By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Apparently taking seriously the declaration of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to separate Mindanao from the Philippines, the National Security Council (NSC) has sternly warned that “resolute force” will be used to those who will attempt to dismember the Republic.
This developed as provincial governments of Maguindanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat and Camiguin, have expressed opposition to Duterte’s plan to establish a “separate and independent Mindanao.”
“Any attempt to secede any part of the Philippines will be met by the government with resolute force, as it remains steadfast in securing the sovereignty and integrity of the national territory,” National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.
He underscored the importance of national unity, security and stability, saying that calls for the division of the country “only serve to undermine our collective progress and prosperity.”
“The strength of our country lies in our unity and any attempt to sow division must be rejected by all sectors unequivocally,” Año said.
The NSC chief who had served as Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff and secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Duterte administration, also warned that the national government “will not hesitate to use its authority and forces to quell and stop any and all attempts to dismember the Republic.”
On Friday (February 2), the four governors from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said the region is proud to assert its identity as an integral part of the Republic of the Philippines.
Governors Yshmael Sali of Tawi-Tawi, Hajiman Hatama-Salliman of Basilan, Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. of Lanao del Sur, and Abdulraof Macacua of Maguindanao del Norte also vowed to focus on regional development and peace, emphasizing unity and progress within the national framework.
(el Amigo/MNM)
