Galvez thumbs down Duterte's idea of Mindanao seceding from PH
Presidential Adviser on the Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said he is strongly opposed to the proposal of former president Rodrigo Duterte for Mindanao to secede from the Philippine government, as this would affect the ongoing peace process.
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), attends the public hearing of the Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. (Senate PRIB Photo)
Galvez made his position known to senators during the public hearing of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification and Reconciliation on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 on House Concurrent Resolution Numbers 19, 20, 21, 22 and Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 321.
“That move would really affect the comprehensive peace process. That’s why we were very thankful that we were able to rally the support of the Bangsamoro people, wherein they are not with this movement and they will abide by the agreement with the government,” Galvez said in response to Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada’s query.
“I am not in favor. I strongly reject his (Duterte’s) proposal,” the OPARU chief added.
Duterte earlier floated the idea of separating Mindanao from the rest of the regions through a People’s Initiative (PI) after accusing President Marcos of masterminding the ongoing PI signature campaign to amend the 1987 Constitution.
But the Department of Justice (DOJ) itself rejected this proposal and has vowed to stand firmly against any attempts to undermine the unity and territorial integrity of the Philippines, as enshrined in the Constitution.
Senators have also rejected such idea with Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri saying this would be “not good for the country.”
Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III also rejected any suggestion of secession or separation of part of the Philippine territory. Both Pimentel and Zubiri are Mindanaoans.