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DOJ opposes secession of any part of PH

Philippines | National

DOJ opposes secession of any part of PH

By Jeffrey Damicog

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday, Feb. 5, declared its strong opposition against secessation to have any part of the country become a separate state.

“The DOJ vehemently opposes calls for the secession of Mindanao or other parts of the country, and stands firmly against any attempts to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the Constitution,” the DOJ said in a statement.

It then urged Filipinos to oppose calls for the secession of any part of the country.

“Our nation's strength lies in unity, and we call upon all Filipinos to reject secessionist ideologies and work together for a strong, united, and undivided Bagong Pilipinas,” it said.

It pointed out that secession has been “ regarded as contrary to the principles of our democratic society, as stated in Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.”

“As the principal law agency of the executive branch, the DOJ remains committed to protecting our sovereignty and upholding the sanctity of the highest law of the land,” it stressed.

The DOJ issued the statement after former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez led calls for a separate and independent Mindanao.

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