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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Honor thy heroes: Acorda says PH heroes' sacrifices threatened amid Mindanao secession calls

Honor thy heroes: Acorda says PH heroes' sacrifices threatened amid Mindanao secession calls

Published Feb 5, 2024 08:15 am

All the blood that was shed and all the lives that were lost in the fight for the Philippines to be an independent country over the years will all come to naught if the idea of Mindanao secession is even entertained, a top police official said on Monday, Feb. 5.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. explained that the Philippines that Filipinos now know of is a product of the hard work and sacrifices of Filipinos as early as the Spanish period, including the lives of a number of Filipino heroes and those who fought for the country’s independence.

“Based on the history of our country, there was a lot of blood and lives that were sacrificed in coming out with what we now call the Philippines. And they are all defined through our Constitution, including territory and sovereignty,” said Acorda.

“So, it’s not good that after all these sacrifices of our heroes and other countrymen, and now that we are enjoying peace will be for nothing,” he added.

Acorda was reacting to the moves calling for the secession of Mindanao amid the political bickering of popular leaders.

He said he himself saw for himself the sacrifices of soldiers and policemen to keep the country intact when he was still a lieutenant assigned in Mindanao. 

He was referring to the moves in the past to declare at least the western part of Mindanao as an independent state through the rebellion initiated by the Moro National Liberation Front that started in 1977.

The rebellion was carried out by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front until a final peace agreement was initiated during the time of President Noynoy Aquino and was later signed in the past administration.

“When we were young lieutenants, we had our own share in fighting the secessionist movement because traditionally and historically, the PNP is part of the efforts to maintain peace and order in the country and in keeping the country solid and one,” said Acorda.

“With this, I am very confident that the PNP is 100 percent against it (Mindanao secession) and we stand united and will be firm to maintain what is embodied in the Constitution,” he added.

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