. He warned that division would disrupt the interconnected productivity of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which has long sustained the national economy, and risk fracturing the foundation of unity and national stability.
In conclusion, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año’s warning against calls for secession in Mindanao emphasizes the importance of national unity, security, and stability. The government is committed to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory and will respond with resolute force to any attempts to divide the country. It is crucial to approach discussions about Mindanao’s development and autonomy within the framework of national unity and the supremacy of the Constitution. The rejection of secession by lawmakers and leaders in Mindanao underscores the belief that unity is essential for peace, progress, and prosperity in the region.
Source: The Manila Times
