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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mindanao solons call for 'prosecution' vs secession proponents

Mindanao solons call for 'prosecution' vs secession proponents

Published Feb 21, 2024 09:41 am

At A Glance

  • A total of 57 congressmen have signed a manifesto seeking to hold accountable under the full extent of the law individuals who are calling for an independent Mindanao.
  • Under their Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development, the lawmakers strongly rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte's call for a Mindanao secession.

6D877BBD-B598-4744-BC46-88D8D04174E7.jpegLanao del Norte 1st district Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo showing the manifesto during a press conference (Dexter Barro II/MANILA BULLETIN)

A total of 57 congressmen have signed a manifesto seeking to hold accountable under the full extent of the law individuals who are calling for an independent Mindanao.

“We signed the manifesto as one voice, one nation, rejecting all calls for the secession of Mindanao. We will not be a party to an unconstitutional proposal to break the territorial integrity of the Philippines,” said Lanao del Norte 1st district Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, one of the signatories, during a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 21.

“We call for the diligent prosecution of all individuals and entities fostering disunity among our people, blatantly violating our Constitution, and threatening the sovereign integrity of our nation,” the manifesto read.

“Such actions not only undermine our democratic principles, the peace and security of our communities, and the collective welfare of the Filipino people but also betrays our oath of office to support and defend the Constitution, and to bear true faith and allegiance to the same, imposing upon ourselves this solemn obligation voluntarily, without mental reservation and purpose of evasion,” it added.

The representatives from Mindanao underscored the need to safeguard democracy through legal means, as they maintained a firm commitment to the unity of the Philippine Republic.

On Jan. 31, former president Rodrigo Duterte put forward the proposal of using a People’s Initiative (Pi) for the secession of Mindanao.

Although the proposal was met with criticism and rejections from various sectors and national leaders, including President Marcos himself, the former president has found support from his close allies.

Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez has backed Duterte’s call for independence, noting that Mindanao has been “left behind” when it comes to government budgeting.

Under their Unified Manifesto for National Integrity and Development that strongly rejects a Mindanao secession, the congressmen pointed out the region plays a crucial role in the national economy.

No less than President Marcos himself has “prioritized development” in Mindanao to maintain its growth and stability.

“His administration's focus on enhancing infrastructure, agricultural revitalization, and economic empowerment in Mindanao is pivotal. These efforts aim to ensure that progress reaches every corner of Mindanao, contributing to the nation's overall growth and stability,” the manifesto said.

The House members stressed that the challenges facing Mindanao and the entire country demand collective action and shared responsibility, instead of dealing with such issues individually.

“The path to a prosperous Mindanao lies not in secession but in unity, inclusive growth, and the relentless pursuit of peace,” it read.

The manifesto was signed by 53 Mindanao lawmakers, three party-list representatives, and one representative from Visayas.

Related Tags

Mindanao secession prosecution
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