Former president Rodrigo Duterte (Malacañang photo)

The proposed secession of Mindanao from the rest of the Philippines will only put to waste the gains of the peace process throughout the years. 

Thus, said Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, another Mindanao solon who believed that it was ill-advised to separate the southern islands from the country. 

"Mindanao, with its rich conglomeration of cultures and ethnicities, has long been an integral part of our nation’s identity. The call for secession threatens not only the territorial integrity of our country but also the very essence of our shared history," Adiong said in a statement Monday night, Feb. 5. 

"It would also leave the hard-won fruits of the peace process rotting on the vine. Our people have invested blood, sweat, and tears for the recognition and correction of historical wrongs," he said. 

"As the first sprouts of a lasting and just peace begin to emerge, we must cultivate them and not cut them at the root," he noted. 

The secession of Mindanao is mainly being pushed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Adiong also warned the proponents about the bloody history of secession, at least in general. 

CLICK HERE: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/1/inciting-to-rebellion-duterte-s-bid-to-separate-mindanao-from-ph-to-cause-chaos-says-castro

"History has shown us that secession often leads to conflict and bloodshed. The scars of division run deep, and the cost of such a move would be felt by generations to come. 

"We have witnessed the devastating consequences of disunity in other parts of the world, and we must learn from those lessons. Our commitment to dialogue, understanding and cooperation should guide us in resolving any grievances or disparities that may exist," he said.

Adiong said it would be best for the secession proponents to reconsider their stance. “Atin pong pag-isipan nang maigi at unahin ang ikabubuti ng nakararami (Let's think about this carefully and prioritize the benefit of the majority).” 

"Let us engage in open and honest dialogue, seek common ground, and work towards solutions that strengthen our unity rather than fracture it...Let us put this issue to rest and return to our vital work of building a progressive Mindanao as part of a strong and united Republic," he added. 

Mindanao-based congressmen Zamboanga City 2nd district Rep. Mannix Dalipe, Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and Cagayan de Oro City 2nd Rep. Rufus Rodriguez have all expressed reservations about Mindanao's secession.